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A very important function of the intramural office could well be that of a
matching service for recreational competition. This could, but need not be, for
any other purpose than playing for fun. Many groups have difficulty in meeting
on a regular time schedule because of other after school activities. At times,
when they can get together, it would be well if the intramural director could
contact another team of like ability and reserve playing space for a game. This
service would dovetail well with elimination tournaments. Many teams get organized
in such tournaments, are beaten right away, and get to play only one game. Such
clubs could be matched against each other and get a lot of fun out of the sport.
Individual sports take care of themselves on competition pretty well. However, ©
scheduling of tennis courts and like facilities saves a lot of waiting on turns
to play. Matching service here would broaden competition beyond personal ac-—
quaintances in these sports —- a useful service in large institutions.

A number of activities are particularly suited to recreation which are not
so well suited to competition. A few of these are suggested in the following:

Swimming and water play are unusually good. Careful supervision is necessary
for safety, particularly in open water away from regular supervision. There is
less danger around supervised pools except from infection. Long distance swimming
is an especially good developmental activity, interesting to many people.

Canoeing and boating are very good where water is available. Instruction
in handling of these craft should precede their use. It is best not to allow
anyone in a canoe who cannot swim.

Hiking and camping are related to outdoor activities. Scout training is
an excellent preliminary for appreciation of these activities. Cross country
jogging is a fine out-of-door exercise suitable for a wide range of age groups.

There are numerous activities related to hunting and fishing. One may or
may not take to the woods and streams with archery, rifle and pistol shooting,
flycasting, etc. The application of the sport, so to speak, is generally more
interesting than its isolated practice.

Outdoor winter sports include ice skating (which is probably the most
popular), sledding, and skiing. All are fine sports. The lack of equipment and
uncertainty of weather are the greatest handicaps to their more general adoption.

Horseback riding and bicycling are deservedly popular but somewhat handi-
capped by their cost and the lack of bridle paths or restricted areas for cycling.
Bicycling on city streets is a somewhat dangerous activity.

Physical efficiency tests prove to be a popular activity. The individual
gauges his skill against the standard or the record. The Athletic Badge Test for
youngsters, the requirements of Sigma Delta Psi for college men are examples of
these popular self-testing activities.

Social dancing, folk dancing. and like activities are always popular and
some of our best recreational activities. ,