Page:Indoor and Outdoor Gymnastic Games.djvu/18

Rh "Whereas, we believe that two serious obstacles to the Advancement of Physical Education in the United States are:

"(1). The disproportionate promotion of athletic sports, precluding devotion of the requisite time and attention to thorough and symmetrical physical development; and

"(2). The too frequent failure of school and college authorities to recognize and encourage such systematic gymnastic training; therefore, be it

"Resolved, That while athletic sports are highly desirable, the introduction and support of gymnastic instruction in our city and country schools and colleges are of too great importance to be precluded by said sports, and that a more prominent place in the curriculum be urged for systematic gymnastic training; and be it

"Resolved, That to this end the Physical Director should have control of both gymnastics and athletics in schools and colleges."

(American Physical Education Review, Vol. IV., No. 2, June, 1899, p. 196.)

Of course, conditions in the Young Men's Christian Association are even more complicated, having to deal with students, clerks and mechanics of all ages and temperaments, in one class upon the floor, and the physical director, for numerous reasons, without the power to dictate in all circumstances.

To return to the game itself. Dr. Gulick asks the following questions: "Does it involve frequent contractions of the great muscular groups of the body? Does it demand moderate efforts? What are its effects upon the heart and lungs? Does the game keep the position of the chest so as to interfere in any way with the function of circulation and respiration? The series of contractions should be intermittent, so as to allow the muscles to recover their tone and not be overcome by the results of fatigue. Is the danger of competition such that will lead men to excessive expenditure? Are there any parts of the body that are so called into action as to render their development excessive? Is the game adapted to the stage of life of the individual for whom it is designed?"