Manual of athletic requirements

Front matter

core ie a a i,

at :.

= a tenes sont ees

Preface

This second edition of the Manual of Athletic Requirements has been revised and enlarged under my personal direction while Gymnasium Officer, U. S. Naval Academy.

The author wishes to acknowledge most valuable assistance from the following:

Mr. Walter Aamold who directly edited and arranged the subject matter.

Mr. Robert Bennett, who as representative of White Studio, contributed all the revised pictures.

The co-authors who contributed fundamental material as designated at the head of the various sports herein.

WILiIAM A. RICHARDSON Lieut.-Commander, U. S. Navy.

- La a a aie ’ aes *

Foreword To Midshipmen

An Officer’s First Duty:—The first duty an ensign usually performs independently after his sea assignment is going ashore with swimming parties or leading a division in Setting-Up Exercises. All officers are closely associated with their men the first ten years of their career and they find that their men are intensely interested in all forms of athletics. Ofhcers are constantly interrogated concerning sports, training for the same, uniform worn and comparison of records (amateur and professional).

Importance of Swimming.—Every ensign should be an excellent swimmer and able to rescue persons helpless in the water, and to correctly apply resuscitation to the apparently drowned.

Leadership Through Athletics.—There is no better method by which an officer can acquire a correct understanding of his men than that of leading in athletics. An officer who has been famous in athletics while at the Academy is held in great respect by young men, and will more readily obtain an efficient division on this account.

Military Bearing.—It must be kept in mind that the correct giving of commands as in infantry, artillery, turret, boat drill, etc., cannot be done without experience and thought. To this end the athletic training and physical development of the midshipmen are closely interwoven in the organization of gymnasium work.

| Importance of Team Work.—The team work of the fire control and turret, the bridge of a destroyer or depth of a battleship, is the same as that of the football team, or the crew.

Athletic Spirit——Special stress is placed on the spirit of “good sportsmanship” under all conditions. It is our aim to develop in all midshipmen sterling health and a well rounded physical condition and to give knowledge of physical training in all recognized sports. An outline of coaching has been included to indoctrinate officers in the ability to coach and lead the personnel of the fleet in physical development.

ER Dy Oise clacia aoe = ae ee To Instructors.

In teaching the text of this manual instructors must keep in mind that their mission is to mould midshipmen under their care into efficient and well trained officers. Instructors must work conscientiously and should set an example of manly qualities and fair play, plus the performing of all exercises with precision and accuracy. Physical training has proved a most efficient means to the development of discipline. One in authority need never be afraid to properly exercise discipline, though it be known under the name of enthusiasm or a willingness to follow a good example.

The instructors of this corps are herein intrusted to develop the spirit and qualities aimed at by this department, and full confidence is reposed in their good judgment and leading spirit.