On physical training in schools / by W.P. Herringham.

  • Herringham, Wilmot Parker, 1855-1936.
Date:
[1906]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: On physical training in schools / by W.P. Herringham. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The Royal College of Surgeons of England. The original may be consulted at The Royal College of Surgeons of England.

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    so much j)leasure as games. They are the natural exercise for children, and they are }>layed in the ojxui air. They have a very gocxl effect upon the hcxly. They train the limbs more than the chest or trunk, but they produce a quickness of eye and of hand which no other exercise can give. In j)hysiological language, they improve the nervous reflexes. Tliey have also an excellent effect upon character In })laying games, boys learn ]>hysical courage, honour, self- reliance, and a certain amount of public spirit. They also learn to obey the law. Mr. Dowding* gives a delicious example from a small boys' game—‘‘ IMease, Sir, need 1 go out ? The umpire called wide and then gave me out leg- before.” This must be familiar to all who have ))layed village cricket. *1 do not think many cricketers would be found among passive resisters ; they would rather say, with the Archbishop of ('anterbury, that our fir.st duty is to olx*y the law, and then to get it altered if necessary. I think it is a ]>it\’ that so many prizes and cup> are given, and that such a premium is [)ut on skill in games. It rather destroys their natural character and tends to make boys think that games are betterthan learning, and that the morality of games is tlie liighest they need aim at. Hut ]>arents are more to be blamed for this than boys, and, after all, it is a small defect compared to the immense good they do. I really do not think I need say much more in their l»elialf. Both France and Germany have recognised their importance, and are beginning to copy our system l)v intro- ducing them. 1'hey have, of course, some defects. 1 have already mentioned one—tliat they do not develop all parts of the body alike. It is sometimes said that they are dangerous : but 1 believe this is entirely untrue so far as boys are con- cerned. I have seen a boy break his leg at football, but far more accidents ha])pen when boys are not playing games than when they are. 1 do not take an exaggerated view of their moral effect. It is (juite ])ossible to be a good player and a great blackguard. Indeed, I think .Mr. Benson- is quite right in saying that the adulation which a very good player excites brings with it certain tenqdations and certain facilities for <‘vil. But, as he and everyone el.se allows, the greatest danger of all is ' Pari. Pap. Spec. Reports, IIKX), Vol. XXII., Pt. II., p. .'»43. - / huh, ]). 475.