May 3, 1892
The annual meeting of the Scottish Football Association was held on Tuesday in the Lesser City Hall, Mr. Sneddon presiding. The meeting, by 107 to 50, decided that the international players, linesmen, and the seven members of the selecting committee should receive caps.
The original motion, which was lost, proposed that this honour should be conferred only on the players.
The meeting then took up the question of professionalism.
Mr. Kennedy moved the proposal of the Revision Committee, that no player shall receive remuneration, but that he receive his travelling and hotel expenses, and not more than one day’s wages for lost time.
A day’s wage not to extend 5s.
Mr. McLaughlan moved, on behalf of the Celtic club, that players should be either amateur or professional.
It had not been denied that professionalism had existed for many years in Scotland, and he knew that it would exist in Scotland in spite of any measures that might be devised.
It was due to themselves that they should sail publicly under the colours they sailed under privately.
The present secret system had tainted their officials; because people at the head of clubs not only were paying their players, but were also paying themselves.
If the leading clubs were granted liberty to pay their players, they would bring back Scotch players from England, as they did last year.
Mr. McBride said that the Vale of Leven had a proposal that clubs should be allowed to pay players. He also said his club wished that paid players should follow their regular avocations, and that they should be registered, so that during the season no other club could take them away.
Mr. Burnet, Aberdeen, said that there were about 200 clubs in the association, and he asked why the 170 or 180 clubs who desired amateurism should be compelled to adopt professionalism for the sake of 20 or 30 clubs.
The question was whether they should have professionalism in sport or not. Was the noble game of football to suffer by professionalism as other sports had suffered?
He hoped not.
Mr. McBride said the Vale of Leven had the best players in the country, but they were all taken to England because they had small wages.
If the club were allowed to give some little remuneration their players would prefer to stay at home and play for their club.
The Vale of Leven had a splendid ground, but as their players had all gone there was a heavy debt on the ground. If the club were allowed to pay their players, the gates would soon clear the debt.
Mr. McLaughlin said that after witnessing the match between Scotland and England he saw that amateurs could not cope with professionals. He also asked whether it was fair that men who were members of clubs believed to be professional clubs should come there and speak against professionalism.
A vote was then taken, when 104 voted for amateurism pure and simple, and 78 voted for professionalism and amateurism.
The result is that professionalism will not be allowed in the Scottish Association. The proposal of the Revision Committee was also carried, namely, payment of travelling and hotel expenses, and for lost time.
(Source: Lancashire Evening Post: May 5, 1892)
"Play Up, Liverpool" 