Six Week Trial

In less than three weeks the fat to muscle metamorphosis of the allegedly physically dormant Harvard man is scheduled to begin. Yet with compulsory athletics all but an actuality, the plans and policies of University Hall, the HAA, and the Hygiene Department are still in the amendment stage. The initially iron-clad announcement of supervised conditioning for all has been relaxed to allow credit for geology field trips, team managing, and possibly bicycling as well as for participation in Naval and Military Science, and Varsity and House athletics. Apparently the compulsory athletics plan is no exception to the University's well known policy of act first and plan later. Apparently, too, there is beginning to stir some doubt among the sponsors of the plan as to its practical feasibility.

Yet while details are mulled over, the most crucial problem remains unanswered. On what basis will the decision be made as the whether or not the expenditure of four hours a week in climbing fences, plus another three or four hours in dressing, showering, and trekking to Soldiers Field, is more valuable than that, same seven or eight hours spent in Widener or a science lab? Lab-burdened students, as well as those with jobs and heavy study schedule have received no hint as to the official policy towards excuses and exceptions. No one will deny the advantages of physical fitness, but the degree in which it should take precedence over primary college training is another matter. Something more definite than the present muddling through policy of making the rule as the case arises is highly desirable.

It is also desirable that steps be taken in anticipation of the future of compulsory athletics. More broadly in line with his determination of the most efficient utilization of time, a careful check-up should be made at the end of the initial six week period to decide whether or not the theory has actually panned out in practice. A poll of student interest or apathy would give an indication of the psychology of the plan, which is a vital factor to its working. Fatigue lab tests on Grant Study students, whose physical stamina before conditioning has already been determined, would give a good cross section measurement of the actual success or failure of the plan.

It is essential above all that this plan not be allowed to slip into the taken-for-granted rut. If its value be proven, it should be retained. But if the test of its practical success or failure show it to have been merely a patriotic but unworkable gesture, and a hasty move to keep apace of the band-wagon of national enthusiasm, it should be rejected. The confusion amid which compulsory athletics is being whipped into shape must not be allowed to befog a later fair appraisal of it.