Rules for American Hand Ball.

1For further details see Spalding’s “American Hand Ball.”

Every player should learn to serve well, to use control and speed; every player should learn to become equally efficient with either hand, batting the ball with straight aim; every player should always remember to outmaneuver her opponent and place the ball where it is most difficult for her to return it.

A hand ball court consists of a floor, a wall or back board, and field. The floor is usually 20 feet wide and 26 feet long, with a service line, distinctly marked, drawn across the floor at the middle point, 13 feet away, between the front line (end line 26 feet away from the board) and the board. The floor is smooth but not polished. The wall or back board is 10 feet high and 20 feet wide. The field is the whole space including the floor and is 55 feet wide and 40 feet long including the court.

A regulation hand ball (small hard-rubber ball hollow inside) and gloves are used.

Points may only be scored by the side serving. Twenty-one points are a game. Should each score twenty points, either side must score two consecutive points on one serve to win.

There are two officials—a referee and an umpire—who have control of the game, who decide all questions of balls, time, unfair play, etc.

The choice of serving or receiving is decided by tossing a coin.

The ball is struck with the palm of either hand—one hand only—by no other part of body, nor by both hands simultaneously.

The ball is dropped or bounced to the floor by the server on that side of the service line farthest from the court. The served ball after touching the board must cross to the far side of the service line and land within the court. If it touches the floor on the near side of the service line, it is short; if it touches out of the court on the far side of the service line, it is long.

The server may serve these balls over again, but if one “short” and one “long;” or two “short” or two “long” balls are served consecutively by the same player, the server (or the side, if doubles) is out. Then the receiver becomes the server.

If a served ball touches the floor outside the side lines, the server or the side is out.

A served ball is played on the first bounce only. A returned ball may be played on the first bounce or on the fly.All balls served or returned must touch the board before touching the floor.A ball leaving the hand of a player striking opponent before touching wall or floor is a “hinder.” Two hinders by one player in a service is a put-out or a point scored. A ball leaving the board which strikes the player who returned it, or partner, is a put-out or a point for the side struck. A ball leaving the board striking an opponent is a point or put-out in favor of the opposing side of person so struck.

All balls are played until decided by the referee.

A returned ball must be within the dimensions of the court.

Players may block each other fairly, that is, a player may so place the ball that he blocks his opponent, but this must be done before the ball has left his hand. In doubles, no blocking may be done after the ball has left the board.

For unfair blocking, a penalty—subtracting from one to five points from score of the offender—may be imposed by the referee.

In doubles, the sides alternate in service as well as receiving. No player shall serve or play the same defensive position all the time.

I. A ball may be batted with either hand.

Foul—Never with both hands.Penalty—For server, loss of hand; for receiver, ace for server.

Foul—Never with both hands.

Penalty—For server, loss of hand; for receiver, ace for server.

II. The server may stand anywhere in space between ace line and front line.

Foul—She must not step over inner line twice in succession while serving.Penalty—Server loses hand.

Foul—She must not step over inner line twice in succession while serving.

Penalty—Server loses hand.

III. A served ball must hit the front wallbeforeit hits either side wall, roof or floor.

Foul—If served ball hits side wall, roof or floor before hitting front wall.Penalty—Server loses hand.

Foul—If served ball hits side wall, roof or floor before hitting front wall.

Penalty—Server loses hand.

IV. A served ball may be so played that after hitting front wall it rebounds from a side wall or the back wall, before touching the floor behind ace line.

V. Short ball.—If a served ball touches the floor inside the ace line (between that line and the front wall) it is called a short ball. Any number of short balls may be served with good balls in between.

Foul—To serve three short balls in succession.Penalty—Server loses hand.

Foul—To serve three short balls in succession.

Penalty—Server loses hand.

VI. If a short ball is served the receiver may or may not play according to her desire.

VII. A ball may never be batted or touched in any way twice by either server or receiver before it touches front wall.

Foul—To touch a ball twice in succession.Penalty—Server loses hand; receiver, point to server.

Foul—To touch a ball twice in succession.

Penalty—Server loses hand; receiver, point to server.

VIII. If receiver fails to send back the ball to the front wall it counts ace for server. If server fails she is hand out.

IX. A server after retiring must be given time to get into position for receiving.

Foul—To use foot to strike ball.Penalty—Server loses hand; receiver, point to server.

Foul—To use foot to strike ball.

Penalty—Server loses hand; receiver, point to server.

X. Hinder.—To stop a ball going to front wall, if unintentional, ball is dead and must be served again.

Foul—If intentional, hinder.Penalty—Server loses hand; receiver, point to server.

Foul—If intentional, hinder.

Penalty—Server loses hand; receiver, point to server.

XI. Ball to be fair must strike at least six inches above floor, that is, above the tell board.

Foul—Intentional.Applying to doubles.

Foul—Intentional.

Applying to doubles.

XII. Served ball strikes server’s partner; called a hinder.

Foul—Hit, hinder for serving side.Penalty—Loss of hand.

Foul—Hit, hinder for serving side.

Penalty—Loss of hand.

XIII. Server’s partner interferes with the ball before it is played by either of the two opposing players.

Foul—Hit, hinder by server’s partner.Penalty—Loss of hand.

Foul—Hit, hinder by server’s partner.

Penalty—Loss of hand.

XIV. If a receiver strikes ball so that it strikes partner it is a hinder.

Foul—Hit, point for receiver.

XV. If a receiver strikes either of opponents with ball, a hinder.

Foul—Hit, point for receiver, decided by referee.

To some, the practice required to develop good form in fencing may at first seem tedious. This practice, however, not only rounds out the form of the fencer, but also is very beneficial in that it exercises the muscles of the entire body and in that it cultivates quick thinking and stimulates mental alertness. From the physical point of view fencing tends to develop symmetrically all the muscles of the body, to give a lightness and quickness of movement, gracefulness, and generally to strengthen the body. To fence well it is necessary to think quickly and act calmly. The fencer must judge what is best suited for her to do. She must divine her opponent’s attack. Thus she must be mentally alert all the time.

For the beginner and inexperienced fencer, it is necessary to have a good foil, one that is the proper weight for the strength of the fencer. Never use a foil that is too heavy; it is better to have a light than heavy one. A foil must also have the proper balance. To test the foil lay the blade across the finger about an inch below the hilt. If the weight is properly distributed it will balance. To avoid any accidents a fine-meshed mask and plastron or jacket should always be worn. If a glove is worn it should be loose enough to allow perfect freedom of action, but not so loose as to be cumbersome.

Rubber-soled shoes or a shoe that will not slip should be worn.

The handle of the foil has two sides, the concave and the convex. The foil is held, generally in the right hand, so that the concave of the handle rests in the palm; the convex is then the upper side; the fingers are closed around the handle, the thumb rests on the upper or convex side, without touching the hilt; the fingers must not overlap the thumb. The foil is held correctly when, i. e., for the right-handed fencer, the thumb nail faces upward and the finger nails toward the left. This position of the foil is called supination.

Another position is pronation. For this the back of hand is turned up, the fingers are drawn closer together and the thumb is closer to the fingers.

Form and skill count for the most in fencing, hence strict attention is paid to the different positions until the form is perfect. Quickness and good judgment are acquired with practice and experience. It is of course desirable to procure the services of a competent instructor when a beginner.

The fencer should remember to use mainly the fingers and wrist; the part played by the arms is subordinate.

Think quickly. Thrust and parry coolly and make every movement count. If your movements become hurried and flustered, the result is slashing, which is not good fencing—good headwork counts. Try to fathom your opponent’s methods and take advantage of every opening she gives. Consistent practice and confidence will enable you to be ready for any situation which may come about.

This is the elementary position in fencing. Stand at attention, body turned facing opponent outwardly, feet at right angles, the left foot pointing forward, the right foot outward toward opponent.

1. Raise the arm holding foil lightly, extend toward opponent, hand at height of and opposite the eye.

2. Drop the arm and foil, point outward, until it is a few inches from the floor.

3. Sweep the foil across the body so that the foil is horizontal. Grasp the blade close to the guard with fingers of the left hand, palm up. The right hand is reversed.

4. Bend arms over head in a circle, carrying foil upward so it is kept horizontal.

5. Lower right hand to height of the right breast, with foil directed outward toward opponent at the height of her eyes. Drop the left elbow, curving the hand over the left shoulder.

6. Bend the legs, separating them at the knees.

7. Advance the right foot in a direct line from the left heel to opponent. The right knee should be bent over the right foot, both feet should be flat on the floor.

After these seven movements have been practised and the position on guard reached quickly and accurately, the fencer may take up more advanced work. The natural instinct is to defend oneself, so a scientific means of defense is taught. Any movement that turns away an opponent’s foil is called a parry. As the fencing jacket is divided into different lines of engagement, there is a set parry for each. In all parries, it is important toturn the point of the opponent’s foil away from your body. Parries are divided into two main classes, simple and counter. The following are the simple parries:

Using the fingers and wrist, the foil is carried across body from right to left, turning the point of opponent’s foil away from the attack; the right forearm protects the left side, the elbow is close at side and in a line with the hip bone; the tip of foil points up; the foil is held in supination.

The foil moves from left to right, protecting the right side. The hand is held in supination.

The hand is moved as in quarte; the hand is held in supination; the point is dropped to the waistline by a semi-circular movement outward.

With the hand similar to that of septime the foil is moved outward in a semi-circle and the point is dropped.

For this, the hand from quarte is lowered toward the hip, point upward.

The foil is held in pronation. The parry of Sixte covers the same line of engagement except in the difference in holding the foil.

From quarte, the hand is moved toward the left shoulder, the point dropped, the back of hand is turned upward and outward.

The hand is in pronation; it covers the same ground as octave.

Besides these simple parries are counter parries, which are circles described with the tip of the foil around the opponent’s foil, holding the foil as close as possible to hers.

In all the parries it is practice, so that the movements are smooth and the recovery from the parry to the on-guard position is instantaneous. The fingers and wrist should be used mainly in the parries, the arm movement should be as slight as possible.

A fundamental of the attack first to be learned is the thrust. The tip of the foil is aimed at the point to be hit, the arm is straightened. Added to the thrust in the attack is the lunge. The right foot is carried forward (about twice its length), the left leg is straightened, the weight of the body is on the right leg, which is bent at the knee. The left arm is carried straight down at the side, palm of the hand turned outward. The thrust and the advance with the foot are simultaneous. The lunge requires much practice to develop a quick attack and recovery. One important factor to be remembered in the lunge is never to get the balance too far over theright knee. Also never let any part of the left foot leave the floor. Immediately after the lunge and the thrust, the fencer should quickly resume the original position, i. e., the on guard position.

There are many different methods of attack, divided into two main classes, primary and secondary. Primary attack is one that is begun by yourself; secondary attack is one when you attack in an opening your opponent gives in her attack. Besides these are false attacks to decoy the opponent’s attack.

The Direct Lunge.—This is one form of attack, though the straight attack is generally preceded by disengages. A riposte is a thrust unaccompanied by a lunge; this is important in secondary attack.

The Disengage.—In order to attack in a center line, it may be necessary to raise the point of your foil over or drop it under the point of your adversary’s.

The Counter Disengage.—This is a disengage (or more than one) followed by a circling of the tip of your foil around your opponent’s foil, followed by an attack on your part.

The Coupe(cut over).—The point of the foil is raised by the fingers and carried down on the opposite side of your opponent’s foil, accompanied by the lunge.

In the attack the fencer should remember to keep the right arm straight, to aim at the line carefully, to always be in a position to guard closely.

In a match or competitive bout, the umpire decides the hits, but it is courtesy to acknowledge a hit yourself.

A graceful swimmer is as fascinating to watch as a graceful dancer. Anyone with a thorough knowledge of the strokes and with sufficient confidence in her own ability may develop into a graceful and competent swimmer. Everyone should learn to swim well, because it is not only one of the best physical exercises, but also is a useful accomplishment in case of emergency. Swimming is an all-around exercise, since it brings into play all the muscles of the body. Not only is swimming good from the above points of view, but also as a rule it stimulates and refreshes, and combined withal there is generally an element of fun which lends zest to the sport.

Those girls who fail to enjoy their swimming do so because they have no confidence in their ability. It is foolhardy to venture into deep water when one cannot swim well, but if there are good swimmers in the proximity and a float or some other object close by which can be reached by merely stretching out the arm, then is the time to gain confidence and corresponding ability and endurance.

Never swim in dangerous water alone. Never swim when tired. Over-exertion in swimming, much more so than in other sports, should be watched for, especially in racing and long distance swims, and if any of the contestants tire, they should leave the water.

There are two faults the mediocre swimmer—even the average swimmer—is apt to have, namely, poor breathingand hurried strokes. It is important to learn to breathe well. The breathing should be regular and is varied according to the different strokes. The common tendency is to hold the breath until it is a physical impossibility to hold it any longer, then let it out through the mouth with a gasp, hold the breath again, etc.

In haste to reach the objective point, the swimmer is sometimes apt to hurry her stroke. Thereby she fails to execute her strokes in good form, usually floundering and splashing without deriving any force or impetus from her efforts. This is not only ineffectual, but it is exceedingly exhausting and tiring. The strokes should always be completed in perfect form and rhythm.

There are varied types of strokes; often one stroke is more suited to an individual than another. Swimming is just as individual as walking, for it is rarely that two people swim in identically the same manner. Often bad habits become fixed, unconsciously, even in the strokes of the best swimmers, so it is well to watch one’s form carefully.

The Breast Stroke.—In the breast stroke, the swimmer is lying in the water flat upon the breast. The feet should be but a few inches below the water; the head is carried so that the mouth is just under the water; the legs are together and straight, toes pointing back; the arms are stretched straight in front, hands just touching each other, palms down, fingers together; with elbow stiff, the arms are circled back close under and parallel to the surface until they are at right angles to the body; the hands are turned in the beginning of the stroke sothat the palms are outward; then the elbows are bent so that they are drawn back and close to the body, and the hands, palms down, are brought together at the chest, ready to shoot forward to the starting position; when the arms are drawn back the mouth is carried above the water, then the swimmer should inhale through the mouth; when the arms shoot forward then exhale, preferably through the nostrils; the beginning of the kick is made as the arms are drawn up to the chest; the legs are drawn up, heels together, knees bent out; simultaneously as the hands are shot forward, legs are kicked outward, then the heels are brought quickly together.

In this stroke the body gets its impetus from the reach of the arms and the kick. Thus the body should glide through the water until the momentum is used up, then the arms are circled back, etc. Always try to utilize the momentum. All the parts of the stroke quickly follow one another, so that the entire stroke is smooth.

The Side Stroke.—In this stroke the kick is very important. The scissors kick is used. The body lies with shoulder and side flat in the water, usually the right side; the upper leg is kept straight, almost stiff, and is kicked forward; the under leg is bent backward from the knee; then the legs are brought together and closed with a snap; the arms are stretched overhead, palms out; the upper arm, kept rigid, with the hand slightly cupped, circles just under the surface to the thigh, then the elbow is bent and the arm carried above the water to the first position; the under arm starts as the upper finishes and is carried to lower thigh; then, the elbow bent,it is shot forwardunderthe surface of the water, palm of hand down.

The whole stroke is: Upper arm starts the pull, the legs are opened, and breath is inhaled; then as the upper arm finishes the under arm starts, the legs are snapped together; breath is exhaled as the under arm goes forward.

The Trudgeon.—The scissors kick as described in the side stroke is used also in the trudgeon. This kick is very important and should be practised carefully until the swimmer is perfect.

It is always better to swim on the right side if it is possible, as it relieves the pressure the heart is apt to be subjected to if the swimmer prefers the left side. The body rests in the water, arm stretched at full length, the palms are turned down; the upper arm catches the water and is brought down, the elbow is fairly stiff, palms turned slightly outward, fingers together; when arm is straight alongside the body, then the elbow is bent and the arm carried forward above the water to the first position; as the upper arm finishes, the under arm executes the same stroke as the upper arm; the body is rolled.

The whole stroke should be practised together, so that it is smoothly and accurately done. First, the upper arm catches the water, the body is slightly rolled, head twisted so that breath may be inhaled during the pull, the legs are opened at start of pull and closed at the end of pull. Then under arm catches the water, the body is rolled so that the face is in the water, and during thepull the breath is exhaled slowly under the water. Then, as under arm finishes the pull, the upper arm enters the water, etc.

The Crawl.—The crawl is the racing stroke. The best-way to begin is first to perfect the movement of the arms. The body is flat in the water, face down, arms slightly bent at the elbow, stretched over head so that wrists are a little beyond the head; the hands cut and are driven through the water, elbows still bent, until the hands reach the hip, then they are carried out the water and forward, elbows in air. The arms alternate, so that while one arm is traveling back under the water, the other is traveling forward in the air to resume the stroke.

The breathing in this stroke is hard to master. As the face is in the water, the breath is taken only every two or three strokes by turning the head quickly as the upper arm is being brought down; the exhaling is done under water, while the under arm goes forward. This is for racing; a breath may be taken at each stroke when the stroke is slower.

In the kick, the legs are stiff from the hip, knees close together, then they are moved up and down alternately with the feet close together. It is difficult at first to maintain the leg drive, to make the whole stroke smooth, and to breathe easily, but these difficulties may be conquered by practice.

Plain Back Stroke.—The body is flat on the back in the water, the arms are straight over the head, the palms of hands upward; the palms are turned outward, then the arms, stiff at the elbow, are circled down close to thesurface and parallel to it; after the arms are straight by the body, they are carried to the first position, perfectly straight, and clear of the water; the legs are straight, then as the arms clear the water for the recovery, they are bent as in the breast stroke kick, kicked out straight, then the heels are brought together.

This stroke is almost the same as the breast stroke.

Another stroke is the same positions for the arms as the plain back stroke combined with the leg drive of the crawl.

Still another is the same, except that the arms move alternately as in trudgeon stroke.

Floating.—In order to float on the back, the balance of the body must be determined; hence it is often necessary if the feet sink to throw the head back and raise the arms over the head. In some cases, if the legs are bent, it helps the balance. After practice, the swimmer soon learns to float. Short breaths, keeping the lungs as full of air as possible, are better than long ones.

Plunge for Distance.—In reality this is floating with the face flat down in the water. The first part of the plunge is the dive, which gives the impetus. The dive taken is the shallow dive. As the breath is held from the minute the head enters the water until the plunge is finished, it is necessary that the lungs be well filled. After the body is in the water, the muscles should be relaxed, and the swimmer should keep the air in the lower part of the lungs. The plunge should be as straight as possible; the direction may be changed by moving the arms (which are stretched straight out in front) orthe head in the direction desired. This motion should be slight, as the least friction impedes progress, and distance is the desired result.

As diving is a very large subject, it is impossible to give in detail all the varied dives. There are three important dives everyone should know—the front, back, and shallow or racing dive. The beauty of diving is in the form.

The Front Dive.—The diver stands erect at the end of the spring board, falls forward, then as the body passes the balance point, the arms are raised straight over the head, knees bent; then spring out so that the body is parallel to water, arms above head; the body is curved downward and enters the water, arms, head, body, and legs forming a straight line.

In springing, jump out parallel to the water. The running dive is very similar.

Back Dive.—The diver turns with back to the water, heels over the edge of board into space; the arms are over head, body is curved backward; as the balance point is reached, spring out, turning body as it enters the water.

The position of the head is important. Ducking the head or throwing it too far back, added to stiffness of the body, makes the dive awkward. The legs should never be apart, but together; toes pointed, so that feet are not flat; the fingers should be together.

The shallow dive, known as the racing dive, is important for those interested in speed swimming, as is the racing turn.

The Racing Dive.—The swimmer stands with the body bent forward, arms back; then, as body falls forward, the knees are bent and the spring out is taken; the body strikes the water arms over head, the whole body in a straight line with the arms and legs. Do not dive so that you sink into the water, but try to strike it at the right angle, so that you will sink only a few inches. The arms start the stroke as soon as they reach the surface, then the legs commence as the arms are recovering.

The Racing Turn.—The wall is touched by the arm that the turn is to be made on. The previous strokes must be timed so that the arm may touch the wall stretched straight out in front. The hand touches the wall (above the water line) palm against the wall, fingers pointing the way the body is to turn.

The body is swung along the wall so that bottoms of the feet touch the wall (a little below the water); then with a backward stroke of the arms, which have been brought to the hip, palms pointing in front, fingers down, the body is brought right against the wall, nearly touching; then the arms are forward, the legs straightened, thus gaining impetus; the arms start the stroke, then the legs commence as the arms start the recovery.

For racing, constant practice of the start, stroke and turn is necessary. First the swimmer should perfect her form of stroke, then the speed may be increased by practice swims of a short distance at first, which may beincreased slowly. A swimmer should always be in good condition. Never swim so much as to get stale; never over-exert. It doesn’t pay in the end.

Choose the event you are the most proficient in and stick to that one until you are perfect in it.

It is necessary for the water polo player to know how to tread water, that is, to remain stationary in the water with the least effort. The body is upright in the water, as in a standing position. The legs are moved up and down, the arms are spread out, bent at the elbow, and moved up and down gently. The whole movement should be as slight as possible, so that the greatest possible amount of rest may be obtained.

For swimming meets there should be a set program of events. The contestants should be entered ahead of time. Handicaps may be granted if the swimmers are unevenly matched.

There should be a referee to conduct the meet; a clerk of the course, who sees that the participants are notified of the events; a scorer, who keeps an official score; three judges, who watch for fouls; three timers, a starter, and an announcer.

Score.—The score is, as a rule, 5 for first place, 3 for second, 1 for third. Relay races are often counted indifferent ways: 5 points, 6 points, or 8 points are the most common for the first place.

The signal for the start should be: 1. “Get- on your marks.” 2. “Get set.” 3. “Go.” (Pistol shot.) There should be no stepping over or back from starting line.

Three false starts disqualify a competitor.

Each swimmer should keep in her own course. If she crosses into the course of another swimmer and touches her she is liable to disqualification.

In turning the swimmer should touch the end of the pool with one or both hands.

The swimmer must touch the finish line with a hand out of the water.

If the stroke is judged for form the competitor must dive into the water, swim a given distance, turn, all in perfect form.

In the plunge for distance the dive should be made from a firm take-off. The body must be kept motionless, face down, no longer than sixty seconds, however. The distance is measured from a line parallel to the diving base, at right angles to base, to the farthest point reached by any part of the body.

A certain number of plunges, usually two or three, is allowed to each competitor.

In diving there are usually a list of required and voluntary dives. The judges consider the form with which the dive was executed. (Form is treated under diving.) The scale of points usually is:

Unsuccessful attempt, 0; Poor dive, 3; Fair dive, 6; Good dive, 8; Excellent dive, 10.

The all-around swimming test as practised at Bryn Mawr College in a 68-foot pool, the details of which have been contributed by Mr. Philip Bishop, Athletic Director of the Haverford School and Advisory Swimming Coach at Bryn Mawr College, is given herewith.

This test is taken in three sections: diving, plunge and object dive in one section; form and speed in another; endurance and underwater swim in the third.

Section 1.—Speed test, two lengths to be done in 44 seconds; form swimming, breast stroke, back stroke and trudgeon, or crawl stroke.

Section 2.—Endurance test, 150 yards in 3 minutes; underwater swim, 50 feet.

Section 3.—Diving, standing straight dive, running straight dive, standing high dive; fancy diving, four dives, which include jackknife, back dive and somersaults; plunge, 30 feet; object dive, must pick up 6 rings in 3 attempts.

The successful competitor must score 85 per cent to qualify as a first-class swimmer.

This test is by no means a hard one, but it requires practice. The object is to make all-around swimmers and to teach the correct method of diving and making the strokes employed.

Water basket ball and water polo are two thrilling and interesting games. They are so similar in general characteristics that they are treated here in the same chapter.

From my own experience I believe them to be the most strenuous games played by women. By that I do not mean that they are necessarily harmful. I do believe, however, that they should be played only under the most careful supervision of a medical or physical training authority. Two points should be considered before a girl is permitted to participate in either of these games:

1. All players should be in perfect physical condition.

2. All players should be strong and capable swimmers.

3. Careful examination should be made of each player when she comes from the tank at the end of the first period and after the game, for that, after all, is the best test as to whether she is fit.

1. To be in good condition the player should have perfect heart action and good lung capacity, and she should be generally in good condition.

2. She should be a swimmer of endurance, experience and confidence. The beginner tires in the effort to swim strongly and constantly.

3. If the player is qualified in every respect she may try the game. If after playing she seems exhausted or chilled, and is tired the following day, then she has not the stamina to participate in water sports.

[Reprinted from Spalding’s Athletic Library No. 361—Intercollegiate Swimming Guide.]

Water basket ball may be played in any pool, or if played in the open should not cover more than 2,500 square feet of space. The water should be of swimming depth, that is, the players must not be able to stand on the bottom. There should be lines drawn “across the bottom of the pool and up the sides 15 feet from the ends, called 15-foot lines.”

Equipment.—The necessary equipment is a regulation water polo ball and two regulation Spalding baskets with a firm background, 6 feet by 4, extending at least 3 feet above the top of each basket. The baskets shall be hammock nets of cord, suspended from metal rings 18 inches in diameter. The rings shall be 5½ feet above the water in the center of the ends of the pool. The inside rims shall extend 6 inches from a rigid supporting surface.

Teams.—Each team consists of six players-three forwards and three backs. Captains toss for goals.

Start.—Each team lines up at its own end; the ball is thrown into center of the pool; the forwards swim after the ball; the backs must play back and not swim up after ball. The forwards are the offensive players and should be the fastest swimmers. They should also be able to throw goals. The forwards advance the ball toward the opponents’ basket. The center forward should feed the two side forwards and guard the opposing center back.

Score.—A goal thrown into the basket from the field counts two points, and a free throw granted for a foulby opposing side counts one point. Teams line up as in beginning after a score has been made. The backs each guard an opposing forward and try to prevent their scoring.

Officials.—There is a referee who is in entire charge of game, calling fouls, free throws, time out and goals. There is a scorer, also a timer.

Time.—There are two halves, not less than five minutes nor more than eight minutes each, with five minutes intermission. Ends are changed at the beginning of the second half. Time is taken out for disputes, accidents, free tries.

Out of Bounds.—When the ball is sent out of bounds by one team it is given to a player of opposing team at place where it went out. Player must throw ball within five seconds or it is given to opposing side.

Free Throw.—A free throw is granted to a forward upon a foul made by opposite side. The free throw is taken from the fifteen-foot mark by one of the forwards, who is unguarded at time of throw. If the goal is not made, the ball is in play. If goal is made, play begins according to start.

Fouls.—The penalty for a foul is a free throw for opposing side. There are rough fouls such as kicking, striking, tackling, holding, deliberate splashings.

When an opponent has the ball she may be tackled and “ducked” under the water by one of the opposing players.

A player may not be held under water after she has let go of ball. A player may not tackle by or hold toopponent’s clothing, although blocking is allowed. There should be no holding with hands or legs. A player may not hang on to sides when she has the ball. The ball may not intentionally be held under water.

Tie.—A tie may be played off in another three-minute period. If game ends after foul is made, the free throw is taken. No goal is counted after whistle has blown.

In both water basket ball and water polo the swimmer should use the easiest and least tiring stroke. Whenever there is an opportunity, a rest either by hanging on to sides or treading water (see Swimming) ought to be taken. Both games afford opportunity for team work in passing and dribbling. In dribbling, the ball is kept in front of body within easy reach for a good pass if the dribbler is attacked.

The main factor in water polo is learning how to handle the ball. The hand should be placed under the ball, then the ball is lifted in the air and thrown with all the strength of the shoulder and arm. It is ineffectual to try to grab the ball or push it. It must be picked up.

The ball is tossed to the middle of the pool, then the forwards swim up as fast as they can to get the ball. The forwards are chosen for their speed and endurance. Every forward should learn to shoot hard and accurately. The center forward is usually the fastest girl on the team. The center forward who gets the ball in the swim-up usually tosses it back to her center-half or to one of the side forwards. The forwards try to advance the ball, so that a good shot for their opponents’ goal may beobtained. If the field is clear the forward may dribble the ball, i. e., keep the ball moving close in front of her. Usually, however, it is better to advance the ball by passes. One forward at least should stay close to the goal, ready to send in any short shots.

The center half guards the opposing forward and feeds the ball to her forwards. There is a guard for each of the side forwards. It is the best policy for the guards to stay between the forwards and the goal. Stick to your opponent; never let her get a free shot.

The goal keeper must be able to reach out of the water and catch the high balls sent into the goal. She must also be quick. Remember, you can use both hands to handle the ball. The guards always must help the goal keeper cover the goal area, never leaving her unguarded, yet they must not interfere with her or prevent her seeing clearly.

[Printed through courtesy of Mr. Philip Bishop, Physical Director Haverford School and Advisory Coach of Swimming at Bryn Mawr College.]

Ball.—The ball used shall be a leather association football.

Goals.—The width of the goals to be 10 feet, the cross-bar to be 3 feet above the surface when the water is 5 feet or over in depth, and to be 8 feet from the bottom when the water is less than 5 feet in depth.

Field of Play.—The distance between the goals shall not exceed 30 yards, nor be less than 19 yards; the width shall be not more than 20 yards and shall be of even width throughout the field of play. The goal posts shall be fixed at least 1 foot from the end of the bath or any obstruction. In baths, the halfway line and also the 4 yards penalty lines shall be marked on both sides.

What greater pleasure can anyone enjoy during the summer than a good swim in the open. The picture shows the girls of the New York Public Schools Athletic League practising diving in one of their pools.

Volley Ball—a comparatively new game. It is splendid for growing school girls and may be played in recess periods—exciting, exhilarating, healthful.

Time.—The duration of the match shall be 14 minutes, 7 minutes each way. Three minutes to be allowed at half time for change of ends. When the ball crosses the goal line, whether it be a goal, corner throw or goal throw, it shall be dead until the restart of the game or until it leaves the hand of the player taking the throw, and such time shall be deducted. Time occupied by disputes and fouls, or when the ball is thrown from the field of play or lodges on an obstruction, as per Rule for Out of Play, shall not be reckoned as in time of play.

Officials.—The officials shall consist of a referee, a timekeeper, two goal scorers and two umpires.

Teams.—Each side shall consist of seven players, two forwards, two halves, two fullbacks and one goal keeper.

Starting.—The players shall enter the water and place themselves in a line with their respective goals. The referee shall stand in a line with the center of the course and, having ascertained that the captains are ready, shall give the word “Go,” and immediately throw the ball into the water at the center. A goal shall not be scored after starting or restarting until the ball has been handled (viz., played with the hand below the wrist) either by the members of one team, in which case the scorer shall be within half-distance of the goal attacked, or by a player of each team. The ball must be handled by more than one player before a goal can be scored.

Scoring.—A goal shall be scored by the entire ball passing beyond the goal posts and under the cross-bar.

Ordinary Fouls.—It shall be a foul:

(a) To touch the ball with both hands at the same time.

(b) To hold the rail or side during any part of the game, except for rest. Goal keeper cannot interfere while holding, but can hold all the time so long as she does not play.

(d) To interfere with an opponent or impede her in any way unless she is holding the ball.

(e) To hold the ball under water when tackled.

(f) To jump from the bottom or push off from the side (except at starting or restarting) in order to play the ball or “duck” an opponent.

(g) To hold, pull back, or push off from an opponent.

(h) To turn on the back and kick at an opponent.

(i) To assist a player at the start or restart.

(j) For the goal keeper to go more than 4 yards from her own goal lines.

(k) To throw the ball at the goal keeper from a free throw.

(l) To refuse to play the ball at the command of the referee after a foul or after the ball has been out of the field of play.

Note.—Dribbling or striking the ball is not holding; but lifting, carrying, pressing under water or placing the hand under or over the ball when actually touching, is holding. Dribbling the ball lip through the posts is permissible.

Wilful Fouls.—If, in the opinion of the referee, a player commits an ordinary foul wilfully, the referee shall at once order her out of the water until a goal has been scored. It shall be considered a wilful foul to start before word “go;” to deliberately waste time; to deliberately change position after whistle has blown with a view to taking an advantage of an opponent; to deliberately splash in the face of an opponent.

Free Throws.—The penalty for each foul shall be a free throw to the opposing side from the place where the foul occurred. A goal cannot be scored from a free throw, unless the ball has been handled (viz., played with the hand below the wrist), by at least one other player, the goal keeper excepted.

Penalty Throws.—A player wilfully fouled when within four yards of her opponents’ goal line shall be awarded a penalty throw, and the player who commits the offense must be ordered out of the water until a goal has been scored. The penalty throw shall be taken from any point on the four-yard line. In the case of a penalty throw it shall not be necessary for the ball to be handled by any other player before the goal can be scored, but any player within the four-yard line may intercept a penalty throw.

Note.—A player ordered out of the water for committing a wilful foul must remain out until a goal has been scored, notwithstanding that half-time may intervene or extra time be played, except by permission of the referee.

Declaring Fouls.—The referee or umpires shall declare a foul by blowing a whistle. The player nearest to where the foul occurred shall take the throw. The other players shall remain in their respective positions from the blowing of the whistle until the ball has left the hand of the player taking the throw. In the event of one or more players from each team committing a foul so nearly at the same moment as to make it impossible for the referee to distinguish who offended first, she shall have the ball out of the water and throw it in as nearly as possible at the place where the foul occurred in such a manner that one member of each team may have equal chance of playing the ball. In such cases the ball must be allowed to touch the water before it is handled and must be handled (i. e., played with the hand below the wrist) by more than one player before a goal can be scored.

Goal Keeper.—The goal keeper may stand to defend her goal, and must not throw the ball beyond half distance; the penalty for doing so shall be a free throw to the opposing side from half distance at either side of the field of play. She must keep within four yards of her own goal line or concede a free throw from the four-yard line to her nearest opponent. The goal keeper is exempt from clausesa,c, andfin Rule for Ordinary Fouls, but she may be treated as any other player when in possession of the ball. Except when injury or illness compel her to leave the water, the goal keeper can only be changed at half time.

Goal Line Corner Throws.—A player throwing the ball over her own goal line shall concede a free corner throw to her opponents, and such free corner throw shall be taken by the player of the opposing side nearest the point where the ball leaves the field of play; if the attacking side throw the ball over, it shall be a free goal throw to their opponents’ goal keeper.

Out of Play.—Should a player send the ball out of the field of play at either side, it shall be thrown in any direction fromwhere it went out by one of the opposing side, and shall be considered a free throw. The player nearest the point where the ball leaves the field of play must take the throw. Should a ball strike an overhead obstruction and rebound into the field of play, it shall be considered in play; but if it lodges on or in an overhead obstruction, it shall be considered out of play, and the referee shall then stop the game and throw the ball into the water under the obstruction on or in which it had lodged.

Declaring Goals, Time, etc.—The referee shall declare fouls, half-time and time by whistle; the timekeeper may notify half-time and time by whistle.

Volley ball is another team game which is rapidly becoming popular among girls. It may be played indoors or outdoors and can be enjoyed by large groups of girls. The game is a combination of tennis and hand ball and consists of keeping a ball in motion over a high net.

Many girls, particularly the young and those who are weakly, are compelled to refrain from indulging in many of our most popular games. These can play volley ball without running the risk of any serious injury. There is no bodily contact with opponents. The ball is soft and does not injure the one hitting it or anyone who may accidentally be hit with it.

The space, ball and net usually can be acquired with little difficulty, and the ball and net are very inexpensive when we consider how long they last and the number of games which can be enjoyed by a great many persons before they have to be repaired or replaced.

While the rules call for a definite size of court, it should be remembered that a good game can be played and lots of fun enjoyed in school rooms and other places that may be available, where the space and other requirements are less than those specified.

The rules for the game are revised annually by a joint committee of the Young Men’s Christian Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association and are published in Spalding’s Athletic Library.

[The Philadelphia Hockey League has been successfully organized as is told by Miss Josephine Katzenstein, a member of the Lansdowne hockey team. Miss Katzenstein has been chosen for the All-Philadelphia team every year since its start. Previous to this, she played on the Bryn Mawr ’varsity. It is needless to say that she is one of the best forwards that ever played in the Philadelphia League.—Editor.]

When we consider that before 1901 field hockey for women was hardly more than a name in and around Philadelphia, and that since that year enthusiasm for the game has so steadily grown that we have now perhaps the finest hockey league in the country, we may justly feel optimistic on the subject of athletics for women.

In 1907, there were eight hockey clubs in this vicinity—enough to organize an inter-club hockey league. Merion Cricket Club, Belmont Cricket Club, Lansdowne Country Club, Germantown Hockey Club, Philadelphia Cricket Club, Moorestown Field Club, Haddonfield Hockey Club, and Frankford Cricket Club composed the league. Later Belmont went out of existence, Frankford and Moorestown withdrew, and Temple College joined the league. Now Lansdowne, Germantown, Haddonfield, Philadelphia and Merion have second teams, while Riverton plays only in the second league.

The different teams must have distinguishing colors, and no club joining the league may use the colors already adopted by another club. So far Temple is the onlyclub far-sighted enough to play in bloomers instead of in hampering skirts. It is hoped by many that all may soon follow her wise example. Professionals are barred from competition on any league team. A team may be admitted to the league upon application to and approval by the Executive Committee. Each team has to play two matches with every other club in the league—one on the home field and one on the opponent’s.

Since 1908 a committee formed of a representative from each club has chosen an All-Philadelphia team to play outside teams, after the inter-club games are over. This has proved an incentive to consistently good playing all season, as one knows that the critics’ eyes are on one in every game. It has also helped to spread the interest in hockey.

Bryn Mawr, New York, Baltimore and Rosemary Hall (Greenwich, Conn.) teams have been met repeatedly by the All-Philadelphia team.

It is with pleasure that I take this opportunity to give you a glimpse of the work of the Junior Colleges of Missouri in Athletics.

In 1914, the organization known as the Junior College Athletic Association of Missouri was formed. Up until this time there were only a few of the colleges devoting much time to athletics. Howard Payne has for years been one of the strongest supporters of athletics for women, not only within her own college, but a strong advocate of intercollegiate sports. Since the organization there have been four out of the seven junior colleges which have taken up active intercollegiate basket ball-Christian College and Stephens College, both of Columbia, Mo., Lindenwood of St. Charles and Howard Payne of Fayette. I feel confident that in another year the remaining three will join our ranks. We also have our tennis tournaments every spring.

In the year 1915, we started for the first time work in track and field athletics. A dual meet was held here on May 17 between Howard Payne and Stephens. It met with such overwhelming success that we have planned to make it an annual event. There were several physicians present at the meet, and they were very enthusiastic in their praise of the work, saying that it was one of the finest moves that had been made withinrecent years for the development of our girls. Notwithstanding these facts, there is still a great deal of prejudice against this particular form of athletics, and the two questions that are uppermost in the minds of a great many are: “Are we taking chances with the girls’ future health by allowing these sports?” “Do the advantages gained overshadow the possible danger?” These questions should be given careful consideration by the physical directors and they should see to it that the girls under their charge receive careful training and supervision. It is only in this way that we shall be able to break down the prevailing prejudices. I should say that under proper conditions and supervision the gain in health and strength far outweighs the risks of danger. Here in our own school the girls who are most active in athletics are the healthiest and are rarely ever absent from classes because of illness.

Since the meet held here in Fayette in 1915 was the first intercollegiate meet of its kind for girls in this section of the country, it might be of interest to include in this article the various events used:

Target shooting50-yard dashBase ball throw60-yard hurdles (3 hurdles)Discus—2-l/2 pounds75-yard dashShot-put—8 poundsRunning high jumpBasket ball throwRunning broad jump220-yard dash

Among the sanctioned activities of the Girls’ Branch of the Public Schools Athletic League are the following team games for the Elementary Schools: End Ball, Captain Ball, Basket Ball, Punch Ball, Indoor Base Ball.

End Ballcan be played by a varied number of players. The playing rules are to be found in the Official Handbook of the Girls’ Branch of the Public Schools Athletic League, published by the American Sports Publishing Company. This book says: “The object of the game is for the guards on one side to throw the ball over the heads of the guards on the opposite side to their own basemen, at the end of the opposite field. Each such ball caught by a baseman shall score one point for the side catching it.

“The object of the intervening guards is to intercept the ball before it can reach the basemen at their rear, and to throw it in turn to their own basemen at the rear of the opposite court, over the heads of the intervening opponents.”

Captain Ball.—“The main object of the game is for the basemen of a team to pass the ball from one to another, each pass successfully made scoring for the team, as described under ‘Score.’

“The object of the guards is to intercept the passage of the ball and send it back to their own basemen forsimilar play.” For the rules and details see Official Handbook of the League.

Basket Ball.—The Spalding Athletic Library rules for the line game are used.

Punch Ball.—For this the league rules as set forth in Official Handbook. “The object of the batter is to hit the ball into the field in such a way that it may not be caught by the fielders, and to run to first base. The object of the fielders is to return the ball to their catcher, who shall stand on the home plate and hold the ball before the batter reaches first base. If the fielders muff the ball and are slow in returning it to home plate, the batter who has reached first may continue on to second or third base, or as far as in her judgement she can get before the ball reaches home plate. The player running the bases may always advance a base whenever the opportunity occurs and the ball is in play. The final object of the player running to the bases is to touch each base and to reach the home plate without being put out, thus scoring one run for her side.”

Besides these team games, the league sanctions the following activities, which are conducted according to rules and regulations set forth in the Official Handbook: Folk Dancing, Walking, Swimming, Horseback Riding, Ice and Roller Skating, Rope Skipping, Bicycling, Coasting, Golf, Lawn Tennis, Hand Tennis, Heavy Gymnastics, Track and Field Events, Field Hockey, Volley Ball, Newcomb and Pin Ball.

New York witnessed the establishment of the first Intercollegiate Alumnæ Athletic Association the world has known. And its organization proves beyond a doubt the strong grip that athletics are getting on the modern woman.

In 1913 a group of twenty-five alumnæ from Barnard College, which met for swimming and basket ball, sowed the seed for the present association. That seed grew so quickly that by 1916 there had been 974 enrollments for the athletic work which the Alumnae Committee on Athletics of Barnard College had originated, and the activities had grown until they included, besides basket ball and swimming, social, folk and æsthetic dancing, bowling, hand ball, gymnasium work, indoor and outdoor horseback riding, with drill work, polo and basket ball on horseback, field hockey, base ball, tennis, tramping, summer boat and trolley trips, swimming parties, and college picnics of all kinds.

Three factors have contributed to the success of the alumnæ athletic movement in New York. In the first place, its activities have been carried on outside of business hours—in evenings, or during week-ends—so thatcollege women who work, as well as their more leisurely sisters, could enjoy the fun. In the second place, the social end as well as the athletic has been provided for in the making of all plans, and as a result alumnæ athletics, through their informality and atmosphere of “camaraderie,” are serving to bring together college individuals and groups as nothing else can. And, in the third place, everything has been planned as simply and inexpensively as possible, as witness the fact that horses are secured at one of the best New York academies for sixty-three cents an hour, including instruction, and that members who have no habits ride in middy blouses and bloomers. There is no pretense at “style,” but every emphasis on fun.

The new association is a pioneer in its field, and is being watched with much interest by college men and women alike. It is hoped that before long similar associations will spring up in various sections of the country, and that college women will soon have the organized facilities for exercise and recreation for the possession of which they have always envied their college brothers.

Which city will be the first to follow New York’s successful example?

Miss Schoedler has very kindly consented to give advice to any group of college women in any city who wish to form an organization for the purpose of continuing athletics. Communications to Miss Schoedler at 249 West 107th Street, New York City, will result in a prompt answer.—The Editor.

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