Publication Date

1958

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

McAdam, Robert Everett, 1920-||Foster, Christine (Professor of physical education)

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Physical Education

LCSH

Gymnastics

Abstract

Probably the most abused technique in gymnastics today is spotting. Tne average college gymnast -will call upon anyone standing by to "spot" him on some trick he is learning. Unfortunately the person called upon to spot in most cases does not know the trick being attempted, the proper place to stand, or the danger points of the trick being attempted. The result we find generally is the spotter picks up the man after he hits the floor and helps put him on the stretcher. This is how a college coach, Maloney of the United States Military Academy, feels concerning spotting techniques. Speaking from the viewpoint of a high school coach and ex-collegiate competitor, the author can state that Mr. Maloney is absolutely correct except that this "spotting abuse" is not restricted to the collegiate level but also prevails at the high school level. Mr. Maloney has summarised tl» predicament very well in one short statement although there are many reasons for this "abuse" of the spotting technique. The main reason is inexperience and lack of knowledge. The author has seen several high schools initiate a pro­gram in trampolining and sometimes a complete program of gymnastics without having a trained person to control the program. This is not only foolhardy but a gross disregard of all educational principles. Ho supervisory head would think of putting the science program into the hands of a physical educator, nor should the gymnastic program be put into the hands of an untrained parson. Gymnastics is a highly specialized activity which should be guided only by a trained and experienced gymnast. EA Tom Maloney, "Spotting Techniques", The Mentor. Vol. 7. No. 8, April, 1958, pp. 26-27.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations.

Extent

114 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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