The Olympic Idea--an acquired educational cooperative-competitive attitude toward sport--is an important concept for athletes. This ideal can and must transcend nationalistic zeal, ideological struggles, and the omnipresent profit motive. (Author/RJG)

The Olympic Training Center at Squaw Valley is available to individuals and groups interested in advanced skill development. It offers training in sports and sports medicine techniques. Its use by the Olympic synchronized swimming team is highlighted. (JMF)

Love of competition must never be degraded by a passion for winning the game. This is especially true when teaching elementary age children who do not possess adult values of winning or losing. (MJB)

An intramural gymnastic competition, if properly organized, can foster student and community interest in gymnastics. Aspects of organization and essential preplanning include: directing, judging, scoring, and managing. (JN)

While the trampoline reached its peak of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, the frequency of accidental injuries prompted physical education departments to discontinue its use in student athletic activities. Safety guidelines are provided for reinstating the trampoline in recreational programs. (JN)

The author examines the psychological effects of winning and losing on children and discusses ways to reduce the emphasis on winning in youth sports programs. (MJB)

An Olympic-type event for people over the age of 55 is described. (JD)

Viewpoints are presented on the value of active competition in high school and college sports. (JD)

Blue Jeans Baseball, for eight- to twelve-year old children, is based on the concept that everyone plays. No coaches are allowed; everyone bats once per inning; defensive players rotate positions. These and other rules reduce the emphasis on competition and increase the emphasis on skill development. (MJB)

Several strategies are outlined to improve the opportunities for children to experience various sporting activities with the goal of promoting lifelong sport participation and national success in Olympic competition. (JMF)

The use of recreational sports as a less competitive alternative to intramurals is described. The background for development of such a program at the University of Pittsburgh is presented, along with an outline of its benefits. (JMF)

The physical fitness program for the USSR is strictly controlled throughout the Soviet military and civilian society. The civilian defense program (GTO) is designed to control the physical education of all citizens from ages 10-60. The focus of GTO is on preparing youth for military service. (JN)

Data obtained from a study indicated a need to identify the academic preparation of athletic coaches in higher education. Areas studied included: (1) degrees in physical education; (2) degrees in education, guidance and counseling, or administration; and (3) undergraduate participation in athletic activities. (JN)

Both physical education and youth sport are essential for the motor development of children. Sport-specific skills should be built on a sound movement foundation. Children need to be allowed to mature and to develop to higher levels of proficiency before being thrust into a competitive environment. (JN)

A collection of articles provides current instructional information to softball players and coaches. Topics discussed in the series include practice, basic skills, defense, pitching, catching, offense, and warm-up exercises to be used in conjunction with other conditioning drills. (JN)