One of the most thorough, anthentic, and significant studies of a sports activity ever undertaken on a highly aca­demic plane is the Report to the Faculty on the Study of Intercollegiate Boxing at the University of Wisconsin, pub­lished on October 2, 1950.

It was enthusiastically hailed by all proponents of amateur boxing as a decisive victory for them over the many prejudiced individuals who have over a period of many years singled out amateur boxing (not to be confused with professional fighting) for malignment based on personal opinion and hearsay.

In effect, as will be noted in the conclusions, The Report gives amateur boxing as conducted under the N.C.A.A. boxing code a "clean bill of health."

Because of the great length of the original report, par­ticularly in respect to charts and lists of references, many dele­tions have been made in the following synopsis, which is com­prised entirely of verbatim excerpts.

REPORT TO THE FACULTY
ON THE STUDY OF INTERCOLLEGIATE BOXING
AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN

The Athletic Board of the University of Wisconsin was requested by the Faculty on April 5, 1948 "to furnish the Faculty with the facts pertaining to boxing as a collegiate sport." It was not possible for the Athletic Board alone to make the studies needed to obtain factual information on boxing because the Board is not made up of specialists in the subjects requiring investigation. Consequently, the prob­lems raised by the Faculty's request were discussed with Dean Middleton of the Medical School and with Dean Fowlkes of the School of Education.

Dean Middleton asked Dr. John W. Brown, Professor of Preventive Medicine and Director of the Department of Student Health, to head the study of the medical aspects of boxing in college.

Dean Fowlkes asked Professors A. S. Barr and C. W. Harris to conduct a study on the scholastic aspects of college boxing. With Dean Fowlkes' permission, Mr. Vernon E. Woodward, Assistant Professor of Intercollegiate Athletics, was asked to study the attainments and present attitudes toward boxing of former Wisconsin boxers.

Thus, the Athletic Board served as an administrative group which organized, financed, correlated, and finally collected the reports on studies performed by specialists. The reports of the study groups follow. The recommendations of the Athletic Board are contained in a final statement which may be found at the end of this report.

I
A STUDY OF THE MEDICAL ASPECTS
OF BOXING IN COLLEGE

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study has been to accumulate factual information of medical nature. In keeping with this objective, opinions alone have been disregarded, including those ex­pressed by men with wide experience and those based solely upon philosophic or sociologic grounds. There has been no deviation from the conviction that the value of this effort will depend essentially upon the amount and objective nature of the information acquired.

METHODS

Those which have been pursued most actively include:

1. A survey and evaluation of the medical literature
   which relates to the problem.



2. The study of the students currently participating in intercollegiate boxing at the University of Wisconsin and
   of as many of their opponents and others as circumstances
   permitted. During the National Tournaments the N.C.A.A.
   Rules Committee made possible unrestricted observation and
   examination of all competitors. As many examinations as feas­ible were made during each Tournament. Boxing coaches,
   athletic directors and other interested persons from all sections of the country were present. They were cooperative.

Factual information concerning the immediate physical effects of boxing in college has been accumulated. This was obtained by comprehensive physical examinations made before and after each season and at intervals as indicated, neurologic examinations, a limited number of psychometric tests, exam­ination of many contestants by means of the electroencephalo-graph, and observation by one or more of the physicians mentioned above during practice and competition.

Only two seasons of intercollegiate boxing have been observed.

RESULTS

Nature of Competition

Each season of competition for University of Wisconsin teams, exclusive of practice, included the Annual Contenders' Tournament, the All-University Tournament, 7 intercollegiate team matches of 8 bouts each, the Northwest Intercollegiate Boxing Tournament and the N.C.A.A. Tournament.

Summary of Competition and Physical Effects Observed

During the two seasons, 188 intercollegiate bouts were closely observed by members of this study group.  Forty other intercollegiate bouts, involving University of Wisconsin students, occurred and certain data were obtained about them but observations were not made at the time by a member of this group. The 188 bouts which form the basis of most of the information listed included dual team matches of the Wis­consin Boxing Team and the Northwest Intercollegiate and N.C.A.A. Tournaments. There were 376 contestants involved. The University of Wisconsin Contenders' Tournament and All-University Tournament consisted of 147 bouts during the two seasons. These were observed less closely than the intercollegiate contests but are included. With these a total of 335 college contests were reviewed. This represents 670 contestants.

In the experience of the observers there were no episodes during which a contestant received a series of hard blows to the head after becoming dazed or unable to defend himself. Contests were stopped quickly when a hazard of this kind developed. Blows which resulted in the knockdown of an opponent were infrequent. Falls due to obvious stumbling or slipping are not considered. There is no evidence that any contestant suffered an injury which will result in perma­nent residual disability.

These observations suggest that acute injuries of serious nature do not occur frequently during active participation in boxing in college, as conducted by member institutions of the N.C.A.A.  (Italics supplied.)

Electroencephalograms

Electroencephalograms were made on members of the Uni­versity of Wisconsin Boxing Team and other college partici­pants. ... Of most importance for the purpose of the study were the 193 tracings obtained on 135 individuals immediately after a bout. Nineteen of these were dazed during the contest in the opinion of the observers. Two of the 19 had been momentarily unconscious. In the judgment of Dr. Gilson none of these electroencephalograms was abnormal. Twelve older men who had participated in college boxing at some time in the past, volunteered for an electroencephalogram. All of these tracings were normal. (Italics supplied.)

The significance of the electroencephalograms under the conditions in which they were obtained is not clear. To the best of our knowledge the electroencephalograph has not previously been employed to test college boxers. The experi­ence and the results obtained with this test in professional boxing is not known to us as yet.

The contestants examined during this study represented the most experienced of college boxers, many of whom had been active in boxing for some years. An evaluation of the apparently negative findings must be limited by the extent of present day knowledge as it is provided by the experts in the field of electroencephalography. That pertinent with respect to the problem under consideration was summarized by Dr. Gilson as follows:

"In cases of head injury, abnormal activity of vari­able severity would be expected. A moderately severe blow with momentary unconsciousness or dazing would produce transitory abnormality, disappearing almost as soon as consciousness reappeared. A severe head injury, as might be encountered in an industrial or automobile accident, with prolonged unconscious­ness, would produce prolonged abnormality, lasting for many days after the reappearance of consciousness."

ANTI-BOXING ARTICLES DISCREDITED

The many articles which have appeared in popular maga­zines cannot receive notice in a search for scientifically estab­lished facts. The material presented in these would appear to be selected to support the opinions expressed. Various aspects of the controversy relating to the acceptability of box­ing for the collegiate athletic program have been studied .... All are deficient in factual information of real value. The lack of information on the changes in the brain as the result of boxing, especially college boxing, is a handicap. Many theses have been based upon information obtained from ques­tionnaires which were sent to interested officials, pathologists, physicians of experience and others. Most investigators will agree that the use of questionnaires is not a satisfactory method for obtaining reliable data. This is undoubtedly espe­cially true of an area of popular interest, such as boxing, where opinions are so likely to be of influence. Conclusions which are derived from the answers to a questionnaire of the opinion type have very limited value, in our judgment.

CUMULATIVE EFFECTS OF BOXING IN COLLEGE

That aspect of boxing in college which concerns the cumu­lative effects, if any, appears to require serious attention. To date very little information has been obtained. The fact that examples of the "punch-drunk" state are recognized in the ranks of professional boxers and are probably due to severe repeated blows to the head demands a determined effort to learn what bearing this has on the participants in college. To this end studies are in progress to evaluate the records in boxing, health records, academic achievements and subse­quent progress of as many former Wisconsin boxers as pos­sible. Insofar as reliable information can be obtained, similar data may be sought from other schools. The effort to obtain this information is independent of the officials connected with the sport. This effort will not duplicate that made by the School of Education. However, because of the many impon­derables which must modify such data, its real value will be questionable. Some of the observations outlined have an indirect bearing.

Recently, Mr. Vernon E. Woodward, Assistant Professor of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Wisconsin, sent a questionnaire to former participants in intercollegiate boxing at Wisconsin. A copy of the data obtained by the replies of 92 former students (71% response) is attached for refer­ence. It is subject to all of the limitations attendant upon questionnaires. The material is interesting in connection with the question of cumulative effects of boxing in college.

DISCUSSION

A review of the experience reported suggests that acute injuries of serious nature do not occur frequently during boxing in colleges under the supervision of the N.C.A.A. Although based upon data obtained during a considerable number of contests, the observations are limited to those rep­resentatives, students and officials, of the institutions who participated within the range of the study group. These should not be interpreted to represent, at present, those expected of college boxing in general. However, the obser­vations of the past two seasons may prove to be characteristic if the present standards are maintained and extended. There is evidence that the measures employed, under the direction of the Rules Committee of the N.C.A.A., to safeguard the participants in college are exerting a beneficial effect on the conduct of the sport elsewhere.

The second year of this study has been accompanied by many additional expressions of interest by individuals con­cerned with various aspects of boxing. Several schools have indicated that the results will be helpful to their program if sufficient data are accumulated. It seems clear that the responsibility for a contribution of value has increased and extended beyond the local problem at the University of Wisconsin.

(Signed)     John W. Brown, M.D.
Professor of Preventive
Medicine
Director, Department of
Student Health
May 29, 1950

 

II
A STUDY OF ATTAINMENTS AND PRESENT ATTITUDES TOWARD BOXING OF FORMER MEMBERS OF UNIVERSITY
OF WISCONSIN BOXING TEAMS

This study was undertaken with the purpose of obtaining some information relative to the cumulative effects of boxing in college on members of former Wisconsin boxing teams. It includes those who participated during the years 1929 through 1948.

METHODS

The questionnaire method was used. Questions were in­cluded which pertain to the progress of the individual after leaving the University of Wisconsin, high school and college athletic records, opinions relative to personal experience in boxing and present attitude toward the sport in college and elsewhere.

The names and addresses of the students who had competed during the years 1929 through 1948 were secured through the following sources:

1. "W" club files.
2. Wisconsin Alumni Association.
3. Sports publicity department.
4. Study of the history of boxing at Wisconsin.

The questionnaire was prepared and approved through discussion with Harry Stuhldreher, Director of Athletics, and Dr. John W. Brown, Chairman, Department of Preventive Medicine and Student Health. Questionnaires were sent to 145 former boxers at Wisconsin. This represents all of those revealed by study of the sources mentioned.

RESULTS

The 145 former boxers to whom questionnaires were sent included many who boxed during the period when intramural and All-University Tournaments were the only sources of competition. Since intercollegiate boxing was not begun until 1933, a few of the former participants included had been limited to amateur bouts. This is indicated on their questionnaires.

Major "W" awards were granted boxing team members be­ginning in the spring of 1936. There are 12 years in which major "W's" were awarded. Those qualified are listed as "W" men. Those who boxed during the years prior to 1936 and those who participated but did not qualify for the "W" after this date are identified as Non "W" men.

The use of questionnaires to obtain data of this character introduces many imponderable factors. The voluntary nature of the cooperation desired provides an element of selection. As a result, the evaluation of these data will not permit dogmatic statements of fact. Nevertheless, the material ob­tained in the replies to the questionnaires is interesting and worthy of consideration.

The tabulations are divided into those which contain answers of fact and those consisting of only opinions based on experience. Under each heading the replies are classified according to the number of years which has elapsed since the individual left the University. The more important aspects of the problem approached, on which some data have been provided, will be briefly discussed.

A total of 4 of the 92 former University of Wisconsin boxers have had subsequent experience in professional boxing. The total number of individuals who have admitted to having been knocked out during a bout is 25. The number of former boxers who received a collegiate degree is 69, distributed approximately equally between those who won their "W" and those who did not. Twenty-four of the total continued in the University after graduation and received higher degrees. The number of those who reported that they had engaged in their chosen profession since leaving the University is 65.

The answers based exclusively on opinions reveal that all former participants (92) believe that boxing is worthwhile for the collegiate athletic program. (Italics supplied.) However, 52 of the 92 who answered the question are of the belief that professional boxing is dangerous. Three reported that they had seen a college boxer seriously injured as the result of his participation in the sport. Ten believe that the sport arouses "undesirable emotions" in spectators at boxing matches. By their answers 5 indicated that in their opinion they have seen individuals who were "punch-drunk" as a result of college boxing. A significant percentage of the questionnaires con­tain the comment that boxing in college is beneficial in many respects.

SUMMARY

Questionnaires were sent out to all of the former members of the University of Wisconsin Boxing Teams who competed during the years 1929 through 1948, insofar as could be deter­mined. Ninety-two (71%) of the questionnaires actually delivered to the addressee were returned and the data ob­tained were tabulated and a few remarks made relative to the more significant findings suggested by them.

The limitations which obtain when the method employed is used are understood and explained. However, it seems justi­fiable to conclude that these data indicate that the overwhelm­ing majority of former University of Wisconsin boxers are of the belief that boxing in college is beneficial and should be part of the collegiate athletic program.

Vernon E. Woodward,
Assistant Professor of
 Intercollegiate Athletics,
University of Wisconsin
May 29, 1950

 

TABULATION OF OPINIONS RECEIVED FROM 92 FORMER MEMBERS OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN BOXING TEAM RELATIVE TO THE
BENEFITS DERIVED FROM PARTICIPATION IN COLLEGE

	Years Since Leaving the University of Wisconsin
* Benefits from College Boxing Indicated in Answers to Questionnaire	5 or less	10	15	Over 15	Total
Increased moral discipline	2	1	5	5	8
Physical conditioning and health	13	13	12	12	45
Desirable contacts made	2	3	3	3	8
Ability to defend oneself	1	3	2	2	9
Coordination improved	1	1	1	1	3
Self-confidence developed	17	13	14	14	48
Competitive spirit beneficial	3	0	4	4	7
Good sportsmanship	5	5	5	5	18
Build up friendship	12	10	6	6	30
Leadership encouraged	2	2	2	2	6
Helped in teaching methods	2	0	0	0	2
Self-control improved	1	2	4	4	7
Helped to think clearly under pressure	3	3	3	3	10
Provided practical concept of healthful living	1	1	1	1	3
Taught cooperation	1	1	1	1	3
Developed a recognition and respect for other person	2	1	3	3	9
Developed poise	6	3	6	6	16
Developed relaxation	0	1	1	1	2
Educational advantages	0	2	2	2	4

* The questionnaire did not ask specific questions on these aspects. The opinions tabulated were volunteered independently under section on Remarks.

PRESENT OCCUPATION OF 92 FORNER MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN BOXING TEAM

	Years Since Leaving the University of Wisconsin
Replies to Questionnaire	5 or less	10	15	Over 15	Total
Policeman, Sheriff’s Investigation	0	2	1	0	3
Physician and Surgeon (M.D.)	0	0	3	1	4
Students	11	0	0	0	11
Accountants	1	1	0	0	2
Attorneys	1	2	2	2	7
Chemist	0	0	1	0	1
Salesman and Sales Managers	5	1	3	5	14
Newspapersmen and Writers	1	1	0	0	2
Business Executives	0	1	4	3	8
Real Estate	0	0	1	0	1
Die Designers and Sheet Metal mechanics	1	1	1	0	3
Armed Forces, Officers	1	2	0	1	4
Building and Contracting Company	0	1	1	1	3
Ichthyologist	0	1	0	0	1
Insurance	0	1	2	1	4
Professors in College (Medicine, L&S, etc.)	0	0	4	2	6
Druggists	1	0	1	0	2
Teachers (Coachers, History, Science, etc.)	2	5	0	1	8
Engineer (Electrical, Civil, Chemical, etc.)	5	2	1	0	8
Agronomist	0	1	0	0	1
Farmers	1	0	1	0	2
Laboratory Technician	0	1	0	0	4
* Total	30	23	26	17	96

* Four individuals have listed 2 occupations

III
A REPORT ON THE SCHOLASTIC ASPECT
OF THE BOXING STUDY

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study was undertaken as an attempt to determine whether any significant differences exist between the schol­astic grade-point averages of a group of intercollegiate boxers and a group of non-athletes when these two groups are equal in scholastic ability, and age, and when the individuals of each group are matched with individuals of the other group as to course of study and year in school.

A second portion of the study attempts to determine whether any significant differences exist between the scholastic grade-point averages of a group of intercollegiate boxers and a group of mixed athletes, when these two groups are also matched according to scholastic ability, course of study, age, and year in school.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Grade-point average is the index of scholarship now used at the University of Wisconsin. It is the ratio obtained by dividing the total grade-points earned by the number of credits carried. Grade-points are assigned according to the following scale:

		Grade Points Course Grade		per Credit
A		(Excellent)		3
B		(Good)		2
C		(Fair)		1
D		(Poor)		0
E		(Condition)		-½
F		(Failure)		-1

The number of credits carried depends upon the number and kind of the courses pursued. Courses are generally valued anywhere from 0 to 5 credits, depending upon their nature, and the number of times per week they meet. The Univer­sity Course Committee, in cooperation with the department and the faculty concerned, fixes the number of credits assigned to a particular course. The usual credit load for each student is 15, but this varies somewhat for certain of the university colleges and departments.

The term, "intercollegiate boxer," is used to denote any man who has represented the University of Wisconsin in an intercollegiate boxing match at any time from the year 1934 up to the present time.

The term, "non-athlete," is used in this paper to denote any male student who has never won a major or minor athletic letter for participation in intercollegiate athletics at the Uni­versity of Wisconsin.

The term, "scholastic ability," is used herein to mean the capacity of a student to do satisfactory (passing) academic work at the University of Wisconsin, or a comparable institution.

The term, "course of study," will be used to denote the college in which a student is enrolled and, in a few cases, the degree toward which the student is working.

RESULTS OF THE STUDY

When predicted grade-point average was used as a matching criterion, the mean grade-point average of the group of 35 boxers was 1.32, while the mean grade-point average of the 35 non-athletes was 1.47. This represented a difference in means of .15 in favor of the non-athletes. The critical ratio of the difference between means was computed as 1.84. A critical ratio of 1.84 indicates that a difference in means equal to, or larger than .15 would be expected to occur by chance only about six times in 100, if the true difference in means were assumed to be zero.

Using predicted grade-point average as a matching criterion, the actual mean grade-point average of the boxers was found to be 1.27, and the average of the athletes was 1.33. The dif­ference in means of .06 was in favor of the athletes. The critical ratio of the difference between the means, however, was .53. A critical ratio of this magnitude indicates that the difference of .06 between the means of the groups is not statis­tically significant.

It will be noted that similar results were obtained when percentile rank and American Council Psychological Exam­ination scores were used as matching criteria.

In this case 37 pairs of matched boxers and students yielded a difference in mean grade-point averages of .10 in favor of the students. The critical ratio of the difference between means was computed as 1.46. This ratio would seem to indi­cate that a difference equal to, or larger than .10 could be expected by chance about seven times out of 100.

In comparing the grade-point averages of boxers and non-boxing athletes, it was found that the difference in mean grade-point average between the groups was .13 in favor of the non-boxing athletes. The critical ratio of the difference between means was 1.08. Thus, on the basis of chance alone, a difference in means of .13 could be expected about fourteen times in 100.

CONCLUSIONS

It would appear from the results of this study that there is some factor or combination of factors which tends to pro­duce a somewhat higher grade-point average for non-athletes than for intercollegiate boxers at the University of Wisconsin. Even though groups of non-athletes were equated in predicted grade-point average, American Council Examination Scores, high school percentile rank, age, course of study, and year in school with  the boxers,  some  force  seemed  to work  in favor of the non-athlete group. However, the critical ratios of 1.84 and 1.46 do not approach the conventionally demanded ratio of 3.00 for significance at better than 1% level.

It is also indicated by the results of this study that there is no significant difference between the final grade-point aver­ages of equated groups of boxers and mixed athletes. The differences between mean grade-point average, .06 and .13, are very insignificant. Differences as great or greater than .06 and .13 would be expected about 48 and 45 times out of 100 respectively on the basis of chance alone, assuming that the true differences between means were zero.

Generally speaking, then, it can be said that this study indi­cates that intercollegiate boxers at the University of Wis­consin make slightly lower grade-point averages than male non-athletes of the same age, predicted grade-point average, American Council Psychological Examination scores, high school percentile rank, course of study, and year in school.

It can also be stated that there seems to be no significant difference between the academic grade-point averages of a group of intercollegiate boxers at the University of Wisconsin, and a group of mixed athletes with the same age, course of study, predicted grade-point average, American Council Psy­chological Examination Scores, high school percentile rank, and year in college.

By: Clifford H. Chaffee Gordon Jensen
Rodney Leverentz
Work done under supervision of:
A. S. Barr and C. W. Harris
July 1, 1949

 

IV
COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ATHLETIC BOARD

Medical Aspects

The facts obtained in a two-year study suggest that acute injuries of a serious nature do not occur frequently in inter­collegiate boxing in colleges and universities under the super­vision of the N.C.A.A. It is believed that further study of the medical aspects of the sport should be carried on for at least another year. Additional factual information is needed by the groups responsible for the study of medical aspects of boxing to enable them to reach final conclusions.

Attainments of Former Boxers and Their Present Attitudes Toward Boxing

The questionnaire method which had to be employed in this study is subject to obvious limitations. However, it is believed that Mr. Woodward and his colleagues have col­lected as much factual information as possible, and have pre­sented both facts and opinions clearly and objectively.

It is apparent that the former boxers are a "normal" group of university alumni. Only two of the non-"W" men, and two of the "W" winners have participated in professional boxing; all of the other boxers are engaged in businesses and professions of widely varying nature. Only one former boxer believes that college boxing is dangerous, and is not a worth­while sport, but fifty-two are of the opinion that professional boxing is dangerous. None of the former boxers stated that he had contracted illness due to boxing in college.

Although the questionnaire did not ask for opinions regard­ing benefits which might be derived from boxing in college, many of the former boxers volunteered information which reveals that: (1) physical conditioning; (2) development of self-confidence; (3) building friendship; (4) promotion of sportsmanship; (5) development of poise; and (6) training to think clearly under pressure are some of the main "plus values" of the sport.

Scholastic Aspects

When scholastic achievement is measured by grade-point averages, it is apparent that boxers at the University of Wis­consin make records equal to those of non-boxing athletes. Comparison of the grade-point averages of boxers with those of non-athlete students reveals that non-athletes make slightly higher grade-point averages than boxers. There is no evidence that participation in intercollegiate boxing at Wisconsin causes either a decrease or an increase in the grade-point average of a student athlete.

Other Factors

A study of intercollegiate boxing is necessarily complex. There are psychologic, emotional, and social aspects of the sport that involve spectators as well as participants. The Ath­letic Board has not been able to initiate studies that might yield factual information on these subjects. It is believed that there will always be differences of opinion regarding the desirability of intercollegiate boxing, and the relation of the sport to the cultural standards of the University. The problem, inescapably, is deeply involved with the principles governing intercollegiate sports in general, with emotions and opinions interwoven almost inextricably. However, every factor that exerts an influence should be considered with care. Those engaged in a study of boxing must seek as wide a knowledge of the entire problem as possible, and conclusions that are drawn must be based upon facts.

In keeping with the principles of the University, it is be­lieved that intercollegiate boxing is being conducted in an exemplary manner. It is possible that the conduct of inter­collegiate boxing at Wisconsin may lead to general progress in the sport.

THE ATHLETIC BOARD:

	Kenneth Little, Ex officio	Frank L. Weston
	William B. Sarles, Chairman	Joseph A. Cutler
	Richard V. Campbell	William D. Hoard, Jr.
	Harry F. Harlow	Steve W. Gremban
	June 30, 1950

Are You Ready To Move Onto The Next Lesson? Click Here