tion, and recreation in high schools, colleges, and universities should result in the fitness of students and the preparation of professional leaders.

Action Recommendations

Professional Leadership.-There is a shortage of professional leaders to meet present program demands. To supply sufficient qualified leadership is a long-range aim which will be met in part by attracting and motivating young people to devote themselves to a career of service in this field.

It was recommended that:

1. Understanding of professional responsibility be increased.

2. The concept of service to people stressed as an essential civic contribution.

3. Curricula requirements for degrees in these fields be broadened and improved.

4. The reexamination of leadership preparation by college and university personnel be urged.

5. Physical education, health education, recreation, and all fields concerned directly with attaining youth fitness objectives receive increased recognition and adequate compensation.

Volunteer Leadership. Since the number of professionally trained personnel is now inadequate, it will be necessary for each community to mobilize persons with leadership qualities, specialized talents, and willingness to serve in fitness activities either on a volunteer or employed basis. It was recommended that:

1. Local councils concerned with fitness take a census of all persons with such qualifications and enlist those who meet program requirements.

2. Such persons be oriented and directed by competent professional personnel and supplied with instructional and activity material for self study.

3. Communities employ available leaders from schools and other agencies the year around in order to keep facilities operating throughout the entire year.

4. Consultant service be available from recognized experts in the field. 5. In addition to adult volunteers, a potential source of leadership might be found among:

(a) Young people who have shown ability and interest in high school but who have not attended college.

(b) Returned service personnel.

(c) Housewives and others in communities with professional preparation.

(d) College and high school students with special skills for summer

and out-of-school employment.

6. Continuing attention be given to the need for leaders of programs of physical education: (a) To recognize the very important differences in maturation rates, motor skills, and emotional tensions of the participants; (b) to encourage and arrange special activities for handicapped individuals.

Youth Fitness Research

Area of Discussion

Some research has been conducted on various aspects of fitness, but it is important to determine the nature of the projects now being conducted, the areas where additional studies are needed, and the manner in which research findings may be utilized to develop desirable youth-fitness activities. Further research is essential to provide a firm foundation for an effective youth fitness program because present findings are fragmentary. Fitness involves many complex factors and it can be achieved through many activities.

Action Recommendations

It was recommended that:

1. All levels of our community—national, state, and local-participate in and support a research effort for the development of effective youthfitness programs.

2. The Council encourage wide and free exchange of research results in all participating fields, public and private, so that findings can be validated as well as quickly disseminated to those who can apply them in our expanding fitness programs.

3. A research committee be established to facilitate development of a balanced and comprehensive program of cooperative research in the various fields required for a successful youth fitness program throughout this country.

4. The need for youth fitness be measured and a yardstick of the fitness progress or accomplishment be provided.

5. Immediate concentrated research be directed at:

(a) Scientific testing and evaluating human fitness, with a view to developing simple but effective methods and standards for general use in measuring fitness.

(b) Measuring on a scientific basis the contribution of various sports, exercises, and activities to the development and maintenance of

fitness of the whole individual as well as in particular elements for both sexes at different age levels.

(c) Reasons for lack of participation in effective youth fitness programs, and the factors which motivate children as well as parents to participate.

(d) Inventorying facilities and appraising their use for youth fitness programs.

(e) An assessment of trained personnel and development of methods for enlisting and training necessary additional leadership.

Area of Discussion

Telling the Youth Fitness Story

The Nation, especially the youth themselves, must be awakened to the necessity of fitness through various means of mass media. This public relations consideration embraces the selection of target areas, information strategy, advantageous approaches, and the types of specific material to be developed. It is an initial and continuing responsibility of the Council to tell the youth fitness story effectively.

Action Recommendations

It was recommended that:

1. Youth fitness objectives be identified to the several target areas such as youth themselves, parents, youth groups, community, fraternal, civic, industrial, and other groups, with the parents receiving primary attention.

2. The significance of the program be signalized to the Nation, as well as to the youth themselves, by a concise and realistic definition of mission and by developing materials explaining the "whyness" of youth fitness.

3. A variety of implementing mechanisms be utilized, such as news stories, statements via inspirational leadership, slogans, fact sheets, cartoons, and pictures—this material to be developed by and through all media, supplementing groups and the Council itself.

4. Citations of the need for youth fitness be incorporated in the public statements of prominent Government officials insofar as appropriate and feasible.

5. The deep concern and active interest of the President be dramatized by way of a national radio-TV broadcast to the Nation calling for action programs.

Suggested Implementation by Major

Functional Areas

Based upon the West Point discussions and recommendations, the following major areas appear appropriate for functional consideration:

Council Area

1. Formulate an overall Council Plan of ACTION indicating methods of assistance and follow-through.

2. Prepare a proposed Community Youth Fitness Plan of Action.

3. Prepare Proposed Plans of Action for special target groups.

4. Establish formal liaison with all appropriate agencies and groups, national and regional.

5. Aid, when appropriate, in the coordination of the fitness program efforts of Federal Government youth-serving units; national youth-serving organizations outside of Government; and combinations of both.

6. Request agencies inside and outside of Government to direct special emphasis toward reevaluating their programs and adopting concrete steps for the attainment of physical activity habits.

7. Stimulate groups of agencies and services in and out of Government to plan jointly and coordinate their efforts.

8. Stimulate appropriate research.

9. Give technical advice and other assistance to States and communities in the developing of youth fitness programs.

10. Convene meetings of organizations and individuals to discuss particular problems and develop specific action plans.

11. Request the State governors to set up State mechanisms for youth fitness.

12. Continue to alert and inform the Nation on the importance of a youth fitness program, using all appropriate methods and available media. 13. Promote a National Youth Fitness Week.

National Youth Serving Organizations Area

1. Reappraise programs, establish youth fitness committees, adopt programs, and formulate plans.