There should be no conflict between varsity athletics and intramural
athletics. The broad intramural program serves as a base for the intercollegi-
ate apex of these activities which will find the most skillful and most gifted
competing on varsity teams. Strong programs in both fields should go hand in
hand, not conflict with each other. The most interested fans are those who know
something about the sport being watched. The most enthusiastic rooters at sports
contests are likely to be small boys who know something, on their own level, of
competition in the same sport. Intramural competition is designed primarily for
the non-varsity player. The varsity squad is closed to the majority of boys in a
big school. The intramural program takes care of these boys by providing a broad
base of competition adjusted to proper levels for each individual.

The time alloted in most required programs is so short that they must be used
primarily for teaching programs. The opportunity to practice these teachings must
come after class hours. Intramural programs and required work complement each
other nicely in this respect. It is thus possible to get in the several hours
practice daily of physical activities which are recommended at school age by
Hetherington* and other authorities.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES -

The general administrative aim for intramurals should be a broad service
program which many students will engage in and enjoy. It is well to recognize
that not all students able to participate will be interested. Some people seem
constitutionally opposed to exercise. Any program whose participation depends
upon interest alone will find many that cannot be reached. A well-rounded pro-
gram should, nowever, reach the majority.

Administrative objectives can be listed as follows:

1. To interest as many participants as possible. Every effort should be
made to advertise the program and to get a large number of students to take part
in it so that they may determine, at first hand, wnether or not they like it.
The well managed program should be well liked generally.

2. To manage in a way beneficial to students, socially and physically, and
in a way that will make the participants boosters for the program. This objective
involves a proper working of most of the other points listed and is a practical
measure of the success of the work.

3. To insure proper sanitary conditions. Facilities should be present for
oathing after contests. Provision should be made for sanitary control of laundry,
exchange of playing clothing and equipment, cleaning of floors and similar matters,
proper control of which go to make up a healthful playing environment.

4. To promote physical and mental health, through exercise. Intramurals
are an important part of the activity program, perhaps the most important part.
Required class time is too limited to do much except teach activities. The
benefits to be derived through exercise should be reflected in intramurals.
Paramount among these values is that of relaxation and recreation after the con-
fining academic tone of the rest of the school day. Here is the chance to relieve
tension, to improve circulation, to clear the mind and prepare for a better
adaptation to academic environment.

 

* Hetherington, C.-W. School Program in Physical Education