According to professionals in the field, recreation and the closely related areas of athletics and physical education make great contributions to the physical and mental health, as well as general happiness and well-being of people. Athletics and physical education help people of all ages live healthy, satisfying, and energetic lives. The science and skill of movement aims to (1) develop maximum physical efficiency, (2) develop physical skill and knowledge about how to use these skills, (3) act in socially cooperative ways, and (4) enjoy healthy physical recreation (The Athletic Institute, 1974, p. 1).
A sound school program requires daily instruction and participation in all types of activities to develop strength, endurance, coordination, flexibility and pleasure essential for optimum functioning in work and play. Recreation enriches living by enabling individuals to seek outlets for self-expression and thereby experience satisfaction from adventure, fellowship, skill mastery, and the joy in creation, all of which add to human happiness. Recreation is a kind of experience rather than specific activities. A comprehensive recreation program may include games and sports, music, dance, arts and crafts, drama, social activities, outdoor activities, hobbies and community service projects. The aim is health, confidence, and character development (The Athletic Institute, 1974, p. 1).
The position of this paper is to view the areas of athletics, physical education, and recreation as so closely related that they are virtually indistinguishable from each other, at least at the middle school level. For purposes of discussion, this paper describes a hypothetical middle school recreation program for a rural school situated in a small town. The student enrollment numbers about 275, including grades four through seven. This particular school has no gymnasium. There is a playground with some playground equipment. The play yard is ...