When the colleges were canceling schedules right and left, soon after war was declared, and athletics seemed headed for the discard, representatives of the national tennis and gulf associations, the Amateur Athletic Association, and the Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America, met to determine their policy. Information from the European countries at war indicated that it would be unwise to move up to 11 athletics. On the other hand, it seemed improper to continue competition under the same conditions as in peaceful times.

Conforming to a statement of principles which resulted from that conference, the Tennis Association issued, a set of regulations to control tournaments. Briefly, these eliminated championships, prizes, and ranking and provided that the 100 events on the schedule should be played as patriotic tournaments. Links were urged to serum the largest possible local entry and to devote the proceeds of the tournament to the Med Cross, cooperating with the local chapters of the Red Cross to make these sums as large as possible.

The regulations were sent to all members of the United States National Lawn Tennis Association with a letter urging them to notify George T. Adams, president, of their intentions with respect to the tournaments awarded them. 