32

is allowed for the tournament to run itself off. Any tournament of this sort
will take much longer to finish than would at first appear necessary. Individual
procrastination multiplied by N (number of contestants) causes some large numbers
to appear in the formula.

9. Indoor softball requires considerable space and in the majority of cases
is not so well adapted to the intramural program as other sports. If space is
available, softball is always an interesting game. A more detailed discussion of
it is given under the chapter on fall activities.

10. Physical efficiency tests are an effective and interesting activity for
boys. The winter season is the time best suited for this work. The various
badge tests etc., up to the requirements for Sigma Delta Psi’, are interesting
because they give a boy a chance to measure himself against others. Where a point
system is in effect, points may be scored varying with the score made on tests,
or the self testing program may be motivated by awards for the program alone. A
good many schools and colleges give small cups or similar awards to the year's
winners of physical efficiency tests. If record plaques are kept about the gym-
nasium showing the annual winner and his score, they will do much to stimulate
interest.

11. Shuffle board has been growing in popularity with young and old alike.
It has the advantage of rounding out the program by offering an activity which is
not at all severe but does hold interest. It is especially suitable for noon hour
play. If a corridor or other space is available, this sport is better placed
there than on the main floor where too frequently basketball or other sports
practice is in session.

12. Squash rackets is not widely used because of its expense. Somewhat
loosely described as "handball with rackets," squash is a fast and interesting
game somewhat similar to handball but using a light gut racket instead of the
hand for striking. It will be about as popular as facilities allow. It isa
fine carry over sport for after school days, and one gaining in popularity.

13. Swimming is a popular winter sport wherever indoor pools are available.
Competition in intramurals should come toward the close of the indoor season.
The importance of everyone learning to swim as a safety measure can not be over
emphasized although this is, of course a problem of the required program rather
than intramurals. However, intramurals can do much to form recreational habits
in swimming. This sport is covered in more detail in the chapter on summer
activity.

14. Table tennis is ideally suited to co-recreational activity. The com-
petition in intramurals which should be either single or double elimination
should come toward the close of the season. It will be more satisfactory to keep
the tennis away from the main gymnasium floor if possible. The problem here, as
with so many sports in this program, is that everyone wishes to engage in activity
at his free hours which frequently coincide at noon or after school.

15-16. Tenniquoit and hand tennis are interesting games adapted to a small
playing space and requiring only very inexpensive equipment.

: See Appendix