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TENNIS

Temnis is usually considered a spring activity although it is used in many
intramiral programs in both fall and spring. ‘ .Se€e. spring activities for a
complete discussion. ;

TOUCH FOOTBALL

This game is universally accepted in the middle west as a fall activity for
boys. Its use in grades below junior high schools is questionable. The technique
of play should be taught either in practice periods or in the regular. physical
education program. Some conditioning is considered necessary. This game demands
high class officials if injuries are to be minimized. Touch football is listed
as having more accidents per 1000 exposures than any other activity in the high
schools.* If the rules are followed carefully and the sport supervised with
diligence, the accident rate can be cut down to that of less hazardous activities.

The number of officials necessary may be cut down by allowing extra downs in
a series instead of four and requiring the team possessing the ball to make a
touchdown instead of a yardage requirement. This does away with the chains and
sticks on the sidelines and simplifies the officiating of the games. The field
size can be modified considerably for the younger players. A smaller field has
been used with university students with much success by Dr. Elbel at the Univer-
sity of Kansas. The game may be played under regular time rules or a definite
number of plays may be used to determine the quarters, halves, etc. The use of
a definite number of plays makes stalling tactics unnecessary and has been used
in high schools with considerable success. Boys play this game vigorously, so
protective equipment is desirable but not as imperative as in regular or six—man
football. The number of players may also be modified so as to use less players on
a side. As few as six players have been used in university competition by making
all the players eligible to catch passes. This tends to make the game more open
with less accidents. In the interest of safety and fun the writers recommend that
this game be played by less than the regulation number of eleven players. Head-
guards will prevent many of the scalp wounds and concussions which make up a
considerable percentage of injuries.

 

* Lloyd, Deaver and Eastwood, Safety in Athletics, Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders
Co. 1936.