The Standard of Our Blues.

The present position as to examination and awarding of blues is confused and unsatisfactory. Merit and ability are at present matters for personal interpretation. With the closeness of those responsible for the nomination to those nominated, the position becomes open to many dangers. This situation cannot be escaped even by the final judge, the Blues Committee. The proposed amendments in the constitution with respect to the awarding of blues are not far-reaching enough. The "sixty per cent." clause, besides penalising full-timers who are absent during the long vacation, will have no effect in such sports as boxing and rowing.

There are two proposals which are worthy of thought in considering the amendments to the constitution: Firstly, that some definite standard should be set up before the awarding of a blue. For example, a standard might very well be set of 63 seconds for the 100 yards free-style. Any sprint swimmer who failed to prove that he could swim 100 yards in 63 second or under would automatically be rendered ineligible for a blue. Athletics might also conform to such treatment.

Secondly, there is the advisability of relegation of some sports into the half-blue class. Reasons for the proposed change are:—(a) Small club membership; (b) some sports pursued only for tournament and otherwise have no club activities as such; (c) minor place in college life. Full blues might be given only in tennis, Rugby, hockey, cricket, athletics, and basketball.

The change of standards, if carried into effect, may lead to a change in the evaluation of present and past blues. This, leading to higher standards and seemingly fairer allotment, must be effected soon, or our blue will become only a name.