The authors state in the preface that they have attempted no study or discussion of gymnastics or sports, for there are already many volumes dealing with these subjects. Furthermore, sports are individual; their purpose is primarily recreative and they do not depend on cooperation. On the other hand, athletic games are social in their nature and may be used for both recreation and entertainment. The authors also state that while they have emphasized athletics as a training for citizens and as a part of general education, they have not underestimated their physical value.
The book is divided into three parts: Part I takes up the value of athletic games under the heads of "Citizenship and Social Education," "Educational Value of Athletics," "Instructors—Their Responsibility and Training." Under the heading of "Present Conditions," Part 2 takes up "Athletics in Secondary Schools," "Athletics in Universities and Colleges," "Athletics in Political and Social Organizations,"