Page:Indoor and Outdoor Gymnastic Games.djvu/17

Rh

It is the intent of this introduction to prove, somewhat, the value of play and of games of the right kind, at the right time, in the young man's life.

The chief reason for choosing this subject for a thesis is the large demand for suitable games for gymnasium use. As to what comprises suitable games, we will assume the following :

"It must be intrinsically interesting. The men must like to play it apart from the good that they get out of it."

(Athletic League Letters; Games VIII., p. 28, Dr. Gulick.)

The rules should be simple enough not to detract from the interest of the game. The majority of games should admit a large number of players. This is one of the most difficult, as well as one of the most important, qualifications to fulfill. Does the game "violate any of the fundamental conditions of organic life; or, to put it positively and more fairly, does it favor the fundamental conditions, the fundamental necessities of respiration, circulation, nutrition and nerve action? If it favors these it is useful from the physical standpoint."

(Athletic League Letters: Sept. 25, 1899, p. 7, Dr. Gulick.)

As to the real value of games, physiologically and psychologically, and how much they may be used with real benefit, opinions of leading lights in the physical training world are so varied that a direct statement is impossible. All believe in them somewhat. It seems to be a matter of degree which much be decided by the physical director in his own peculiar field and conditions.

At the First National Convention of the A. A. A. P. E., April 4, 5 and 6, 1889, Boston, the following resolution was freely discussed and voted: