Athletic Training

INTRODUCTION xxv ence of mind and a quick, accurate move– ment. Athletics are the best possible training for these qualities, valuable to-day as they ever were. Their practice on the outdoor track and field give them an overwhelming advan– tage over exercise taken indoors, and the ·rules and ethics of competition present a con– stant opportunity to fill the receptive mind of the boy with consideration for a fallen op– ponent, to impress him with the disgrace of whining under defeat, to give him that frank and modest acceptance of victory or defeat characteristic of the true sportsman who loves the game above the prize and the generous rivalry of the contest rather than victory .alone. The athletic field has been a great training– ground for youthful manners and morals be– cause their sports so vitally interest the boys who haunt it. The athletic trainer is one of the few teachers to whom the instinct for hero-worship turns, and his influence for either good or evil can scarcely be exagger– ated. He is the man who sets the standard and gives to boys their ideals of fair play and