Abolition of 'Cliffe PT Causes Decline in Sports

A drastic drop in participation in all forms of Radcliffe sports has been the result of this year's new practice of optional physical training for freshmen. Apparently the result of an administration decision last year, the abolition the traditional requirement was made completely without discussion and consultation with the physical education department, Mrs. Helen F. Parker, this year's director of the Physical Education Department reported.

When asked why the requirement was abolished, Mrs. Parker replied "I'd like know myself," adding that she considered the new system to have had obviously experimental results.

Team sports were "definitely affected," she said, raising a doubt as to the excess of planned interscholastic team sports later in the year. Although she cited a few other other possible contributing causes, the poor turnout for the hockey team was pointed out as one result and great drop in the number of students watching tennis was noted as still another. For this principle reason, the Wellesley was not attended this year. Though it occurred during the Dartmouth weekend, this had never been a hindrance before.

Communication to the students about athletic activities has been made nearly possible without classes of freshman, a Parker stated. The slow start of the new House system also played a part there," she said.

Figures for sailing, the first made available show that previous levels of 20 to 30 and in unusual years even 50 students participating have been replaced by a faithful and devoted seven or eight."

Although gym instructors did not mind the numbers of students in such skill sports as sailing and dancing, the harm the team sports and the over-all picture was found undesirable. Mrs. Parker has said that she strongly favors a plan somewhat more flexible than that used in previous years. Physical education would again be required for freshman, she said, but intermurals and club activities could count toward fulfillment of thed requirement.

Communication to the students about athletic activities has been made nearly possible without classes of freshman, a Parker stated. The slow start of the new House system also played a part there," she said.

Figures for sailing, the first made available show that previous levels of 20 to 30 and in unusual years even 50 students participating have been replaced by a faithful and devoted seven or eight."

Although gym instructors did not mind the numbers of students in such skill sports as sailing and dancing, the harm the team sports and the over-all picture was found undesirable. Mrs. Parker has said that she strongly favors a plan somewhat more flexible than that used in previous years. Physical education would again be required for freshman, she said, but intermurals and club activities could count toward fulfillment of thed requirement.