Physical educators who participated in the AAAPE: Looking back to the historical dawn of the physical education profession

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the process by which the physical education profession was established during the period of the American Association for the Advancement of Physical Education (AAAPE, 1885-1903).
At first, the large majority of physical educators who joined the AAAPE were intended to rise to the social position of gymnastic teachers. They recommended their physical training system, which had been proved through the scientific method of anthropometry. They considered that school physical education should be a compulsory subject. In their discussion of the profession, it was confirmed that a medical degree should not be considered a sufficient qualification for a position as a physical training director and/or gymnastic teacher. It was concluded that a proper educational course was necessary to qualify a person as a director of physical training.
Professional views of gymnastic teachers toward sport were characterized by disgust or prejudice against violent competition and excessive exercise. Sport was considered incompatible with the normal practice of gymnastics education. However, physical educators who were typically able to take positions in the YMCA were already enthusiastic about games and sports. Therefore they had to modify games and sports according to educational needs, and apply these activities to build well-balanced all-round individuals. It is evident that this well-disposed action toward sport led to gradual progress in this direction.