The Cramer
Trade Mark

 

Use Cramer First Aids

Volume XIII

t

The First Aider

JANUARY, 1944
Condensed First Aid Information jor the Coach and Trainer

tea ac)

Published By
The Cramer Chemical Co.

Gardner,

Copyright 1943

Kangas

sak

30,000 Copies This Issue

(No. 1

“In the present emergency no greater responsibility rests upon the institutions of higher
learning than that of ensuring the physical fitness of their students.

 

 

 

JOHN W. STUDEBAKER,
U. S. Commmissioner of Education

 

 

Obstacle Course
Construction And

Operation :
By

LIEUT. WILLIAM NEUFELD,
USNR
(Head, Mass Exercise Division, U. S.

f
Navy Pre-Flight School,

 

 

DEL MONTE, CALIF.

In the spring of 1942, when interest and enthusiasm in obstacle
courses were developing rapidly, the military track department of
the U. S. Navy Pre-Flight School at Chapel Hill, N. C., was faced
with the problem of building and operating an obstacle course.

In my department I was blessed with four very capable assist-
ants. Two of the men were from Columbia University: Lieut. (j.g.)
Frank Ryan, one of the best shot putters this country has ever
seen, and Lieut. Bob Pitkin, one of the few men who can very
ably demonstrate and coach the three most used forms of high
jumping.

The third member was Lieut. John Morriss, one of the top-
notch hurdlers this country has developed. The fourth member
in my department was Lieut. Ivan Fuqua, one of the few men
who has run under 47 seconds for the quarter, and a member of
the 1932 Olympic Team.

After a great deal of discussion and sweating (most of the lat-
ter being done by Morriss, because he had charge of building
the course), our obstacle course was completed. Next we were
faced with the problem of running the entire regiment of cadets,
1,800 in number, one day a week. These cadets were ours for an
hour and fifteen minutes, on Wednesday afternoons.

We felt it was desirable to time every cadet. This would give

us a definite check on their improvement and conditioning and ~

weed out the weak and lazy ones so additional work could be
assigned them. It would also give us a week-by-week picture of
the improvement by battalions.

After a good deal of experimentation, we found that it is pos-
sible to time 1,000 to 1,500 contestants an hour in obstacle run-
ning with the method outlined below.

Five officials are needed to control the running of the obstacle
course. Three of the officials act as recorders - one as a starter
and one official as the timer at the finish. A sixth official is
helpful, in keeping the contestants in the proper order after
crossing the finishing line. 7

Before running the course, each contestant should be assigned
a number. (If possible, contestants should be allowed to keep
this number for the entire competitive period in obstacle run-

ning.) Contestants need only keep their own number in mind,
since any discrepancy is soon corrected, when the records are
checked.

s
After numbers have been assigned, contestants are lined up,
from 2 to 8 abreast, according to the number the course will
allow to run at one time. On a special prepared blank, as given
in the example below, one recorder copies the contestant’s num-
bers, in units, before they report to the starter.

   

 

EXAMPLE
Lanes
Unit......
No. of Starting
Unit EL 2 8 5 6 7 8 Time
il Al A3 A4 Ad AT Ad A10 All 200
2. A12 A413 Al5 :20

 

Before starting the first unit, the officials determine the in-
terval of time to be used between the starting of units. These
intervals may be 10, 15, 20 or 30 seconds, depending upon the
“number of contestants in each unit. As each unit of contestants
steps up to the starting line, the starter announces to them the
time difference from zero starting time to THEIR starting time.
The starting time of each unit is recorded in the right-hand
column, as indicated in the blank form above.

When the first unit is ready to start, the official acting as
starter signals to the timer at the finish line the start of the first
unit with the swing of his arm, or a gun shot. The starter’s and
the timer’s stop watches start together on this signal. As soon as one
unit of contestants has left the starting line, the néxt unit steps
up. About 2 seconds before their starting time, the starter gives
the command “READY”, followed by the command “GO”.

Beyond the finish line an area is roped off, funnel-shaped and
about 40 feet long. This is used to keep the contestants in the
order of their finish, and at the same time give them a chance
to slow down before reaching the final recorder’s desk, which
is placed at the end and at the side of the funnel. The position
of the timer is right on the finish line, and opposite his recorder.
As the contestants cross the finish line, the timer calls out their
times in minutes and full seconds. These times are written down
by the recorder on a blank, as indicated below. Times need to
be announced and recorded only in seconds, except when a new
minute starts.

 

 

 

EXAMPLE
Uniti Date...

Finish Finish Finish Finish No. Time No. ‘Time
No. Time No.. Time No, Time No. Time Finish No. Time
84807 BI 488 = Cle TOL. Ok 49:48", S12 151
2 Si 32 84 + 62 54. 92 50-122 152
It helps to have an assistant at this point just beyond the

finish line, to make sure that the contestants stay in the order
of their finish.

As the contestants step up to the recorder’s desk, at the end
of the funnel, they give their numbers. This the recorder copies
down on a blank form, as indicated below.

Sample of Recording Sheets

 

 

Unit...... Date..... a
No, Order Finish Starting Net No. Order Finish Starting Net
No. Time Time Running No. Time Time Time
Time
1 A4 8:27 =O 3:27 31 A385. 4:88 «9§1:00 8:88
Oe Ae Alot 88 0 8:31 82+ - Aap /'4iB4* 1300 8:84
3 Ad 33.
4 Ad 34

 

By writing in ‘the finished times, next to the order of the fin-
ish, and then filling in the contestants’ starting time, the net
running time can easily be computed.

(Continued on page 3, columns 7 and 8)

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

—WITH RESERVATIONS

A-new year rolls around, and
we extend greetings.

with the change of calendar—

We extend our sincere wishes for good

health and a continued capacity for @ lot of hard work.

Another year we might include such things as happiness,
peace on earth, good will toward men, etc:—now we think of

Churchill.
tears”,

He offered the English nothing but “blood and

Starting the new year—you are right now offered the sing-
ular privilege of giving a fight talk. You are asked to think
up all the adjectives and arguments in your vocabulary. Pre-
pare this lecture in great detail—leaving nothing out that will
help the war effort—then go off in the corner and give this talk

to—YOURSELF!

To get the New Year started without misunderstandings—you

are expected to furnish the hard

labor, grime, grease and heart

aches, and take your pay in a feeling of satisfaction—OF A JOB

WELL DONE.

Do you understand your assignment?

Of course you do—and

let us be the first to congratulate you because you are equipped

with the education to do the job.

You will not receive medals,

ribbons, and citations for your

work, but just the same a monument is being erected to your ef-
forts. That monument is now fighting on the battle fronts of the
world, and you are reéeiving the decorations by proxy.

 

 

Liquid Ball Cleaner

Now Contains Mold-
Resisting Ingredient

All leather edodssronttallss bas-
ketballs, shoes, shoulder pads, hel-
mets—are hard to get, largely for
the reason that the boys you trained
for the various services are being
supplied with them. Your present
stocks may have to last for the
duration.

Mold saps the life of leather—
causes it to crack—reduces its life
expectancy.

Before placing leather equipment,
or equipment made partly of leath-
er, in storage, give it a generous
coating of Cramer’s Liquid Ball
Cleaner. It is easily applied with
a soft cloth or brush.

Used footballs and basketballs
should be cleaned and polished ac-
cording to the directions on the}
label.

This is an additional Cramer
Service—AT NO ADDITIONAL
COST TO YOU.

F-A

For Your
Bulletin Board?

If you're really ambitious—

1. Limit the calls on your girl to
6 nights a week.

2. When you get up to leave -turn
on the light. If you don’t you
might fall over a chair.

. Don’t stand on the ‘porch and
catch cold. When you start home -
go!

wo

Dress like a scarecrow - it in-
trigues women.

. Don’t stand straight. Try to look
like a sack of turnips.

-

oa

a

. Be languid don’t show pep.
Be lackadaisical - or something.

. Cultivate that blank look—it
fools the teacher.

J

Learn to dance without moy-
ing.

Eat all you can—it helps hold
up your pants.

ico

9

10. Sit a lot—it broadens one’s out-
look.
F-A

?

What boy will stick his feet into
a cold liquid foot-bath—this time
of year if he can jump over it?

If he uses the liquid foot-bath,
will he wipe the liquid off—with
a clean towel—or the dirty one in
his locker?

Is it possible that he may use
this same towel on the rest of his
body where he may have skin
abrasions or galled skin?

sess 8
The “Cramer Powder Foot-Bath”
is the clean, speedy, up-to-date

method!

 

 

See |

Setting Up Exercises
Advisable In Basketball

Boys who play basketball are al-
ways anxious to start shooting.
They see no necessity for using
stretching and setting up exercises.

A few of these exercises are ad-
visable for limbering up shoulders,
backs, hips, knees, and ankles. It
will insure better balance and more
accurate shooting.

Even The Coach
Has A Fault

By
CHUCK CRAMER

None of us like preaching. We
don’t like to be told continually
that we can’t do things correctly.
We don’t like naggers and folks
that continually find fault. Never-
theless, here WE are again, doing
it. We must be nuts—or maybe
we are just a coach at heart—or
maybe we are both—they often go,
or come, together.

Now that we have started some-
thing—let’s try and finish it— and
maybe get eliminated. Anyway
you-figure it—we will be in trouble.

The trouble with the coach is
(and we are short of paper) that
he has spells. He has spells of

Ss

    

 

 

During the second half he often

 

amnesia.
He has spells of amentia.
superintendent says).
spots.

(The

and quite often on the first floor,
too. He wants to be alone, and with
the team at the same time. His
friends? He doesn’t have any or
want any—doesn’t know them if
they come around. ‘

During the game he _ changes.
Death takes a holiday (mental
death). His mouth opens, and some-
thing comes out.—(We can’t repeat
it.) It isn’t important anyway—the
team runs itself nicely. Anima-
tion sets in—the opposite from rig-
or mortis. He stalks back and
forth, eats hay, gulps water, cus-
ses the referee and quarterback.
He yells— “slug ‘em’! He doesn’t
mean that. He means “murder de
bums”,

Between halves he makes a po-|
litical speech. He doesn’t know}
what he has said, and the kids are!
too tired to pay any attention—so |
all is well—no harm done. pat

|

 

(His wife told me so.) |

He has blind ;
Just before a game he draws ;
ja blank. He is vacant upstairs—j}

has lapsed into or toward. sanity.
| There are signs of coming to. He
‘doesn’t stop to count the gate, but
‘can button his coat and adjust his
tie—without help from the water
{boy. Once in a while he thinks—
| (nothing serious). He even re-
members that he hasn’t had lunch.
He then drops back into oblivion—
or something Morpheus dreamed up,
land starts on another bale of hay.

| The final whistle blows. The

‘game is over. He wakes up. He,
takes a deep breath of fresh, sweet

air. He smiles and thinks! He

becomes rational and, all at once—

a gentleman and a scholar.

|

| Listen coach, we didn’t mean a
}word of it. We envy you because
we like the games you coach. We
jenjoy being the smallest cog (or
|nut) in your machine—just permit
jus that honor and we will be satis-

fied. ‘

F-A

Ms Buy War Savings Stamps! pea

Military Drill Should Not Take The Place Of Physical Education? ~

Mr. Frank Cramer

 

Federal Security Agency
S. OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Washington
November 22, 1943

U.

The Cramer Chemical Company

Gardner, Kansas

Dear Mr.-Cramer:

Commissioner Studebaker has asked me to reply to your letter of November 18,
requesting permission to print the letter of Henry L. Stimson, dated June 16, on the
subject, “Mliitary Drill Should Not Take The Place of Physical Education.” Inasmuch
as Secretary Stimson has recently issued another letter, dated November 4, 1943, copy
enclosed, in further clarification of his June 16 letter, may I suggest that you print

both letters in your FIRST AIDER.

Enclosure

Dear Dr. Studebaker:

Sincerely yours,
RALL I. GRIGSBY,

Special Assistant to the Commissioner

 

WAR DEPARTMENT
Washington

June 16, 1943

I have your letter asking whether the War Department recommends that military
drill take the place of physical education in the curriculum of schools and colleges.
I assume your question to apply only to the period of the present war and not to periods

of peace.

The amount of military drill which can be given in schools and colleges can also
be given after induction into the Army, in a relatively short period of time, and under
the most productive circumstances. A good physical condition, however, cannot be de-
veloped in so short a space of time, and the physical condition of a soldier is of prime
importance to the War Department. —

The War Department does not want to appear to advise upon the make-up of
a curriculum, nor to go beyond outlining some of the elements which the Army believes
would be advantageous in its recruits. Of these, a good physical condition is extremely
important and a knowledge of basic military drill relatively unimportant.

The War Department. therefore does not recommend that military drill take
the place of physical education in the schools and colleges during this war period.

The War Department has no objection to the publication of this statement,
provided it is quoted in its entirety.

Dear Dr. Studebaker:

Sincecrely yours,

 

WAR DEPARTMENT
Washington

Henry L. Stimson,
Secretary of war os

November 4, 1943

3 This is to amplify my letter of June 16, 1943, on the War Department’s recom-
mendation on military drills’ taking the place of physical education during the present

war.

It was‘not the intention of the War Department to imply that Military drills
were unimportant. Properly conducted military drills and parades do have their place.
Wherever possible, both should be included in the curriculum: however, if this is not
practicable and a choice must be made, physical education is considered the most im-
portant. As has been stated previously, the War Department does not want to appear .
to advise upon the makeup of a curriculum other than suggesting some training which
is believed advantageous for inductees to have had prior to entering the service.
? The War Department has no objection to the publication of this statement
provided it is quoted in its entirety.

Sincerely yours,
Henry L. Stimson,
Secretary of War,

Time Out

By
Frank

Cramer

 

In the pages of “A Training Room
Manual” appearing in this issue,
we present some subjects that are
absolutely foreign to athletic train-
ing—from a treatment angle. They
are, however, kindred because they
broaden your perspective and in-

 

Professional Courtesy--

Or Just Ordinary
Good Manners

Have you some person or com-

mittee delegated to meet the visit- :

ing coach and team when they ar-
rive to play at your school?

Where do we dress? Where are
the toilets? Where is the closest
restaurant? Where do we get drink-
ing water? Will somebody keep the
kids away so we can relax and
rest? These questions - and many
others indicate a lack of profes-
sional courtesy - if there is a nec-
essity for asking them.

What is character building and
common courtesy? What part do
they play in athletics in life?
What are schools for, anyway?

A few years ago we were privi-
leged to accompany Coach D. X.
Bible, of Texas, when he met a
visiting: team at the station.

In brief, his greeting went some-
thing like this: “Welcome to Aus-
tin. Your hotel rooms and meals
are arranged for before and after
the game. You folks will have the
north dressing room. There will
be a bus at the hotel to take your
squad to the stadium. The bus will
be available for a sight seeing trip
around the capitol and university.
This young man (introducing him),
is one of our assistant’ managers.
He has made all necessary arrange-
ments and will go with you to help
your managers get oriented.”

The University of Arizona is fa-
mous for its hospitality. Quite of-
ten they even go so far as to ban-
quet teams that are visiting them
for the first time.

Here are just two examples taken
from the hundreds that occur each
year. We don’t suggest that you
have to go this far to show “good
manners”, but the “Golden Rule”
should be stressed as part of the
player’s education.

F-A
Coaching Etiket

 

Never slug a member of the
school board—even if he deserves
it. He may have a wife and 6 kids.

e°¢

Never, under any circumstances,
speak to an official after a game.
Wait until he leaves and take it
out on your wife.

s 8

Always congratulate the winning
coach—your competitor. Some day,
he may do as much for you.

s 6

The Sportswriter deserves extra
consideration. He may be carrying
some secret sorrow in his breast.
A kind word and a pat on the
pback—may help him carry on.
Don’t be churlish with him!

F-A

 

 

Firm Grip

A paste to be applied to finger-
tips. Contains adhesives of wax
and rosin—is intended as an aid
to basketball players.

A small amount of Firm-Grip
helps prevent fumbling—permits
better ball handling—Also some
players report a feeling of security
which Helps them overcome the
nervousness at the start of a game.

 

Firm Grip is easy to apply and
a small jar will last through many
games,

crease your ability to work with
Rew team physician.

| In our travels over the country,
|we have observed a lack of co-
‘operation with the team physician.
This lack of cooperation may have
been mutual. Let us hasten to say
that, if it did occur, it was a mis-
‘take—and should not happen in
ithe future.

Everyone knows that you should
not treat appendicitis. But you
should be able to recognize the
symptoms and know—what not to
do!

Frankly speaking, we all have
plenty to learn about the repair of
injury to the human body. The
sooner we recognize our lack of
knowledge and try to correct our
faults, the sooner we will send boys
out of school—fit to fight, and. not
with some permanent knee or back
injury. <

These subjects are presented for
| study. because we believe your per-
»spective should be broadened. We
feel that they cover subjects that
are related’ to, but not a part of
your work—but quite often they are
your responsibility.

 

The “First Aider” is prepared for
the express purpose of aiding you in
coping with your training problems.
We hope that you find it of ma-
terial help.

Please, always keep in mind that -
our discussions are of a general
nature. Complications and local
‘conditions do not permit of definite
conclusions.

es

Quite often we are asked to pre-
scribe some treatment for some dis-
ease or injury. Please do not ask
this of us. i

The best results for all concerned
;may only be obtained by full co-
operation with your team or school
: physician.

Last Spring, after the close of
the basketball season, something
occurred that should not be per-
mitted to happen this year. There
was a LET DOWN from March un-
til. the close of school. Many
‘coaches quit their programs and
“rested” until school closed. This
“Jet down” was not general, just
spotted, but it was nation wide.

This “let down” should not oc-
cur! There will besno relaxing of
| the war effort, and there should be
‘none in training prospective sol-
diers.

Your training program is very
important as a morale builder as
well as from a physical  dngle.
Please don’t let down for a minute!

. ¢

* £

It is estimated that 3,000,000
school age youngsters have quit
school and gone into war plants or
other defense work.

*

This situation is serious and
should be combatted with every
means at your disposal. A large
percentage of these youngsters will
never again attend school, and will,
at least in some cases, be a handi-
cap to future national progress.

It should be pointed out that
temporary financial gain is not to
be compared with the solid founda-
tion your school system affords.

 

One hundred odd years ago we
had a race of Americans who carv-
ed out the mid-west. ‘They lived
‘on sow-belly, cornbread and “tat-
ers”. Their dessert was sorghum
and parched corn. ‘These ances-
tors had no roads. They made
trails through the wilderness. They

(Continued on page 4, col, 2)
\
4

A TRAINING

Varicose Veins, Hemorrhoids,
Varicocoele.

‘These and similar related conditions re-
quire little from the coach or trainer other
than a reasonably well developed ability
to identify such conditions, and to have
the proper steps taken in treatment by
the team or home physician.

Varicose veins occur as a rule in those
parts of the blood stream which are farth-
est from the heart and which are rela-
tively unsupported by surrounding tis-
sues. Varicose veins of the legs develop,
as a rule, in the superficial veins of the
calf and thigh, usually on the inner side.
Any condition which interferes with the
return of blood from: the veins is apt to
cause their permanent dilatation.

The difficulty may be started, in ath-
letics particularly, by direct injury to the
veins. The resulting inflammation
weakens the walls of the veins and they
dilate under the pressure of the blood
stream. The valves in the veins, which
normally keep the blood advanced, be-
come atrophied and useless. The vari-
cose vein appears as a tortuous, bluish
cord beneath the skin. The skin itself

may appear lifeless, shiny and pigmented.

The common symptoms of varicose
veins are a feeling of heaviness in the
legs accompanied by dull, aching pain,
both of which are much relieved by el-
evating the legs.

Advance cases of varicose veins are
subject to hemorrhage as a result of a
blow, since the vitality of the dilated ves-
sel is markedly reduced. Inflammation
within the vein may result in local blood
clotting, which, as a result of a blow or
sudden or violent movement, may cause
the detachment of a piece of the clot into
the blood stream, which, when carried to
the brain or lung, may cause sudden

death.
Palliative Measures

Avoid long standing and fatigue. Walk-

A TRAINING

plemented with the necessary amounts
of minerals and vitamins. If the diet is
truly adequate with respect to properly
cooked meats, cooked and raw vegetables
and milk, the minerals and vitamins are
in the vast majority of cases, taken care

of,

Carbohydrate foods (potatoes, bread,
sugar, such as dextrose, etc.,) and fats
are the energy foods. They are the fuels
which furnish the steam for all athletic
activities.

Proteins, found so abundantly in egg
white, meat, peas, beans, etc., furnish the
material for building new tissue and re-
placing or rebuilding old.

The daily food intake of the ‘growing
athlete must be sufficient to maintain
weight, not as determined at the begin-
ning of the training season, but from two
to three weeks thereafter, after a reason-
able equilibrium has been reached. Well
kept weight charts are, therefore, indis-
pensable.

The adequacy of the diet with respect
to proper amounts and proportions of pro-
teins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and
vitamins is best determined by constant
observation, by the coach, trainer, and
team physician, of the general health and
vitality of the individual, as evidenced by
how well he stands the rigors of athletics,
his tendency to fatigue, general disposi-
tion, etc.

Too much emphasis can not be given
to the fact that the food requirement of
the growing athlete is extremely large—
equivalent to that of a mature adult at

hard labor.

It is our opinion that many of the diet-
ary difficulties experienced by athletes,
at least, may be attributed to faulty break-
fast habits—too little food eaten with

too much haste. For the average person, «

the time elapsing since the previous even-
ing meal is about fourteen hours. The
digestive tract is empty and the metabolic
processes of the body are at their lowest

ROOM MANUAL " Page 136

ing favors venous return, but violent ex-
ercise should be avoided. The wearing
of elastic stockings or the use of an elas-
tic bandage may give considerable relief.
The legs should be elevated whenever
possible.

In earlier pages of the Manual we have
described the Analgesic Pack treatment
for severe thigh and calf bruises. It is
suggested that this pack, covered as it is
with an elastic bandage, might reduce the
number of varicosities occurring in ath-
letics.

Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Hemorrhoids are masses of excess tis-
sue caused by the dilatation of blood ves-
sels, usually venules or veins, just inside
the anal sphincter. They cause trouble
either by reason of the fact that they be-
come ulcerated and painful when scraped
or crowded by passing feces, or as a result
of bleeding, or because they pass down
through the anal sphincter and require
frequent manual replacement. Marked
anal itching is usually associated with
hemorrhoids. Stubborn constipation is
usually an accompanying factor, and
may, in athletics, at least, be a contribut-
ing factor. This is especially true early
in the season when sweating and food
consumption are extraordinarily exces-
sive. Eliminating constipation at this
time might at least assist in eliminating
many cases of piles.,

Varicocoele, a varicose enlargement of
the veins of the spermatic cord, occurs
infrequently in athletics, but is an ex-
tremely severe condition for the athlete
when it does occur. It results most fre-
quently in athletics from a blow to the
scrotal area, or from wearing supporters
that are too tight. The condition is evi-
denced by marked puffy enlargement of

the scrotal sack, accompanied by a heavy, |

dragging pain in the area. The attention
of the team physician should be directed
at once to such cases. He will probably
suggest long periods of absolute rest with
ice pack application, and a well fitting
scrotal suspensory.

ROOM MANUAL ‘ Page 138

ebb. The normal stimulus for stomach
and intestinal activity is the taking of
food. And it should be taken in suffic-
iently large amounts to replace the de-
pleted body stores, and furnish ample
energy to carry through to the noon meal,

Gastrointestinal Upsets—Nervous
Indigestion

Much attention is given to the pre-
game meal of the athlete, and rightly so.
However, the reasons for pre-game meal
consideration as compared to that given
to other meals are frequently obscure.
The laborer, for instance, doesn’t worry
about the effect of a large volume of
food, readily digestible or otherwise,
upon his efficiency for the afternoon’s
work. And the food requirement of the
football or basketball player is fully as
great as that of the man working for four
hours at hard labor. The difference in
ability to handle normal quantities of food
is explained by the difference in emotion-
al reaction. The laborer is completely
relaxed—digestion proceeds in a normal,
uninhibited manner. The athlete, re-
gardless of past experience, is in a nerv-
ous digestion turmoil.

The human stomach, after an ordinary
mixed meal, empties in from 3 to 414
hours. This emptying time may be
lengthened by pre-game emotional strain
to 6 hours, during most of which time
the food lies dormant—of no benefit
whatsoever to the athlete. It obviously
isn't sufficient just to eat food. It must
be digested and absorbed into the blood
stream before steam can be produced.

Carbohydrate foods leave the stomach
much more rapidly than proteins, and
fats retard digestion most of all foods.
Fluids and semi-fluids start to leave the
stomach almost immediately after being
swallowed.

Careful mastication of food and slow
eating will probably do more to eliminate
nervous indigestion in athletes than will
the choice of food. It is perhaps better
not to eat at all than to eat under ex-

i
it

Ve A TRAINING ROOM MANUAL Page 137

APPENDICITIS

While there is little if anything to be
done by the coach or trainer by way of
first aid in appendicitis, it is extremely
important that the condition be recog-
nized at the earliest possible moment, for
the don’ts are, in this case, more impor-
tant than the do’s.

Appendicitis is one of the important
causes of deaths in every age group, yet
the majority of the 18,000 or more an-

-nual deaths from appendicitis can be ac-

counted for by the single word—neglect.
Experience of surgeons all over the world
shows that there is practically no mortal-
ity from operations undertaken from 12
to 24 hours of the attack, whereas the
death rate for operations delayed until
the third or fourth day is about 10%.

Symptoms

Symptoms in acute appendicitis are
generally speaking, rather confusing. The
first symptom is always pain, but the
pain doesn’t appear first in the region of
the appendix. It is, more generally, a
typical mild to severe belly-ache, evi-
denced frequently by sharp pains in the
region of the naval, or in the pit of the
stomach. The symptoms.are readily con-
fused with those of acute indigestion.
The pain, however, gradually migrates
to the region of the appendix, as evidenced
by marked tenderness to light pressure in
that area.

Nausea is a common symptom and
there may be a desire to vomit, although
the act is infrequently completed.

Fever develops slowly—may not be
significant in the early hours of an acute
attack. The temperature cannot be re-
lied upon for definite diagnosis.

Do’s And Don’ts In Appendicitis

When symptoms that are even mildly
suggestive of appendicitis develop in an
athlete, obtain the services of a physician

at once. REQUIRE ABSOLUTE REST

A TRAINING

cessive emotional strain. No coach would
strap a pound or two of lead to the back
of an athlete during an athletic contest.
Why should he be permitted to carry the
equivalent of a pound or two of lead
around in his stomach during the sam
contest? {

We thoroughly believe that the pre-
game or pre-contest nervous upset ex-
perienced by so many athletes could be
partially eliminated by duplicating as far
as possible, actual game or track meet
conditions, after the warm-up, at the be-
ginning of each’ practice session. Five
minutes of scrimmage in football, ten
minutes in basketball, or short races in
track, set to actual contest conditions and
repeated daily, should help to reduce the
shock of the weekly competition exper-
ience.

Dextrose And The Athlete

We have, for a number of years, ad-
vocated the use of Dextrose by the ath-
lete for the simple reason that its use
seems logical, and perhaps even necessary
in certain instances. Dextrose is, accord-
ing to all authorities with which we are
familiar, identical to the sugar of the
blood, commonly referred to as d-glucose.
The latest revision of the United States
Pharmacopoeia, gives d-glucose as an
official synonym for-Dextrose.

Dextrose requires no digestion. It
moves rather rapidly from the stomach in-
to the small intestine, where absorption
begins immediately. The normal adult can
utilize in the neighborhood of two ounces
of Dextrose per hour, equivalent to about
one-tenth of the total daily caloric re-
quirement.

Dextrose is one of the few carbo-
hydrate foods that may be absorbed as
eaten, without previous digestion, and
it is probably the only carbohydrate food
that may be utilized by the body tissues
without some form of modification. Dex-
trose is, in fact, injected, in solution, dir-
ectly into the blood stream. It may be ad-

DURING ANY DELAY IN DIAGNOSIS
AND GIVE NOTHING BUT WATER
UNTIL THE DIAGNOSIS IS COM-
PLETED by competent authority.

Neither purgatives or sedatives should
be given. Purgatives greatly increase the
danger of perforation and hasten the
spread of the disease. Sedatives of any
sort tend to mask the symptoms and often
lead to fatal delay in treatment. It might
be well to remember that it is always bet-
ter to be safe than sorry.

Diet And Its Effect On The Athlete

Space will not permit a lengthy dis-
cussion of diet for the athlete, although it
is obviously an important subject. Cer-
tainly every coach and trainer should
exhibit an active interest in the diet of
his athletes, and should exert every ef-
fort to see that it be maintained at an
adequate level, remembering, of course,
that there is no place in athletics for the

food faddist.

Some of the larger athletic departments
are able to maintain training tables, and
the diet problems are taken care of by a
competent dietician. Too frequently,
however, the dietician in charge loses
sight of the fact that she is supervising
meals for a group with extremely high
caloric requirements, with wide varia-
tions between individuals. Seconds are
too frequently significant by their ab-
sence, which accounts for the fact that
there is much piece mealing on improper
foods between meals.

Almost every high school, regardless
of size, boasts a Department of Home
Economics, and it would seem logical that
diet education for athletes be delegated
to someone in that department. A few
well organized lectures should acquaint
the athlete with what he must know about
the adequate diet and how to obtain it.

Athletes, of all persons, should know
WHY they should obtain an adequate
diet consisting of the proper proportions
of proteins, carbohydrates and fats, sup-

ROOM MANUAL Page 139

ministered by rectum or injected, in solu-
tion, intramuscularly.

There can be no question concerning
the depletion of the d-glucose or dextrose
reserve in the body of an athlete during
muscular activity. The store exists in the
form of glycogen, frequently referred to
as animal starch, and occurs principally
in the liver and to a lesser extent in mus-
cle. Dextrose is the energy food for
muscular activity, and is carried to the
muscles .by the blood. The amount of
sugar, i.e., dextrose, in the blood (re-
ferred to as the blood - sugar level) is
held fairly constant during muscular ac-
tivity at the expense.of the stored gly-
cogen. The glycogen is converted, as
need arises, to dextrose and thrown back
into the blood stream.

It is quite readily conceivable that prac-
tically the entire carbohydrate reserve
of an athlete could be expended during
the first half of a football game or basket-
ball game, or by the more exacting track
events. This is particularly rue when the
diet of the athlete is restricted during the
preceding twelve hours, by lack of appe-
tite caused by nervous reaction, or for
other reasons.

The following interesting statements
are quoted from “The Living Body’, by
Best & Taylor, Henry Holt & Company,
New York, 1938.

“In the intact animal carbohydrate is also the
fuel for short bouts of muscular exercise. After
a sprint, for example, a fall in blood sugar may
occur, and the ingestion of glucose prior to a
race is now recognized as a valuable means of
postponing fatigue and enhancing muscular per-
formance. In prolonged and exhausting work the
carbohydrate stores bécome depleted; fat is then
burned to furnish the required energy. Protein
apparently is not utilized in muscular exercise,
or, if so, to a very small extent.”

Glucose, as referred to in the above
statements means dextrose. It also seems
logical to assume that the feeding of
dextrose, in reasonable amounts, follow-
ing excessive muscular activity, should
restore depleted carbohydrate reserves
not only rapidly, but with the least pos-
sible derangement of digestive processes.

Sa ae
Prevention OF Over-Training

By

GEORGE EDWARDS

Head Basketball Coach—University Of Missouri .

 

This article was written for “THE FIRST AIDER” in

1934. We are reprinting it

for three reasons. (1). Be-

cause many of our regular coaches are in the Service

and others must pinch-hit

for them. (2). Because we

consider it the best training article we have ever pub-

lished, (3). It is timely.

From the technical angle, the
coach of any sport designs the prac-
tice sessions with two main object-
jves in mind. First, he wishes to aid
his players in development of indi-
vidual skill and weld them into a
smooth working team; and, second-
ly, he hopes to bring about a fine
balance between mental and physi-
cal conditions of each athlete to
insure the most efficient perform-
ance in the approaching contest.
Simultaneously, then, the coach is
both TRAINING and CONDITION-
ING his players.

Coaching methods are good or
bad, according to the manner in
which these two. factors are
handled in the practice periods. If

attempts to build excellent perform- |

ance are stressed in long or hard
workouts there is a grave danger
that the physical or mental condi~
~ tioning may rob the player of an
ability to make the best use of his
acquired skill when faced with the
stress of stiff competition. On the
other hand, should the practices
be too short, too few, or too easy,
the conditioning factors may be
handled properly but the necessary
skill will be lacking. Under each

situation a game may be lost to| twenty minutes.

opponents who ordinarily are

weaker.

It is obvious, then, that the rela-
tionship between TRAINING and
CONDITIONING often are an-
tagonistic. Unquestionably the big-
gest problem in coaching is to keep
these two factors in relative harm-
ony and proper balance.

We know more about TRAINING
than CONDITIONING, because re-
sults are more obvious and easier
to measure accurately. By charts,
by records and by observation each
coach has standards of accomplish-
ment by which he rates the ability
of each player, but there are few
definite measurements of his stage
of conditioning. Of the two phases
of conditioning, physical and men-
tal, the former lends itself to the
more accurate rating. Weight vari-
ations for instance, tell us a lot
about physical shape, but where’
is the coach who can know in ad-
vance whether or not his players
have the highest degree of mental
balance? Our tests of skill and phys-
ical condition may indicate a fine
preparation for competition, but
only the game performance shows
us if the boy or team is “hot”. If
proper mental condition is missing,
little can be done about it, and the
coach is forced to squirm on the
bench while he suffers the agony
of watching his boys operate far
below their normal standards. An
honest coach must put the respons-
ibility for this failure squarely on
his own shoulders for obviously he
failed to recognize in the practice
sessions the warnings of staleness
which were present there.

Mental factors are so complex
that while we never can be cer-
tain of our rating so as to tell just
what will happen, nevertheless there
are some facts regarding the sub-
ject which point the way to pre-
vention of overtraining, commonly
known as staleness. This article
will attempt to explain some of
these facts. Hither through sad ex-
perience or by study, the veteran
coach has the facts at hand and
makes expert use of them. Young
coaches, however, often become so
engrossed with the development of
skill that. they ignore these nervous
aspects of performance. Readers are
advised to go beyond the scope of
this summary and make a close
study of “The Psychology of Coach-
ing”, by Coleman R. Griffith.

Physicak accuracy and control,
and good judgment, which are the
most important features of fine
performance, arise in the nervous
system. Staleness impairs one or
more of these features and conse-
quently is more mental in character
than physical. Means for detection
and prevention, then, must come
from the science of psychology. At
least two of the Laws of Learning
have direct application on this sub-
ject.

One of these is the Law of Effect,
which states that the individual
tends to repeat and learn quickly
those activities which are interesting
and satisfying. Continued INTER-
EST, then, is a most important
learning factor. Knowing this, the
wise coach designs practice sessions
which will please his players. En-
thusiasm runs high in early season.
but if practice drills become monot-
onous, too long, or too strenuous, it
drops off quickly. Unless practices
are changed, they become not only
a waste of time, but the player ac-
tually will develop a dislike for the
Sport or for the coach.

Complete absence of interest is

extremely easy to recognize, but the |

steps by which it has been lost are
so small that they are not obvious.
Some of the first indications are,
unusual quietness, which often ap-
proaches sullenness in practice;
missing scheduled work-outs for

Tepeated trivial reasons; crabbing be-
repeated tardi-
hess; inability or refusal to con-
_centrate while the coach js making

tween teammates;

There are still earlier indications
which might be noted. A normal
youngster is ambitious, comparative-
ly exhuberant, somewhat hilarious
and mischievous when he is happy.
While a coach musz control these
expressions to some extent, he
should fee] alarm when they are
missing. Take “fun” out of the
|practices and staleness soon creeps
in. Diagnose the remarks made by
your players, note their actions in
the dressing room and during rest
periods. The boys unconsciously
will indicate the state of their
morale, and the wise coach pays
close attention to these signs. Aloof-
ness may aid your professional dig-
jnity but it certainly will kill your
icontacts which prevent staleness,

 

1

| Another psychological fact of
'value to the coach is stated in the
| Law of Frequency which informs
|us that there are individual psysio-
| logical and mental time limits for
| efficient progress of the learning
; Process, and that after these time
j limits are reached no _ learning
|takes place. According to Griffith,
|the time limit for most tasks such
| as Single skills like basket shooting,
| dribbling etc. is approximately

| After TWENTY MINUTES,’ or
‘less, a boy fails to learn any more
{about any stunt. Not only does he
fail to improve, but he loses interest
‘in that stunt and will not want to
‘repeat it. Yet we all have been
; guilty of sending our teams through
‘a drill or a scrimmage, and if the
performance is poorer than expect-
;ed we have gritted our teeth and
j growled,

“That

is terrible. You fellows

| either do that right or you keep at i

it until you do.”

Psychology definitely has proved
that such procedure is wrong, and
that only the coach is to blame if
under such a method the players
lose interest and fold up at a crit-
ical time.

our various games know that the
types of activity must be varied or
rest periods provided. An inning
in baseball consumes about twenty
minutes. Football is divided into
fifteen minute periods. Basketball

liod of effort longer than twenty
‘minutes. Unquestionably, the time
to be devoted to practice should be
divided along the same lines.

In addition to this necessary vari-
ation of activity, the Law of Freq-
uency has important bearings on
the number and length of practices.
This can be noted in other lines
of learning in which school mast-
fers recognize this law by limiting
concentration on each scholastic
subject to one hour or less per day,
with seldom more than five such
!periods per week. Also they apply
'it by lightening the effort just pre-
ceding important tests when they
fuse reviews and cease attempts to
add new material.

.After all, coaches are teachers and
; methods useful in one line of teach-
ling should have equal force in ath-
\letics. Yet we find teams being
"sent through. two-hours work-outs
five days a week with the expecta-
fion that they will be in good form
on the sixth. We extract all of a
boy’s physical and mental energy
in hard practices and shift the re-
sponsibility when there is nothing
left for the test.

A reasonable application of some
of the items listed below will go
far toward the prevention of/over-
training: Of course, these often re-
quire some sacrifice of skill de-
velopment. Still, better results are
usually obtained if desire and de-
termination are present than if de-
pendence is placed on skill without
these attributes.

1. Write out the practice sched-
ule carefully in advance, and don’t
permit the stress of the workout to
lead'to drastic changes. .

2. Arrange stunts and_ scrim-
‘mages so that there is variation
every fifteen or twenty minutes.
Carry a watch and adhere strictly
to the prearranged time schedule.

3. Limit total concentrated prac-
|tice time to approximately ONE
HOUR with some adaptations for
individuals and for large squads
with restricted facilities.

(4.) Plans for pre-season work-
outs should include not more than
two exhausting sessions per week
i with two or three easier periods.

|

| 5. After the playing season is
under way, three or four practices
:a week are enough and only one of
these should be exhausting.

 

| 6. Call off all practices the day
| before a game, or at least permit
jonly a twenty or thirty-minute easy

\ warm-up.

; Under such a schedule, the team
probably will not reach a high peak
leafy in the season, but the coach
| wll have the satisfaction of watch-
ing. his squad reach a high level

necessary explanations; and indif-jand either maintain it or improve

ferent or careless performance.

as the weeks roll past,

THE FIRST AIDER—Published by the Cramer Chemical Co., Gardner, Kansas

 

Those responsible for the rules of

‘has similar divisions, with no per- |

Suggested Treatment
For Nose Bleeding

Place cold towels on the back
of the neck, across the forehead
and the bridge of the nose.

Roll up some cotton-and place in
the mouth between the teeth and
the upper lip.

Put some cotton on an applicator,
saturate it with Nitrotan—insert
in the nostrils and hold against the
bleeding area—if possible. If not
possible, saturate cotton with Nitro-
tan and plug both nostrils. Have
the patient breath through the
mouth.

|panies require a permit for stor-
age of gasoline and if the cost were
only two cents per $100, this would
amount to $200 additional insur-
|ance cost on a $100,000 building.

Would you want to assume the
| responsibility for fire or increased
imsurance rates for the small dif-
ference in cost between Tape Re-
mover and gasoline?

AS

Appoint some managers and in-
struct them in their responsibilities.
This will give you more time to
worry—when the “heats on”!

Don’t overlook the girls when
appointing assistants. Girls aré here
to stay, it seems - and are really
capable persons.

ne

Printed Again By Request

“The Dream of a Character Builder” was written in 1938 by L.
It was first introduced at the American
It was printed

Perkins of our company.
Football Coaches Convention in Chicago that December,
in the January 1939 issue of “The First Aider”.

We received many requests for extra copies. We were also asked

E.

for

permission to change the names to fit local teams for local banquets.
We suggest you try fitting in the names of your squad—and see what

happens.

 

The Dream of a Character Builder

The day was hot, my boys were stale,
Their suits hung on them like coats of mail.

Page 3.

 

to dry. Sweat shirts and socks
should be laundered often.

Follow these suggestions, and the
care of your basketball squad and
equipment will be just half the
problem it might have been.

F-A

Fight The Flu

1. Drink plenty of water and fruit
juices.

2. Don’t over eat. Eat lots of green
vegetables,

3. Have proper elimination.

4. Get lots of sleep.
5. Keep feet warm and dry.

6. Take some exercise - outdoors -
every day.

7. Ventilate sleeping but

avoid drafts.

rooms,

8. Avoid crowds, wherever possible.
F-A

Start your order with a bottle
of NITROTAN.

Take care of your team if you
want them to take care of you!

If nose bleeding is chronic, have
an examination by your team physi-
cian,

F-A
Play Safe With

Tape Remover

The use of gasoline: to remove
adhesive tape is a dangerous prac-
tice. In the past there have been
some serious fires and explosions,
even causing the death of athletes.

 

Gasoline may seem economical,
but is it? Somtimes insurance com-

 

 

 

ONLY ONE KEYSTONE—

We of America are in the midst of the greatest revolution
of our history. The Revolutionary War, the Civil War, - these
were revolutions - turning points in our national life.

World War II has destroyed the normal existence of every
family in our nation. Our boys are gone, our methods of trans-
portation are unhinged, what we eat and the things we wear
are rationed as necessities - every family and every individual
is a part of the change.

There is one keystone - and only one, that may link us to-
gether. It is the American School System and its personnel!

Eyery school room should be a citadel - a place where cour-
age, sanity and steadfastness-of-purpose are taught by example.

In times like these we are inclined toward hysteria. We have
duties to perform, but we cannot concentrate on them. We try
to fight the war with our boys when our obligations are to keep
the home front on a steady keel - steady and ready for their
return.

The steam of our revolution blows off in Washington. The
check valve may be- controlled in the school.

 

 

 

25 Years Old In Athletics

 

 

 

 

We'd dropped the last four games we’d played
In spite of well laid plans we’d made.

I tried every play—then ordered the shower,
My patience was gone and I’d turned sour. ,

-I sat there a while, like a great big sap

Sore as a boil—then I picked up my cap.

But when I reached the cool field house

They were all gone—'twas as still as a mouse.
I sat down for a minute before going to work
When a tap on the shoulder brought me up with a jerk.

A man of distinction was there: by my side

He must have slipped in through the door that stood wide
Says he, “You're just the fellow that I want to see

“We're after a coach—they’ve selected me

“To make you an offer—so here I go—

“You can have anything—just don’t say No!
“A contract for ten years is ready to sign

“Just tell us what salary to place on the line.

“We'll get you assistants—Frank Thomas and Kern
“Lou Little, Carl Snavely—we have money to burn.
“If you want Bernie Bierman to.coach on the line
“Or maybe Fritz Crisler—that suits us just fine.

“Andy Kerr or Dorias in the backfield would do
“And maybe Gill Dobie and Stub Allison, too.
“For end coach, get Dick Harlow of Harvard to come
“With Faurot of Missouri—they’d sure make things hum.

“To work out plays—there’s Bergman and Blaik

“Fred Thomsen and Jennings and V. Green of Drake.
“Of course, our scouts will be in the -press box

“Harmeson, Josh Cody, Bachman and Cox.

“Business managers? Oh, sure—we should have four,
“Matty Bell, Irl Tubbs, Bunny Oakes and: Moore.
“Clark Shaughnessy—a good publicity man
“Will keep us in the ‘bright lights’ if anyone can.

“Ducky Pond and Dick Romney could take care of travel
“There’s nothing too hard for them to unravel.
“You could have Harry Stuhldreher be water boy
“With Biff Jones to help him—a real McCoy.

“The stretcher bearers could be headed by Fry .
“With Mal Stevens and Layden standing by.

“If more were needed—there’s Sutherland and Shaw
“A swell pair of beauties as ever I saw.

“With Bible and Madigan carrying head-gear
“Pop Warner with towels—and far in the rear

“Bob Zuppke will lead in the mascot with care
“My word, what a wonderful crowd will be there.

“You'll have plenty of help—we’ll take care of that.”
He put his hand on my head and gave me a pat.

I opened my eyes—the man had fled
The janitor’s broom had hit my head.
I’d had a dream—I know it now
But while it lasted—it sure was a “WOW.”

 

 

 

The Feet

 

sy Donk?

A Sigh OF Rete With &

4. USE BEFORE WORK-OUT
To Reduce Sweating and
Blisters :

AND FOR HEAT RASH

¥

 

CRAMER'S POWDER
FOOT=BATHR

—-_-METHOD

of ATHLETE’S FOOT.

Prevention and Treatment

 

 

1. Dry Feet Before Using Foot Bath

2. Work Powder Between Toes and Over

3. ‘Carry Adhering Powder Into Shoes

(And Not On The Floor)

AND AFTER WORK-OUT .
To Give Lasting Protection,
Dry Shoes, Reduce Foot Odors

5. A Good Soldier Doesn't Waste His Powder

USE IN CROTCH OR UNDER ARMS TO PREVENT OR TREAT JOCK STRAP ITCH OR CHAFFING OF SKIN,

Cramevr’s Foot @ Body Powder
CRAMER CHEMICAL CO., Gardner, Kansas |

MARKETED IN 514 OZ. SHAKER TOP CARTONS AND IN 10 AND 25 POUND PACKAGES

Training In
Basketball

From a training angle, basket-
ball presents possibly four major
problems. They are:

1. How to dry. damp
socks, and suits.

supporters,

.2, Shower temperature.

A
8. Protection of players in cold
weather.

4. Preservation of on hand equip-
ment.

(1). The drying of damp equip-
ment is imperative from a health
angle. Dampness promotes the
growth of mold. Mold will hasten
|the destruction of the fabric.

This problem is one which must
be answered by each coach. Damp-
ness, the amount of available space,
heat and ventilation, these must
all be considered in arriving at a
satisfactory answer.

(2). There isn’t a great deal to
be said about shower temperatures
except that they must be kept
down. The shower should be more
of a rinse than a bath—where it
is used daily.

, (3). There is a lot to be said
about player protection in cold
weather, because playing form with-
‘out health is of little value.

 

Protection of the head and neck
\from cold. winds. Sudden cooling
|of the body. Shoes allowed to be-
j;come damp and cold. The answer
|is obvious, and again it is a prob-
!lem for each coach to handle in-
| dividually.

| We still think properly worded

 

 

This card—actual size 14 in. by 11 in.—will
now be included in each 10 pound and 25
pound bulk package of Cramer’s Foot & Body
Powder.

This card should be placed on the wall near
the powder box—where your players can easily
read the instructions. Insist that they carry

NOTICE: Cramer’s Foot & Body Powder will not serve as an adequate or competent treatment
for deep-seated cases of Athlete’s Foot or Jock Strap itch where there is much dead tissue.
know nothing that may be safely’ used to penetrate this “shell” and kill the underlying fungi.
The “Shell” must be removed or keratolyzed be:fore a product of any kind can do its work effi-

ciently.

The term “Lasting Protection” in the card above means from day to day protection and implies

the daily use of the Powder Foot-Bath by the athlete.

 

 

the adhering powder into the shoe—and not
onto the floor. '

Instruct your players to. pick up a small |
amount of powder when they are standing in
the foot-bath and place some in the crotch,
under the arms or on any place where the skin
is irritated and has been rubbed.

| talks with your players will go a
|long way toward answering these
| problems.

| .

(4). Preservation of your basket-
| ball, your basketball shoes, and
|other equipment is imperative -
if you expect to continue play and
help the war effort.

| Keep the suits clean. Keep the
| basketballs cleaned and waxed with
|“Cramer’s Liquid Ball Cleaner”.
|Supporters should be washed in
jeter soap suds, rinsed in clear

We

water and laid out, not hung out, |

 

 

 

 

OBSTACLE COURSE—

(Continued from columns 1 and 2, page 1)

Additional Suggestions

It is a good policy to make short breaks and clear the obstacle
course of contestants occassionally. This may take 3 to 7 min-
utes, depending upon the length of the obstacle course. It will
Permit a quick checkup between the two recorders on the finish
line and the recorder at the start.

By using letters of the alphabet in connection with the num-
bers, it is easy to separate groups, such as battalions or classes.

It is important that the timer and his assisting recorder be
the coolheaded type. Contestants may bunch up at the finish,
and if the officials freeze mentally, it is easy to make a mess
of it.

Contestants can figure out their own running time, if they
know their starting time, and listen for their finish time as, it
is called out.

General Suggestions

During our twelve months of experience in planning, con-
structing and operating obstacle courses, we have learned sev-
eral lessons that may be of value to others.

‘The complete standardization

visable because local conditions must be considered. Streams,
hills, trees, rocks and other natural obstacles should be used
to advantage. However, experience has shown that certain ob-
stacles should be eliminated, because of extreme hazards and
little value in training and conditioning. Here are some points
to keep in mind when determining the order of obstacles.

of obstacle courses is not ad-

(1) The first 2 to 4 obstacles should be fairly easy, to’ avoid
any bottlenecks.

(2) The last 2 or 3 obstacles should not be too difficult and
should not be high-climbing obstacles, in order to avoid injuries
and falls when contestants are fatigued.

(3) Obstacles should vary somewhat as to group muscles used;
that is, if one obstacle is a climbing obstacle, where the use of
the shoulder and the arms particularly come into play, the fol-
lowing obstacle should stress, primarily, the use of the legs.

(4) The ideal distance between obstacles is from 20 to 30
yards.

Suggestions For Constructing Obstacle Courses

(1) The course should be wide enough and the obstacle so
built as to allow from 6 to 8 boys to run at one time. This will
permit keener competition. y

(2) The lanes for the first 2 or 3 obstacles should be wider
than those that. follow, to permit 6 or 8 boys to run abreast. As
the race continues, the contestants will tend to scatter along
the course and there will be no further need for wide obstacles.

(3) The obstacles should be built firmly. Peeled logs 6 to §
inches in diameter are ideal for many of the obstacles. Use of
logs gives the course a naturally rustic appearance and will also
reduce expense.

(4) Sharp points and corners should be eliminated. Landing
places from jumps or vaults should have sand or sawdust, to
prevent injuries.

(5) The course should be constructed and marked so that it
will be impossible to sidestep or detour obstacles. Signs should
be placed to clarify any doubtful route.

(6) If possible, the start and the finish of the course should
be so planned, to allow one official to control both start and
finish. A horseshoe-shaped course or one shaped in a figure 8
will definitely permit this.

(7) If some of the obstacles prove too difficult for the con-
testants, an alternate course around the obstacles should be con-
structed; this alternate course should take more time to cover
than the time required for going over the obstacles.

*
Suggestions Ver Order Of Obstacles
() Hurdle

(2% feet).

(2

Fence vault (4% feet).

(3) Log balance run.
(4) Wall climb (7 to 8 feet).

(5) Dodge run.
(6) Bear trap.

(7) Under-cover run with. deep sand as base. (4 feet high, 60
feet long).

(8) Hand over hand walk (9 feet high, 15 to 20 feet long).

(9) Under, over, under.

(10 Jungle maze.
(11) High knee-action run.
(12) Rope swings.

(13) Tunnels (2% feet high).

(14) Fence climb (14 feet to 18 feet).
\
(15) Straddle run.

(16) Monkey climb. (Horizontal rope stretched across a sand pit
20 feet long and 7 feet high. Hands and feet used in hang-
ing position - upside down).

(17) A checkerboard run.
(18) Under, over, under.
(19) Hurdle.

Another good obstacle is the cargo net climb, about 18 feet
high. The nets may be difficcult to obtain at this time.

The. age of the contestants must be considered in building the
obstacle course. If the course is built for boys of junior high
school age, naturally, the course should be much shorter and
some obstacles lower. The length of the run assigned, of nec-
essity, must depend upon the condition and age ofthe contest-
ants.

A Few Additional Points
(1) After running the course, the contestant should walk around
until fairly rested.
(2) No drinking of water should be permitted until contestants
are well rested.

(3) Contestants who have difficulty in certain obstacles should
have special instruction on the proper way to negotiate these
obstacles.
 

Page 4

/

THE FIRST AIDER—Published by. the Gamer @rentcal Co., Gardner, Kansas

 

 

NITROTAN

An efficient germicide
for treating new super-
ficial athletic wounds.
Combinés the , astrin-
gent property of Tan-
nic Acid with the mild-
ly anesthetic property
of Benzyl-Alcohol.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wholenate

School

Price
4-02. Bottle. $0.75
Pint ;Bottle_._-__._ 1.95.
Quart Bottle. 2.95
Gallon Bottle. 7.50

 

CAUTION—Use only as directed!

ISO-PINE with Oxyquinoline Sul-
fate-Germicidal. —

Suggested for cleaning
old or infected wounds
after washing with Li-
quid. Soap.

4 Fl, Oz. bottle —.$0.25
Pint bottle _.... 0.40

 

 

Our dealers still have
pint and quart sizes in
stock.

CAUTION—Use only as directed!

 

ATHLETIC RUBDOWN-LINI-
MENT—Oil Base

An active counterim-

tant rcubdown. Permits

vigorous massage with-

out drying out under

the hands.

 

 

 Y%-Pint Bottle_.$0.60
Pint Bottle 1.00
Quart Bottle 1.50
Gallon Bottle... 3.75
CAUTION—Use only as

 

 

 

 

 

directed!

TUF-SKIN
/

Contains Tannic Acid
and the active ingredi-
ents of Benzoin Com-
pound. Intended to
toughen the skin, help
prevent “tape rash” and
facilitate’ removal of
tape. Dries faster than
Benzoin Compound.

Y-Pint Bottle__.$0.90
Pint Bottle__.__._ 1.65
Gallon Bottle. 8.90
CAUTION—Use only as directed!

 

.
LIQUID BALL CLEANER

 
    

A liquid for cleaning
and waxing the leather
et footballs and basket-
halls. Mold resisting.

est 9
PEGI
LUST
ed

Pint Bottle._—_________ $0.60

 

 
  

' Gallon Bottle. oe O05)
TR. BENZOIN COMPOUND
Differs from U.S.P. only
in that.Specia) Dena- fn
tured Ethyl Alcohol is, 4 e
used. Used to paint on # <&
the skin before tape is ===

CRAMERS |

applied. Helps prevent
“tape rash.” Facilitates
removal of tape.

Pint Bottle $1.75
Quart Bottle.-___.. 2.95
Gallon Bottle. — 9.90
CAUTION—Use only as directed!

Teg

 

 

BALL CLEANER

   
    
  
 

An efficient lew
priced leather soap
for cleaning all!
leather balls and
shoes.
au $0.45
STRINGENT a
A pleasing, non-alco.
holic gargle. Prepared

from Chlorthymol, Gly-
cerin, Boric Acid, So-

  

dium Borate, Sodium
Bicarbonate, Sodium
Chloride and Oil of
Cassia. ae

4-02. Bottle____.$0.30
Pint Bottle. seater tO)
Quart Bottle. 1.40
Gallon Bottle..____._ 2.85

CAUTION—Use only as directed!

LIQUID SOAP—With Oxyquinoline
Sulfate

‘Used to remove dirt and
debris from open wounds,
strawberries, mat and pad
burns. An _ indispensable
training room item.
%-Pint Bottle ..
Quart Bottle.

  

Especially prepared for
. athletic use.

 

———- $0.25

T-oz. Can...

 

 

 

Contains ten first aid products
in smaller sizes. Ideal for grade,
ward or rural schools; also, for the
car or vacation or home use,

 

Order from your Dealer.

| | Medical Dictionary

| intelligent coaches,

The First Aider

Published by

THE CRAMER CHEMICAL CO.

GARDNER, KANSAS
EDITORS

Chuck Cramer
Frank Cramer

/

 

The First Aider is published for
she exchange of ideas regarding the
sonditioning and training of ath-
‘fetes, the discussion of training
coom problems and the care and
sreatment of minor injuries in ath-
etics.

 

 

January 1944

Volume XIII No.

 

 

A Statement Of Policy
Regarding Label Claims

It is quite possible that we may

jhave been .a bit over-enthusiastic

concerning Cramer products and
what they will do, in our statements
in the “First Aider” in the past.
Statements made in the “First
Aider” actually constitute a part
of the label and must be considered
as’ such.

We have, for instance,, stated
that Nitrotan will check or stop
bleeding. We certainly did not wish
to convey the impression that Nitro-
tan could be used to check or stop,
for instance, arterial bleeding or
hemorrhage. We do, however, re-
commend its use to stop capillary
bleeding from superficial skin le-
sions. We know, from laboratory
tests, that the preparation is germi-
cidal; that it reduces the pain of
such wounds.

We have recently stated that
Cramer’s Foot and Body Powder
may be used to cure as well as pre-
vent Athlete’s Foot, Jock Strap
Itch, etc. We know definitely that
the preparation has cured many of
such cases, but we do not know
that it will cure all of such cases
for the simple reason that it has
not been tried on all of such cases,

'/Tt is quite probable that no pre-
paration

could be considered as
adequate for treating all such cases.
The same statements should be
made concerning Cramer’s Foot
Ointment.

Cramer’s Athletic Stringent will
not check or prevent influenza.
tonsilitis or like afflictions, and it
is probably safe to say that no
gargle will. The beneficial effects
obtained with gargles generally are
chiefly mechanical, but these are
considered sufficient to warrant
their use in the prevention or treat-
ment of colds or sore throats. But
they must be considered first aid
at best.

Cramer’s Athletic Liniment, like
other Cramer products, is made
expressly for athletic use. We do
not claim the product’ to have
special penetrating powers. We do
know, after twenty-five years of
use by coaches and trainers all
over the country, that the product
is a good counterirritant, that it
works ideally as a massaging med-
ium. The latest edition of Gould’s
(5th edition)
defines a counterirritant as a “drug
which attracts blood to the sur-
face’. The same volume defines
counterirritation as “superficial in-
flamation produced artificially, in
order to exercise a good effect upon
some deepseated morbid process”.

Cramer’s Analgesic Balm, Red
Hot Ointment, and Inhalant all
contain counterirritant ingredients
and may be considered to produce
counterirritant effects.

False label or advertising claims
accomplish nothing. They merely
cloud the issue for the, reader. Our
readers, the majority of whom are
trainers and
physical education personnel, choose
their trainer’s supplies carefully,

1 |with a knowledge based on experi-

ence. Trying to fool them would be
like trying to cheat at solitaire.

F-A

TIME OUT—Continued from Page
1, Col. 8.

lived on the rivers. They fought
Indians. They were physically fit
Americans—

“Just a minute, professor,’—
comes from: a kid in the back row,
“Don’t you think they could have
scalped more injuns if they had
had their vitamins?”

Maybe the youngster has some-
thing there, and thinking it over
again, maybe he doesn’t.

Today, if we break a leg, we are
told to eat a vitamin. If we are con-
stipated—take a vitamin. If we
want to be patriotic—take a vita-
min. (

Now this vitamin business is all
right for what it was originally in-
tended—to help those who were
deficient in something; but to use
vitamins in place of food goes be-
yond reason.

We use B1 in our dextrose tablets.
We believe it has merit in this par-
ticular instance, but we refuse to
subscribe to the belief that vita-
mins replace ham and eggs.

We are a nation of faddists. We
are either on a reducing diet or
we’re too skinny. A little horse
sense could be used at this time,
and it might be wise to start using
it today.

 

We /
TREE CLIMB /
&CRO55 OVER

f

©

 

“@ 1257. tapbER sume

@ stRapLE RUN

© pear TRAP

an sal
@® wanv-over-

@ ZIG-ZAG
BALANCE

8 CARGO NET

DH

acess

HAND LADDER

Y ai
ee SN

 

TRENCH JUMP “gay
s IRDS

 

 

 

i, 05 of
WBN Gy
pas

 

1S
co

—- “LOG HAND-

~~ OVER- HAND

 

 

 

 

 

Good

 

' Posture

| It seems that this is a good time
to emphasize the necessity for good
posture. The military recognized
this problem years ago and spent
many hours in teaching the correct
, way to stand and walk.

|

; There is nothing difficult ahout
‘acquiring good posture. “Standing
tall” - squarely on both feet, will
correct a great part of the diffi-
culty.

|

 

Many people, when standing
carry the weight on one foot, while
{turning the other leg and foot out

 

{and to the side. This becomes a,

‘habit - and with the habit, curva-
jee of the spine may develop.

| Our Maker gave us. two feet to
stand on and walk with. We should
use them equally. He gave us ab-
dominal muscles with which to
hold in our stomach. If he had in-
tended that we use a belt for this
purpose he would have furnished
jit as-a part of nature’s “G. I”
; equipment.

Let’s put a little consideration
on posture—it’s a step in the right
direction,

F-A

Take Care Of Your
‘Scissors

Here are two hints about the care
of your bandage scissors:

Oil them once a month.
Clean the cutting blades daily.

When blades are covered with ad-
hesive they will not cut. This will
tend to spring the set screw.

Take care of what you have -
they may have to take care of you -
for the duration.

CRANKS

 

 

IN

 

Columbia, one of our most
famous schools, didn’t win a
game during the recent football
season.

We don’t think it fitting that
this record be placed in the
annals of sport without com-
ment—so we are expressing our
opinion.

Our hats are off—to Columbia.
‘All losses—no alibis—not even
a whimper! We call them red,
white and blue Americans. They
grade in our ledger at 100% on
effort, courage, sportsmanship
and war effort.

We also take off our hats to
all of the other Columbias across
the nation, both high school and
college,—who didn’t surrender
before the first shot was fired!

 

 

 

Keep Benzoin and

Tuf-Skin In Glass

The chemical make-up of Tr.
Benzoin Compound and Tuf-Skin
is such that if these products are
dispensed in metal containers a
black discoloration or precipitation
may form. This happens because of
the tannin and other incompatibles
in the gums of Benzoin and by the
addition of Tannic Acid in Tuf-
Skin.

It has been the habit of some
coaches to pour some of these li-
quids into a tin can for convenience
in painting ankles. We sug-
gest a glass jar be used as the
metal of the can may destroy a
part of the active principles of the
liquid. An empty pound ointment
jar makes an ideal container. The
method is thoroughly discussed on
page 5—The Training Room Man-
ual.

ORE A
Smelling Salts For
‘The Basketball Players

Smelling Salts should be your
most used first aid product.

When properly used, it is con-
sidered a safe respiratory stimulant.
Breathing a little of the fumes at
each time-out will help hasten a
return to normal breathing.

e

Time-out is arranged in the rules
to allow a period of rest— make
the most of it!

Take full advantage of this
period. Get out on the floor—use
cold towels on the face and back
of the neck—give just enough
water to freshen the mouth—and
use Smelling Salts to help, revive
each player.

The rule book and rule makers
have set up this time-out schedule
for the protection of the players,
and don’t forget that the paying
public likes to see the boys taken
care of.

REMOVER

 

NEL NOW
BURN OR EXPLODE

| A Victory

|
|

‘Course
| |
i

| Here’s a bird’s eye view of Gon- |
zaga University’s famous obstacle -
course, the Sammy Grashio Victory |
, Course. It honors one of Gonzaga’s ,
| war heroes, Lieutenant Sammy |
| Grashio of the Army Air Corps, now |
a Japanese prisoner of war in the |
|Philippines. |
|

Considered one of the toughest |
and most rugged courses in the}
|country, still it is not necessarily |
a dangerous one. Undoubtedly, it |
is one of the best of body builders. !
Compact, complete, interesting, it)
affords vigorous exercise and a de- |
finite challenge to any young man.

|
\
|

Its 470 yards embraces 28 ob: |
stacles (several set in concrete) and |
tis designed to test the angi vid ues
every muscle as well as his stamina, |
strength, agility and muscular co- |
ordination. All construction was |
done with stripped cedar logs and
finished with’a double Old English
oil application. Four minutes is a
good time for the course.

The course was designed by Gon-
zaga’s Athletic Director, , Arthur
| Dussault, S. J. He also supervised
‘construction.

Here is “fitness and fun” com-
bined to make pleasure out of the
attaining of physical fitness. Show
this picture to your principal, dis-
cuss the possibilities with him. This
type of exercise is a definite aid
to the war! effort and will undoubt-
edly become a permanent part of
the national athletic program after
the war.

SUPE ROR

 

Editors Note:—Since the above
!copy was written Captain Samuel
\C. “Sammy” Grashio has escaped
‘from a Japanese prison, and re-
jturned to this Country.

This is good news—but his story
must wait. In the meantime, his
course is in operation and used
daily by many boys.

F-A

Cuts On The Lip---
In The Mouth---Are

Frequent Basket-

ball Injuries

In cases where an athlete is
kicked or bumped in the face and
superficial cuts occur on the inside
of the mouth, saturate a piece of
cotton with Nitrotan—place it on
the inside against the injury and
pack additional cotton over the
area between the cheek and the
teeth. Leave this dressing in con-
tact with this area for 30 minutes.
During this period the athlete may
be returned to play.

This same procedure can be used
where there are cuts on the lip.

Saturate a thin strip of cotton
with Nitrotan and lay over the cut |.
—extend it well into the inside of
the lip and down on the outside.

Pack the inside — between the
teeth and lip with extra cotton and
leave on for 30 minutes.

In all severe cases, have the ath-
lete see the team physician im-
mediately. If there is any injury
to the teeth, it is a job for the
dentist.

 

 

)

F-A
Use Inhalant in the nostrils |
t

on.a dusty court—and remember—

 

whether playing or just practicing

all courts are dusty!

 

CRAMER’S FOOT AND
BODY POWDER

School Prices
Bigs Ons Cant ieee male eeeen ion

 

ees sete OL eraser $6.25
F. 0. B. GARDNER, KANSAS

Order from
Your

Sporting Goods Dealer

 

 

 

 

 

Foot Blisters—

In Basketball

The feet take the brunt of the:

punishment handed out in basket-
ball. Sudden starts, stops and
pivots, added to the continual ham-
mering up and down the court—
make the feet sting and ache.

Most coaches recommend two
pairs of socks. ‘They feel that the
inner pair moves with the feet—
the outer pair with the shoes. This
theory is at least partially true—
providing the shoes are properly
fitted to each individual pair of
feet.

We think that the “powder foot-
bath” used before practice and game,

;and after the shower, will do much
|to increase foot comfort and play-

ability.

Basketball’s speed and variety of
movement develops two types of
blisters. (1) The ordinary friction

 

blister. (2) “The pinch” or “blood
blister” so often found on the
sides of the heels where they touch
the inner heel of the shoe. (See
Treatment of Blood Blisters on
the Heely “A Training Room Man-
ual’—page 43). The powder will
reduce the friction, and we believe
it deserves your serious considera-
tion in attempting to reduce one
of ae greatest hazards of basket-
ball.

F-A

Playing Pointers

The tired player is one the most
likely to get hurt.

so 2 *€ 8

ATHLETIC OINTMENT—Antiseptioc

To be used as & protec-
tive dressing over su-
perficial cuts, boils, blis-
ters, strawberries, etc.

    
    
   

    

 

a 2-02. jar $0.45
pony 4-02, jar 5
Pound Jar__.___._ 1.85

CAUTION—Use only as directed!

FOOT OINTMENT—Antiseptio
Contains oxyquinoline
sulfate, sodium thiosul-
fate, salicylic acid and
4 sulfur.

UTE 2-02. TAM recennnn $0.50
“sat od. Pound Vars. 7295
CAUTION—Use only as directed!

 

 

RED HOT OINTMENT

Applies the rubefacient

and counterirritant pro-

perties of capsicum to-
4 ward the relief of sore
muscles, sprains, and
bruises.

  

FSCS
CI ae
PID vp

  
  

Should not be used um
der a bandage.

   

 

2-02. Jar ..
40%, SAL so

POUNG JaPnncmnne 1,90
CAUTION—Use only as directed!

 

 

ANALGESIC BALM

Milder in effect tham
| Red Hot Ointment. May
| be applied as an “an-
algesic pack” or used
under a heat lamp.
Contains Methyl Sali-
cylate and Menthol.

     
 

PST eZ
POINT

reas
ER

 
 
     

 

 

<= _ 2-02. Jar ..... K
4-02. Jar... 1.00
Pound Jar. 2.50

CAUTION—Use only as directed!

FIRM GRIP

An excellent, non-slip
paste, cuts fumbling to
@ minimum.

  

SMELLING SALTS

1

A simple respiratory
| stimulant developed es-
i pecially for Athletic use.
Does not spill out when
used with athlete in

 

Wrinkled socks help to cause ;

blisters. prone position.
eee tt l-oz. Bottle $0.55

Keeping the feet DRY and  CAUTION—Use only as directed!
WARM will help prevent many ,
colds. , ‘TAPE REMOVER

* * * *

Damp, sweaty uniforms—used COG cSaeanee
without proper drying and clean-/ sive tape resdiue—non-
ing—will cause galled skin. inflanimanie

es * * &
1 Pint Bottle...._...$0.90

Protect the neck of the basketeer
from cold winter winds.

s ees
More blunders occur in training
basketball teams than in coaching

them. ~
F-A

Tuf-Skin or Benzoin, Tape Re-
mover, Firm-Grip, Liquid Ball
Cleaner—these are “musts” in bas-
ketball!

1 Gallon Bottle... 6.00

oes

 

ROSIN BAGS
, Powdered rosin mix-
* ture in convenient

bags which dusts out
as needed. A standard
in big league base-
ball—suitable for all
sports.

1 Dozen in Box.....$1.95

 

 

 

 

 

 

morale for war.

 

SPORTS IN THE ATTACK

In the midst of the most thorough and effective job of war-making this
nation ever has done sports are having a boom. The greater part of the
participation is at Army and Navy establishments but sports for the war-
working civilian populace also have been unexpectedly active this year.

The reason for this is plain and sound. Sport competition is founded in
the spirit of attack. A nation that is conditioned to be on the offensive and
to withstand the set-backs of the opposition’s attacks is a nation with solid

. . e . . . . ‘ . .
A wartime increase of interest and activity in sports is as logical as a
wartime increase in the munitions business.

JOHN L. GRIFFITH,
President, The Athletic Institute, Inc.

:

 

 

 

 

 

The First Aider is made possible by your purchases of Cramer’s

_ First Aids and Trainer’s Supplies.

Return in Pive Days to

underwrite its cost

THE-FIRS? AIBDER

Published by

THE CRAMER CHEMICAL CO.

GARDNER, KANSAS

USE CRAMER'S FIRST AIDS

Return Postage Guaranteed

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

In no other way can we

 

U, 5. POSTAGE
Sec. 662 P. L. & R.
Paid ~
ery} ansae
MIT NO. 1

Gar

 

 

 

OR PRINCIPAL

HIGH SC

January, 1944

HOOL

y