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who will enforce the rules strictly. In our smaller
towns especially it is promoted by the sporting
element and gives rise to the evils of betting, of
interference by outsiders with school regulations,
and with such a premium placed upon victory that an
unsuccessful coach, in the sense of winning games,
has difficulty in keeping his position even though
he may be a good coach and have the finest influence
overrthe boys in his charge.

I would say a word in behalf of track and
field athletics. The great advantage of these from
the school point of view is that many students may
take part and that many boys who cannot participate
in other sports can find a place within the varied
scope of the kinds of activities involved. Team play
and co-operation are present in these sports to a
somewhat limited extent, so that the work is not
entirely individual in character. The caution here is
against over-exertion and participation in too many
events. The presence of a well-trained coach is more
imperative in this work than in almost any other.

Rowing is also a splendid sport, but unfor-
gunately the expense involved and the lack of facilities
in many places mean that it has to be ruled out of
general consideration.

The value of sane athletics in general is so
great and the opportunities so varied that I urge you
to have your sons become actual participants and not
passive spectators.

The question is so large that it is impossible

p/” fro treat it properly in ten minutes. If you wish a

more extended discussion I shall be glad, if you will
write me, to refer you to several good discussions
which you can easily secure.

I close as I began, by saying that I believe
thoroughly in athletics for boys, but only under the
direction of men of high ideals, who will not subor-
dinate the welfare of your son to the desire for
victory.