The First Team, consisting of nine players and their coach,
on the steps of the Springfield College gymnasium in 1891.
Dr. Naismith is in civilian attire and grouped about him
are. left to right, back row, John G. Thompson, Eugene S.
Libby, Dr. Edwin P. Ruggles, William R. Chase, Captain
T. Duncan Patton. Centre row, Frank Mahan and Dr.
James A. Naismith. Front row, Finlay G. MacDonald,
William H. Davis, Lyman W. Archibald.

Origin of the Game of Basketball

Rea came into existence fifty years
ago. Dr. Gulick, the head of the Department of
Physical Education of Springfield College, asked
Dr. James A. Naismith, a young instructor, to
design a game that could be played indoors as
well as out, that was devoid of the physical contact
of sports like soccer and lacrosse, yet possessed all
the elements of skill, amusement and science.

Dr. Naismith complied with the request by pre-
scribing certain principles on which his new game
was to be based. He decided not only to prohibit
personal contact, but also decided there would be
no kicking of the ball or striking of it with the
fist. The goal was to be horizontal and above the
reach of the players.

All these fundamental principles were primar-
ily to avoid injury on hard wood floor, in the
limited confines of a small indoor gymnasium.

The first game was a most successful experiment.
The players immediately appreciated the un-
limited possibilities the new sport offered. Skill,
speed, cleverness, strategy and sportsmanship were
intrinsic parts of the pastime. Its popularity was
assured from the very beginning, but not even im-
aginative Dr. Naismith ever dreamed it would
flourish as it did, and as it does today.