Solutions to specific problems associated with intercollegiate athletics, primarily men's spectator sports and particularly football, are proposed in order to enhance the values of the sports programs at small colleges. After a historical summary of recurrent problems, recent proposals are noted. It is argued that most proposals for dealing with the problems of intercollegiate athletics are impractical. An attempt is made to deal realistically with the issue of winning, with means of fulfillment for coaches, and with methods of curbing the evils without sacrificing reasonable win-loss records. The following problems and evils in small colleges are considered: pressures on the coach; recruiting; subsidizing athletes; academic aid to athletes; violence, cheap shots, and exploitation; and effects on the college. The following rationalizations for a winning athletic program are addressed: morale, recruiting students, alumni support, and publicity. Practical steps toward a sound program are to formulate aims, evaluate the work of the coach, facilitate fulfillment and security for coaches, eliminate special financial aid, and reduce recruiting. The following aspects of implementing the new program are covered: role of the athletic board, maintaining a satisfactory win-loss ratio, the possibility of substituting soccer for football, and publicizing and interpreting the program. Benefits of the new program and exemplary cases here and in England are examined. A bibliography is included. (SW)