Summertime Community Recreation programs are growing in popularity and scope throughout the nation as the residents of the communities become more and more conscious of the need for supervised recreational activity as an outlet for the energy, inclinations, and talents of the young people who live in their midst.

A model project of this nature is that sponsored by one of the great metropolitan dailies of our country, the Minne­apolis Star, under the guidance of its executive sports edi­tor, Charlie Johnson. It is an outdoor boxing school con­ducted annually in Minneapolis' Logan Park, a municipal recreation center. In its first four years of operation this program of wholesome and carefully-supervised activity attracted youngsters from throughout this city of more than a half-million population to the extent of 10,000 activity hours.

Because it might well serve as a blueprint for other communities desirous of providing healthful and con­structive recreation for young boys within their bounds we have asked Neil Champagne, director of the Minneapolis Star's Summer Boxing School, to tell the story of this out­standing and proven project.

THE MINNEAPOLIS PROGRAM
by Neil Champagne

On a sun-drenched knoll of attractively-landscaped Logan Park in Minneapolis a group of eager youngsters ranging in age from 6 to 12 years had peeled down to their waists and were working out under the sympathetic and able tutelage of coaches carefully selected to direct their activities. It was a warm July afternoon.

The boys came from every kind of environment. Some had arrived in expensive automobiles driven by parents of considerable means. Others whose families weren't in a position to give them carfare had walked in from some of the city's poorer districts.

At the Minneapolis boxing camp, however, social posi­tion means nothing. Scion of the rich and offspring of the poor meet there on common ground. As one of our coaches put it, "They all look the same in boxing gloves and training helmets."

Here was truly a fine opportunity for these boys, every one of whom had long harbored the desire to learn to box. Unfortunately the opportunity to get boxing instruction in a wholesome setting is afforded only a minute number of the boys so inclined.

The Minneapolis boxing camp was the outgrowth of the determination of a group of men to provide an opportunity for juveniles with a lot of energy to release it under the right kind of guidance.

These men suggested to the committee in charge of disbursing profits from the Upper Midwest Golden Gloves tournament held in Minneapolis each spring that a sum­mer boxing camp be established for youngsters six years of age and up. It was emphasized at this point that the pro­gram would definitely not be concerned with developing professional boxing prospects, but, rather, with setting up an interesting program of recreation that would put em­phasis on the development of sportsmanship and proper hygienic habits.

The committee, comprised of prominent business men, leading clergymen of the Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant faiths, the director of athletics at the University of Minne­sota, and Charles Johnson, executive sports editor of the Minneapolis Star, voiced unanimous approval of the pro­ject. This group allocated $3,000 for the purchase of equipment. Ed Haislet of the University of Minnesota was chosen as the director of the program.

The staff selected to handle the program consisted of one supervisor and four coaches. The coaches were as­signed to various areas in Minneapolis corresponding to the city's high school districts. Each coach was held re­sponsible for promoting interest among the youngsters of his particular district.

The initial turnout of boys was so large it was necessary to divide them into age groups. Under the plan that finally evolved, boys from six to ten worked out with their instructors from 6:00 to 7:00 P M and those from ten up took  their instruction  between  the  hours  of  7:00 and 8:00 P M. These hours were designated to enable parents to accompany their sons if they so desired.

Equipment provided by the Golden Gloves fund in­cluded a raised all-steel platform ring, four heavy bags, four light bags, an exercise platform, boxing gloves, bag gloves, and head gears. Showers and facilities for dressing were constructed in the basement of the recreation build­ing at the playground center.

The boxing school opens in mid-June and continues through July. On an average day the coaches working in the program handle 125 boys. To provide additional incentive for participation in the program a "Junior Golden Gloves" tournament for boys between the ages of six and fifteen is held as a climax to the program. As an indication of the interest aroused in the meet an audience of several thousand turns out for the show.

Entrants in the tournament are carefully screened. Each boy must pass a rigid physical examination and is required to have the written consent of his parents together with a record of previous medical history. He must have attended 50 per cent of the school's classes and be passed by the school's supervisor.

In making the tournament draw the boys are classified according to age, weight, and experience. One year is the maximum age difference permitted. The spread in weight can be no more than five pounds. Divisions A, B, and C are established and the boys assigned to them according to ability and experience.

Knowing that their program would be subjected to close scrutiny by the public, and by opponents of boxing in particular, the directors instituted weekly classes for the staff of instructors to train them in the best teaching methods. The coaches were given a detailed program of conditioning and character training, which they were expected to pass on to their youthful charges.

To enlist the support of parents and the community as a whole the sponsors of the Minneapolis boxing program carried on an extensive publicity campaign. The opening day's events include exhibitions and demonstrations, and talks by prominent businessmen, distinguished athletes, government officials, and community leaders. Each extols the value of sports participation.

Mike Dillon, Hennepin County attorney, told the 200 boys and the 1,000 adults who- attended the opening meet­ing, "I am certain that the more of you boys who go in for boxing under the competent teachers engaged for this camp, the fewer of you will ever see the inside of a courtroom later in life. The training you are to receive will contribute much toward making you better men physically and morally."

So successful has been the selling job done by the men behind this community boxing program that Minneapolis parents are now thoroughly convinced that the youthful boxers are participating in a wholesome, health-building, program of recreation.

AAU	REGISTRATION APPLICATION
	(Returned with 25 Cents Registration fee to Neil Champagne, Minneapolis Star)
have never knowingly entered a competition for money; sold or pawned a prize; accepted any compensation for competing or exhibition; entered a competition under a false name; entered on unsanctioned meet; entered a competition open to a professional or competed with a professional; issued a challenge to compete for money or its equivalent; received a prize for becoming or continuing as a member of an athletic organization; affiliated, taught, trained or coached in an athletic sport for money or any valuable consideration; granted or sanctioned the use of my name to advertise or promote the sale of sporting goods, prizes, trophies or other commodities for use chiefly in or in connection with games or exhibitions in any sport; entered or competed for an athletic organization in which I was not in good standing or competed when under suspension, or in unsanctioned games, or when unregistered.
	AAU No.
	Date of birth
	Place of birth
	Occupation
	Firm or School
	Nationality
	Sport
	Team
	I can vouch for the amateur status of this applicant
	(Signed)
	(Coach, parent or other responsible person)

Application (front)

	ENTRY BLANK		WEIGHT
	Name
	Address		(TEAM)
	City   Phone
	Physician’s Report All former injuries and serious illnesses must be reported to Dr. Fred C. Moleapfel, Golden Glove physician. Use this space	WAIVER DECLARATION
		I, of my own volition, want to participate in Golden Glove Instruction, tournaments and matches. In consideration thereof, I hereby, for myself, heirs, executors and administrators, waive and release any and all of my rights and claims for damages I may have against all other contestants, and against the Minneapolis Star and Tribune Charitis, Inc,. the Minnesota Amateur Athletic Union and against their representatives or assigns, for any and all injuries suffered in Golden Glove participation, in instruction, tournaments and matches.
		(Signed)
		(Parent’s signature)  (if not of legal age))

Application (back)

The worth of the program from a sportsmanship point of view was very graphically brought home to me after one of the championship matches.

Two lads, giving forth with everything they had to win, engaged in a very well-boxed and keenly-contested bout.

When it was all over the boy who had been declared the winner went home, wrote a letter to his finals opponent, and enclosed the medal, declaring that he felt the judges had erred in awarding him the decision.

Who wouldn't be whole-heartedly in favor of a program that fosters this kind of exemplary conduct?

DETAILS OF THE MINNEAPOLIS STAR
SUMMER BOXING PROGRAM FOR BOYS

The summer boxing program for boys sponsored by the Minneapolis Star is now a proven and widely-accepted venture in giving boys a sound start toward successful citizenship.

In the sincere hope that organizations and individuals in many other communities will see fit to follow the exam­ple of the Star I will set forth in the remainder of this chapter a concise summary of the program, with the idea in mind that it may serve as a pattern for similar undertakings.

Program Objectives

To stimulate interest in boxing for red-blooded young­sters who have spare time during the summer and have need of a program under good leadership to keep them occupied and interested, the program to be geared to the teaching of proper hygienic habits—rest, sleep, diet, exer­cise, and physical conditioning, as well as the teaching of basic fundamentals of boxing.

To encourage parents to observe what boxing can do for their boys physically, mentally, and emotionally.

To instill the spirit of companionship and sportsman­ship in boys at an age when boys are anxious and eager to prove themselves, and take delight in combative games and contact sports.

Program Facilities

The training center originally was located in the center of the city but due to the fact that the city decided to build a municipal stadium on this site the program was moved to one of the city playgrounds. Arrangements were made and permission was granted by the Minneapolis Park Board.

The facilities include a dressing room, shower space, all-steel platform ring (canvas, padding, and ring ropes are taken down each night to avoid weather damage), four heavy bags, four light bags with bag platforms, an exercise platform, eight helmets.

The program commences in the middle of June and terminates in the last week of July. Notices are sent to all of the playgrounds in the city for posting.

Program Organization

Each coach is assigned to a district and enrolls boys from his district. Coaches contact Hi Y's, churches and other youth agencies in persuading boys to participate. Promo­tion assistance is given by the newspaper.

Registration Cards

Each boy fills out a registration card giving address, telephone number, and date of birth. This card must be signed by the parent with a statement of previous medical history to insure a safeguard of the youngsters' physical condition.

	Minneapolis Star Summer Boxing Program
	Name__________________________________
	Season_______________    No_____________

Registration Card

Training Hours

Training hours were originally between the hours of 4:30 p m and 7:30 p m. In 1951 the hours were changed to 6:00 p m to 8:00 p m to allow more parents the opportunity to observe the program in operation.

Cost of Instruction

Instructors are paid $1.50 per hour.

Medical Exams

All boys taking part in the program must have a com­plete medical examination, which is recorded on the back of the registration card.

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAM

Coaches' Clinic

Because the instruction program re­ceives close scrutiny from the opponents of boxing, it is essential that the best methods of teaching boxing be used by the instructors. Therefore, a special clinic for instruc­tors is held. Boxing rules, scoring, judging, and the teach­ing of fundamentals to large groups are stressed.

Instruction Program

The chief emphasis of the summer program is on in­struction and consists of stressing the basic fundamentals of boxing.

Junior Golden Glove Tournament

In order to stimulate interest in youngsters with recog­nized ability a Junior Golden Glove tournament is held as a climax to the summer activity.

Rules and Regulations

Boxers and instructors furnish their own personal gear—trunks, supporters, socks, shoes, mouthpieces, and towels.

Under no circumstances are professional boxers or trainers allowed use of facilities.

Supervisor opens locker room, sets up ring, checks out gear, checks in gear, keeps coaches on schedule, checks attendance of boxing classes, and generally keeps program running smoothly. Each coach is responsible for the activi­ties of his group while at the training center, i.e., dressing rooms, workouts, showers. Coaches work on schedule. On reporting to center they check in with the supervisor.

Class Procedure

Good instruction and supervision are the prime requi­sites for the success of any program. Facilities and equip­ment are important only in relation to the guidance pres­ent. Success is in proportion to the caliber of guidance.

What then, if adequate guidance and facilities are avail­able, is the best approach to the successful program? The answer appears to be "Controlled Boxing."

REGISTRATION AND ATTENDANCE The Minneapolis Star Summer Boxing Camp At Logan Park

A

Name and address

B C

D

E

M

T

W

T

F

T o t

M

T

W

T

F

T o t

M

T

W

T

F

T o t

A g e

W t

y

Total

KEY:  A. Ten lessons or more B. Registration number   C. Waiver Card D. Tournament entries   E. Number of sessions F. Medical examination

Attendance Chart

Controlled boxing is the practicing of offensive and de­fensive skills to form a pattern of reflex when in actual combat boxing. Controlled boxing means working dili­gently on each phase of boxing. Footwork, stance, and position of the hands and body are the basic elements.

	SUMMER BOXING CAMP
	Daily Attendance Record
	Daily Attendance ___________ Date___________
	New Candidates
	Registration No.					Name	Adress	Reg. No.
	Coments:						Coaches – Attendance
							Name	Hours

Daily Attendance Record

The various offensive blows come next, followed by the various target drills to perfect the delivery. That is, the opponent holds the open hand or glove in various positions to receive the blow.

The next step is the developing of the defensive skills. This can also be accomplished in mass participation. Controlled boxing comes into play at this point. Boxer A in acquiring the use of the left jab soon works with Boxer B who drills on the various defensive parries and blocks. Only after constant drill can this technique be made a conditioned reflex. The offensive and defensive maneuver­ing can be applied to every situation in controlled boxing. The interest for those desiring perfection can be main­tained throughout each drill without discouraging results. For the best results at the start of each defensive maneuver the offensive blow should be delivered on a three count and command, i.e., Command: "Left jab, ready strike 1, 2, 3." On each count a gradual advance of the left hand is made whereby the defensive boxer conditions his reflex to deflect the blow properly.

The football coach works in a similar way in giving his squad a new play. It is not run at top speed the first time. The team walks through the play. The same pro­cedure is followed in controlled boxing. Gradually the count can be reduced to a two count then to the command: "Boxer A ready—jab," mixing it up by saying, "Boxer B ready jab," etc. Each combination of blows can be devel­oped offensively and defensively in this manner.

Lesson Plan

This starts with muster. Each boy when registering is given a number, and answers by giving his number each time to expedite the roll call.

MASS INSTRUCTION

1. Limbering up exercises are given first.
2. Review period includes work of previous lesson.
3. New technique—also includes work technique
   of hitting the bag, skipping rope, etc.

CONTROLLED PLAN

Recommended breakdown of group:

1. Age groups
2. New members of class in one group
3. Classes A, B, C as to ability

So that all will know assignments upon the command from the instructor. Two lines should be formed according to the above breakdown. One line becomes A's, the other B's. In this manner the boys in each group respond more quickly to the change of activity.

Procedure for Handling Large Groups with Limited Facilities

We have found that the most effective method is to divide the boys into groups of 16 after the mass drill is completed each day as follows:

Group No. 1	Group No. 2	Group No. 3	Group No. 4	Group No. 5
Boxing-16 boys: Eight boys in the ring at same time, two in each corner participating in controlled boxing; eight boys standing by outside the ring resting and awaiting their turn in the ring. See Illustration No. 101.	Punching bags-16 boys: Eight boys hitting the bags: 4 on the light bag, 4 on the heavy bag, 8 boys standing by resting and ready to take their turn.	Skipping rope-16 boys: 8 boys skipping, 8 boys standing by.	Calisthenics-16 boys: 16 participating.	Special Instruction-16 boys: 16 participating without gloves on a form of the day's technique, etc.

One instructor is assigned to each group. However, after the boys become familiar with the plan one super­visor can handle the entire group.

Each group works three one-minute rounds and rests on alternate rounds. On a whistle by the supervisor the groups rotate to the next activity. At the end of the drill the entire group takes a short jog around the park. Six­teen is an arbitrary figure—depending on the amount of equipment on hand, i.e., if only two light bag stands and two heavy bags are used then the best procedure would be groups of eight boys—four boys hitting the bags, four boys standing by, etc. The thought is to set up varied group activities to keep every youngster busy; as the active group completes its one-minute session the group resting takes over.

Program Finance

All financial assistance is provided by the Minneapolis Star and the Minneapolis Tribune due to the fact that the Minneapolis program is a newspaper promotion. The annual Upper Midwest Golden Glove Tournament is the source of revenue for all expenses. The expenditure of funds is under the control of the Better Sports Committee, which is composed of leading Minneapolis business men. It establishes program policy and controls the expenditure of monies.

In addition to supporting the junior program the fund operates the senior Golden Glove program. The senior program has six Golden Glove centers operating in the various settlement houses in the Minneapolis area. The fund provides for leadership and equipment costs under this plan. During the winter months weekly amateur boxing shows are presented. The sponsorship of these shows is delegated to independent organizations such as veteran's clubs, church groups, and labor organizations.

Profits from the weekly shows are used to further expand and improve athletic facilities throughout the community. These various organizations are held accountable to the Better Sports Committee for expenditure of profits. In all cases the money is used to assist various summer camps and settlement house work, and to supply athletic aid.

COMPARATIVE COST OF SUMMER PROGRAM
Junior Tournament Facilities

	Instruction	Supervision	Equip­ment	Total	Per Capita
1st year…	288.00	225.00	2664.64	3177.64*	1.48
2nd year…	342.00	210.00	206.00	758.00	.50
3rd year…	228.00	200.00	194.00	622.00	.30
4th year…	364.00	268.00	388.36	1020.00**	.40

* Includes the cost of the original outlay for the program.
** Includes the cost of moving the program from the original site to another playground.

ORIGINAL OUTLAY COST

Ring and ring cover*

1209.05

Bag platform, skipping platform, plumbing, showers, dressing room

1033.56

Equipment

422.03

Total

2664.64

AVERAGE COST OF ANNUAL SUMMER TOURNAMENT

Awards

60.00

Certificates*

51.00

Medical

25.00

Total

136.00

* Each youngster completing the prescribed course of ten lessons is presented with a certificate for his efforts. All youngsters entering the tournament are presented with certificates of participation whether they win medals or not.

Certificates

COMPARATIVE ATTENDANCE RESULTS

	1st year	2nd year	3rd year	4th year
1st week	455	352	232	717
2nd week	449	185	203	360
3rd week	315	191	439	213
4th week	387	209	267	327
5th week	239	178	231	439
6th week	190	389	403	440
7th week	104
	2139*	1504	1775	2496

* This figure is inaccurate because the attendance was judged by the number of boys participating during each hour of the activity, thereby allowing for an overlapping of participation.

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