The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-07-11
TEE PEyTATHLoN SYSTEM.
Interesting Method or Testing Y. n. G.
Athletes All Round.

Athletes All Round.
DR.. Luther Gulick Of tho Y. NJ. c. A. several
years ago saw the need for a system that would
show a mans ability In all-round athletic work.
In studying the athletic systems Of the different
nations he came across the Greek pentathlon.
This eystcm was taken and modified by intro
ducing standard athletic events that were be-
ing used all over tho country, but which would
still answer the Same purpose as the ancient
events.
Tho idea involved in the pentathlon Is all
round development For this reason the events
which were chosen to form its basis mad certain
conditions to meet. 1t was intended that tho
pentathlon should be used. not only in local,
district, and State meets, but that It might form
tho basis for an international contest. The
following are the ends at which the pentathlon
system aims:
First-Thee events must be those which, taken
all together. will test a man all round. not
merely the different parts of his body, but the
same parts in different ways. Thus, these
sports all together, should test the strength OF
legs. body. and arms. They should test the
higher elements also. A man should be com
PEELED to use his head; tho heart and lungs
should be tested by something that demands en-.
durance and wind; agility must receive its due
share OF attention: speed must be tested. and .
mans ability TO spring must also be ascertained.
'NNoha hO Sht Siioliiu pc iuDst ina dTO
standard. that is. which are common in all parts
Of the country. in order that they should be un.
dcrstood by and prove Interesting to the average
member OF the association, for whom they are
designed.
Third-But little apparatus should be de-
manded. and what is used should be inexpen.
sivc. The reason for this is that these sports
may be placed within the reach OF every associa-
ton in the country.
E,,r,H l. -. lz-ta 1900
consistent with a thorough test. Not merely
the individual event should be what will take
place as quickly as possible. but the whole con-
ties; should consist OF as few events as possible
and at the same time test 4 man thoroughly.
10 rum these conditions the following sports
raius except "A straight course and a couple Of
stonwatchcs: 1t is standard, and develops
agility. skill in starting, and speed in running.
Second-Throwing the tweivc-pound hammeri
twelve pounds instead Of sixteen pounds. as il Is
better adapted to men or a,verase weight The
relatively inexpensive, n little over a hundred
feet Of ground, and a tape with which 10 meas
ure. This event is standard, and requires both
T%hlri-Thc running high jump. This is com.
parativclly short, needs but little apparatus
and small space. is well known. and generally
innGfTensing in popularity. It demands spring.
ing n man very differently from either the 100
yard lash or hammcr throw:
~Fourth-Polc ~vaulting. This is short. nceds
little apparatus, small space, is standard, and
attracts spectators. 1t demands speed in
running. spring in jumping, skin in placing the
pole and In managing ones self ON the pole,
agility in crossing the stick, muscular strength
of arms and shoulders. and endurance il the tx.
| crrisc Is at all prolonged.
4 fitth-Thc mile run. Tho foregoing events
really test a man very thoroughly except in tho
capacity for endurance. vigor and strength OF
the heart and lungs. For these latter n mile
run is q good Test. The mile run Is chosen
rather than the hall. because the latter has in it
more OF the element of speed.
The pcntathiol score scheme has been devised
in order to give full credit TO each man for his
performance in a fair and just manner. The
scoring table is so arranged that for IA really
good performance in the event n man will re-
ceiyo 100, and for what would be- called n poor
performance no will SC uro nothing. AL the
intervening numbers being graduated evenly,
The figures representing each event are added
UP. and the total standing of n mans perform
ance Is thus asccrtainod; II in any event II man
should pass the limit he receives extra marks
IN The same ratio. Thus. II a man should run
the luO,yard dash in 10 seconds he would RE-
ccivc l2o points: that is, ten for each nth OF a
second. If man ,ocs not enter in any event no
receives zero in that event.
BY means of this method OF scoring II will b
possible TO have records FOR the individuA
which shall DO uniform all over the country.