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pass on to the district event. The marked increase in interest in this branch of
physical education is shown by the following figures. In the years 1926-9 the
numbers of departments holding school sports meetings were respectively 107;
280; 337; and 399. It is of interest to record that many schools give no prizes
whatsoever, each child competing for his or her house. The prominent part which
athletics are beginning to play gives rise to two points which will require careful
watching.
(i) What events are suitable, from the point of view of physical strain and mental
stress, for the child of elementary school age?
(ii) How many events should a child be allowed to compete in during the course
of a day?
Games,
athletics and
swimming
out of school
hours.
The rapid progress which has been made generally in physical education in
schools has been accomplished by a wide development of the work of those bodies
which deal with the games and sports of the children out of school hours. Numerous
district associations have been formed, and it is regretted that limitations of space
prevent more than a passing reference to the excellence of the work carried out.
This report, of necessity, must be limited to the growth of the various "All London"
associations since the war. Old-established associations such as the football, swimming
and athletics have consolidated their position and extended their range of utility,
whilst new associations for cricket, boxing and netball have been formed. London
generally is heavily in debt to those teachers who, year after year, give so much of
their own time to this valuable work.
London Schools' Athletic Association.—This association was founded in the year
1900, and has grown until there are now twenty-five district associations affiliated
to the parent body. The standard of performance has steadily increased, and much
has been done to foster a love of athletics amongst the children generally. A London
championship meeting is held each year.
London Schools' Amateur Boxing Association.—Boxing for boys has for years
past been looked upon with some misgivings by many. This attitude has largely
arisen owing to a misconception of the aims in view when teaching a lad to box.
The true objective in boxing is to make the boy physically and morally better by
participating in the sport. The production of the excellent boxer from a technical
point of view is quite a secondary consideration. The London Schools' Amateur
Boxing Association has worked to this end, and their desire is to instil a love of the
sport in its best form into as many boys as possible. In the actual district competitions
over one thousand boys now take part, this number being in addition to the
many eliminating competitions which are held in schools.
London Schools' Cricket Association.—For many years there was no central
body to deal with cricket, but recently the above association was formed. Much
useful work has been accomplished in a short time, the best of which is, perhaps, the
club coaching scheme. Representatives of the Council and the Cricket Association
met the secretary of the M.C.C., the secretary of the Club Cricket Conference and
other representative people in the cricket world, to see whether a scheme could be
devised whereby boys could receive coaching in the evenings at the various club
grounds in and around London. As a result of this conference many clubs allow
boys to use their grounds under certain specified conditions, and the members help
with the coaching. This scheme is growing; in 1927, 400 boys, in 1928, 830 boys
and in 1929, 860 boys were able to enjoy this privilege.
London Schools' Football Association.—This association has gone from strength
to strength, until there are now 1,007 affiliated schools. Not only are many "All
London" competitions organised, but help and guidance is given to district leagues
and competitions. The fact that 140 inter-district games were played last season
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