Book Description

This volume (i.e., anthology) of selected historical topics on the subject of American sport and physical education history to 1975 has been re-issued because professional students in physical activity education and educational sport need to fully understand the background of the field they are entering. The fine efforts of the many colleagues of the editor and author were rated highly by the editors of Choice in September, 1975. It is now 34 years later. The typical history course in professional preparation programs in physical (activity) education and (educational) sport in the United States in the 20th century covers the world history of physical education and sport with significant emphasis on U.S.A history. This practice still prevails largely with the limited number of texts available, but there are "changes in the wind" occasioned by historical developments within the overall field. The editor/author believes strongly that "what has gone before" in American sport and physical education should not be forgotten. To continue colloquially, if you don't know "where you've been," it's hard to know "where you are," and really difficult to know "where you should go!" This is the plight facing the field at the beginning of the 21st century.