PLATFORM

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION for HEALTH, PHYSIGAL EDUCATION, and REGREATION

(1)

(2)

*

As shown by the draft, AME cen ately
50% of American youth have disa-
bling defects, hence

It is necessary to have medical examina-
tions for every young person of school age,
the type of examination and the organiza-
tion necessary to be determined by organ:
ized medicine and public health.

The neglected defects in childhood are

the same defects which prevent ac-

(3)

ceptance for service, hence

It is important to secure the early cor-
rection of every remediable defect, the ways
and means to be determined by the family
and the community.

Many young persons violate health
practices because they do not know
how to live, hence o

- There should be emphasis upon rest and

~. sleep, nutrition, recreation, exercise, men-

(4)

tal and social hygiene, medical and dental
care in order to develop gapanle patterns
of living.

Many children fail to grow properly,
are weak, are unable to protect them-
selves adequately i in emergencies, and
lack recreational skills, hence

All children should be taught motor
skills which promote growth, development,
safety, and recreation suitable to age, sex,
and condition of health. A program of
physical education consisting only of weight
lifting, strength stunts, calisthenics, march-
ing, or similar exercises is too limited for
the needs of growing boys and girls.

(5)

7

*

The things hildees learn in school
should function in their lives now and
afterwards in civilian life, hence

The program should consist of rhythms,
games, sports, athletics, and body building
activities, the latter directed particularly to
the arms and upper back. The program
should extend competitive interschool ath-
letics suitable for individuals concerned.

There are many desirable facilities
and opportunities in the community,
hence

In conjunction with the regular program
of the school, wide use should be made of

_ community and state facilities and oppor-

(7)

(8)

tunities for camping, hiking, riding, boat-
ing and other similar outdoor activities.

Vitality, strength, and skills cannot be
developed without adequate time,
hence

In order to er, agility, skills, rug-
gedness, strength, and endurance, a aay
program of participation under qualified
instructors throughout childhood and youth
should be provided.

No comprehensive programs are pos-
sible without facilities, hence

Communities should provide adequate in-
door and outdoor facilities, including facil- —
ities for swimming, in order to make pos-
sible a desirable program of physical
education for all children and youth.

Adopted April, 1942.