Montana labor news., 1939-07-27
The Value Of Physical
Training and Athletics
As Character Builders
Continued from Page q

was sent to all superintendent and
principals of all the cities in Michi-
gan. One Of the questions a
What subject in the curriculum has
the most influence from the moral
standpoint?"-and the overwhelming
answer was "Play and Athletics"
Traits of character brought out in
play and especially in team games
of a competitive nature are:
COURAGE Of spirit which stands
by ever though the physique is
battered and punished and which
redoubles its efforts, instead of
abating them, when reverses come.
Remembrance of boyhood deeds,
even though rendered in a losing
cause, remain in the consciousness
to inspire the battle for ideals or
principles later in life.
INGENUITY or the ability to out
wit opponents is very praiseworthy
as long as it is within the rules and
the spirit of play.
SELF-INITIATIVE and capacity
for leadership are qualities which
will find permanent value in meet
ing the tests of manhood.
PERSEVERANCE as a moral
quality carries the same impression
that endurance does as a physical
quality-that of long continued eff
fort with success depending upon its
maintenance.
DETERMINATION is more than
decision. It involves also the idea
that n will persevere in carrying
out a decision regardless of obstacles.
SELF-RELIANCE comes with
ones consciousness of, and conf
dence in, his own Individual ability
and worth. Confidence in ones self
is n of the greatest assets in life.
SELF-CONTROL. The player must
learn to control his temper under
trying situations and to keep cool in
an emergency.
SELF RESTRAINT is practiced in
denying personal pleasures such as
smoking, late hours and eating Ger
tain types of foods which are detri-
mental to athletic ability.
THOROUGHNESS enters into the
spirit of the playground. The
aspiring player must practice at
many Of the routine things if he is
to perfect himself in all ways.
AGGRESSIVENESS means vigor-
Gus action following upon decision.
The aggressor always forces the
battle whether it be a sporting
challenge, financial drive, or bust
ness deal.
ALERTNESS, both physical and
mental, is a requisite of successful
athletic competition.
ENTHUSIASM and RELIABLE
TY are qualities also brought out in
play and athletic competition which
have a great carry-over value for
life.
In play and games innumerable
social qualities are brought out such
as kindness, unselfishness, friendli-
ness, truthfulness, justice, honesty,
thoughtfulness, generosity, courtesy,
service, tolerance and sociability.
is the larger
term-and it includes fair play.
which is limited to a keeping within
the letter and spirit of the rules.
Fair play involves the two assets of
honesty and justice, but sportsman
ship goes further in bringing in all
refined expressions of social spirit:
such as %chivalrous consideration of
a worthy opponent during actual
play, in winning or in losing; hospi-
tality apart from the playing field;
and in many other things that may
be made a part of the game ever
though not written in the rules.
During the early part of the war
authorities had to put a stop to the
playing of games between the Eng
fish and German soldiers in the
trenches, for it was found that the
play broke down the spirit of
enmity.
In our own schools it is certain
that the book of knowledge alone
does not make for success. Many
students fail after leaving college for
the reason that they have neglected
the important education of meeting
and dealing with other people. Play
and participation in other social
activities of the school gives a train
ing in human nature and a good
preparation for success in the practi-
affairs of life.
Play in team action develops civic
qualities such as LOYALTY, CO.
OPERATION and OBEDIENCE.
Play is by no means the only
method by which character can be
developed. 1t cannot be said that
those whose childhood has been
robbed of play will fail to become
good citizens; they may receive their
moral training in some other way;
however, play does furnish the
opportunity for their development.
If undirected or under improper
leadership, the tendency may be in
exactly the opposite direction. Play
can just as easily teach dishonesty
as it can teach honesty. Always the
standard of leadership must be kept
at its highest.
SOME OF YOUR BEST FRIENDS
49,. NO DOUBT
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