Why? The Science of Athletics

ATHLETIC TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS OF ABILITY 161 certainly not neglected, a coach does start at a big advantage when he knows the men he can concentrate upon as being the ones who are likely to make the team. The athletes, being thus graded, are now ready for indivi– dual attention and can be taught the technique of the event they are going to take up. That means that the next tests will be tests of skill, and finally competition itself will be the last acid test of courage, which will show whether a boy has athletic intelligence and the competition temperament. In the athletic achievements test used Athletic at the George Washington High School the Achievements basis of measurement is the examination, Test the test scores being transmitted into quo- tients, improvement ratios, percentile and letter ratings, and the diagnosis of a subject's failure often reveals the causes. It is interesting to note that the number of boys, excluding those who were under weight and those with organic disabilities, put through the test in IO years was 12,622. Here are the seven events comprising the test, together with the reasons for their selection. r. Standing Long Jump. 2. so-yards Run. 3· Rope Climbing. 4· Number of Goals shot in 6o secs. 5. Chinning. Strength and Leg Spring. Strength and 'Leg Speed. General strength and bodily agility. Safety in case of accidents. To encourage the develop– ment of skill in handling and dribbling the basket ball and accuracy in shooting goals. To test strength of arms. Reverse grip used and regu– - lation horizontal bar em– ployed.