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YMCA Public Policy Meeting, 9/30/91-10/1/91
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YMCA Public Policy Meeting, 9/30/91-10/1/91
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Tony Snow Subject Files
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Snow, Tony, Files
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Subject File, 1988-1993
OA/ID Number:
13900
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13900-012
Folder Title:
YMCA Public Policy Meeting, 9/30/91-10/1/91
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3
1
SEP-25-1991 15:08 FROM YMCA OF THE USA
TO
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YMCA of the USA
Y
101 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois
60606
O
FAX #: 1-312-977-9063
FAX COVER SHEET
Date: 9/25/91
Number of pages including this one: 11
PLEASE DELIVER TO:
Name:
Helen Mobley
Company: While House
FAX #: 2021456-1647
SENT BY:
Name: Leslie Cohn
Direct Telephone #: 1-312-269- 1185
Department:
Message: Thanks for your interest in the 100th anniversary of
basketball. In fact, the Chicago Metropolitan YMCA is
working with the Chicago Bulls to plan some activities to
celebrate the entennial. Please phone me with any
questions.
SEP-25-1991 15:08 FROM YMCA OF THE USA
TO
12024561647
P.02/11
Y
NEWS FEATURE
YMCA of the USA
101 North Wacker Drive
Basketball: A YMCA Invention
Chicago, Illinois 60606-7386
312-977-0031
Contact: Leslie Cohn
Barbara C. Roper
Chairman, National Board
YMCA of the USA
800/USA-YMCA, ext. 185
David R. Mercer
National Executive Director
CHICAGO (September 25, 1991) -- Without the invention of
basketball, the phrase "a butcher runs the slab and puts up a
brick" would just be nonsense. But for those who can interpret
basketball speak, it translates as a tough player who runs down
the court and throws a shot that clangs off the rim.
Indeed, if James Naismith hadn't come through with his
assignment to create a new game while teaching at the
International YMCA Training School (now known as Springfield
College), there would be nothing for athletes to do between the
end of the football season and the beginning of baseball.
The exact date of the first game of basketball is unknown,
though it was played sometime in early December of 1891. Now,
from California to Cairo, millions of people play and watch the
sport.
Naismith came to the YMCA Training School in Springfield,
Mass., as a student and did so well he was appointed an
instructor. He chose the school because he was interested in
physical education as a vehicle to train young men in Christian
values. He felt "there might be more effective ways of doing
good besides preaching," and that athletics offered the
possibility.
The Y Training School was developing physical education
programs that also focused on strengthening the mental and
spiritual aspects of a person. This new emphasis on health and
fitness supplemented the Y's work in education and social
welfare. The school was training two sets of Y leaders:
physical directors and secretaries. The secretaries' training
YMCA Mission:
To put Christian principles
-more-
into practice through
programs that build healthy
body, mind, and spirit for all.
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-2-
didn't focus on physical development, and they were bored by
their winter physical education requirement, which was mostly
calisthenics and gymnastics. In fact, there was no indoor winter
sport that presented the challenge and excitement of baseball and
football.
Naismith felt the system was at fault, not the men. He
understood why they didn't enjoy their class. He thought they
needed an activity that not only provided a workout, but also
allowed them to have fun. He believed that it was possible to
create a new sport that was "interesting, easy to learn, and easy
to play in winter and by artificial light."
Naismith voiced his opinions to the staff at the school. In
fact, his feelings echoed those of Dr. Luther Gulick, dean of the
physical education department, and a pioneer in the field of
physical education. (Gulick was the creator of the Y's symbol,
the inverted triangle, signifying body, mind, and spirit.)
Gulick presented Naismith with a dual challenge. He
assigned him to take over the class of ornery Y secretaries (they
had already disposed of two other teachers) while working on the
new game Naismith said could be invented. He wasn't happy about
the assignment but decided to set his mind to it.
First he tried bringing outdoor games indoors. But sports
like lacrosse, rugby, and soccer resulted in broken windows and
nearly broken bones for the players.
The day before he was to report back to the staff, he was
about ready to admit defeat. He didn't feel the class disliked
him, but understood why they thought his attempts to involve them
in physical education were no better than those of previous
teachers.
Naismith decided to take a different approach before giving
up. He reviewed existing games for features that could be
borrowed or modified for a new sport that could be played indoors
without hurting the players.
He realized that a large ball would eliminate the need for
extra equipment and would be easier to handle, throw, and catch.
He also decided that instead of stopping a running player by
-more-
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-3-
tackling, players should pass the ball to each other. Finally,
he chose a horizontal goal so that it would not be too easy to
defend, and rough play would not help a player to score.
Naismith came through with the new game on deadline. And
the once skeptical students enjoyed playing it from the start.
But the sport was nearly named boxball. As Naismith was
searching for the goal he required, he asked the superintendent
of buildings for two 18-inch square boxes. He was told there
were no boxes, but "I have two old peach baskets down in the
store room, if they will do you any good."
The ringleader of that fateful class, Frank Mahan, helped
him name the game. Mahan first recommended Naismith ball, but
Naismith thought that name would kill any game. Then Mahan
suggested basketball. "We have a basket and a ball, and it seems
to me that would be a good name for it," was Naismith's laconic
reply.
Naismith points out in his autobiography that students from
the Y Training School helped spread the game. They came from
across the country and took the game back to where they lived and
worked. In fact, those first students quickly brought the game
to different Ys because they took it home with them over
Christmas break.
Students of Naismith from the United States and around the
world helped carry the game with them when they went to do Y work
in other countries. within the first decade after its invention,
the sport was being played in more than a dozen countries.
with some modifications to the rules, basketball quickly
caught on with women, especially at the college level. The first
women to play were some local schoolteachers who asked Naismith
to teach them the game after skipping their lunch many times to
watch his students play.
The rules were first published January 15, 1892, in The
Triangle, the school's journal of physical education that went
out to Ys around the country. The first public game also took
place at the school on March 11, 1892. The students beat the
staff 5-1.
SEP-25-1991 15:10 FROM YMCA OF THE USA
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Today, after many changes and variations in rules and
refinements of play, five principles still govern the game
embodied in Naismith's original 13 rules:
-- The ball shall be large, light, and handled with the
hands.
-- There shall be no running with the ball.
-- No member of either team shall be restricted from
getting the ball at any time it is in play.
-- Both teams are to occupy the same area, yet there is to
be no personal contact.
-- The goal shall be horizontal and elevated.
And 100 years later, the Y continues to offer basketball
leagues, programs, and even pick-up games for young people and
adults. The Y's basketball programs are based on a philosophy
that everyone should play, regardless of aptitude or skill level.
Young people don't have to worry about whether they're good
enough to play on a team; there are no tryouts or cuts.
Y youth sports programs emphasize the values of fair play
and respect for yourself and your opponents. The main goal is
not to win at all costs but to feel good about playing and about
yourself. No one is chosen as MVP, and there isn't an all-star
team.
Whitey Biercz, a volunteer coach from the Farmington Valley
(Conn.) y program, believes in "the Y's emphasis on teaching
fundamentals and sportsmanship and de-emphasizing competition."
He sees that the confidence players gain from learning new skills
follows them off the court.
He's also probably glad his duties don't include standing on
a ladder to retrieve a successful shot out of a peach basket. He
might get pushed off by a player attempting an "Air Jordan" slam
dunk.
-30-
SEP-25-1991 15:10 FROM YMCA OF THE USA
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PROFILE OF DR. JAMES NAISMITH
INVENTOR OF BASKETBALL
Naismith was born in Almonte, Ont, Canada, in 1861. He was or-
phaned at the age of 8, attended Almonte High School for two years,
dropped out for four, and returned to graduate in 1883. Before his
death in 1939, he was an educator, physical education teacher, and
basketball coach. He was also ordained as a Presbyterian minister and
earned an M.D., but never held a pastorate or practiced as a physician.
In 1884 he enrolled at McGill University in Montreal and earned a
degree in theology. He became a student at the YMCA International
Training School in 1890 and was appointed an instructor in 1891.
Naismith realized the need for a new indoor winter sport. He created
basketball after being assigned to come up with a new game, while
urged on by YMCA secretaries who were bored by their physical
education requirement of daily calisthenics. The game was a success
from the first time his class played it in December 1891.
He left the school in 1895, and by 1898 he had received his M.D. from
Gross Medical College in Denver, Colo. While in school, he also acted
as the physical education director for the YMCA in that city.
He introduced basketball to the University of Kansas in 1898 as the
chairman of its physical education department and as chapel director
(he remained there up to his retirement in 1937).
Naismith was also chaplain of the First Kansas Infantry when it went to
the Mexican border in 1916, and took a leave of absence from the
university to serve with the YMCA in France during World War I. He
was the first individual enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in
Springfield, Mass., officially named in his honor.
A YMCA INVENTION.
BASKI TBALL
169: 1991
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A YMCA INVENTION
BASKE TBALL
1891-1991
N11 NNIAL
Fact Sheet
EARLY HIGHLIGHTS OF BASKETBALL
The YMCA invented basketball because the organization saw the
need for a new recreational game that could be played indoors
and would interest and develop young men during the winter
months.
The sport was created by Dr. James Naismith, then an
instructor at the International YMCA Training School in
Springfield, Mass., now Springfield College.
The first game of basketball was played sometime in early
December of 1891, with a final score of 1-0. It is the only
major sport that originated in the United States.
At first, there was no set number of players to a team, and
the number was usually based on the size of the facility they
were playing in. The first game had nine men on each side,
and Naismith recommended this as the best number to play with.
James Stebbins, the superintendent of the building, was unable
to fulfill Naismith's request for two boxes to use as the
goals. He was, however, able to supply peach baskets, thus
avoiding the game's being named boxball.
Frank Mahan, one of the students who first played the game,
came up with its name, basket ball (which remained two words
until 1921). He had first suggested naming it Naismith Ball,
but Naismith refused.
The original 13 rules were first published January 15, 1892,
in The Triangle, the journal of physical education for the
YMCA Training School. Players could throw or bat the ball to
move it around the court, but dribbling was then an unknown
skill. If a ball went out of bounds it could be thrown in by
the first person who touched it, often leading to a mad
scramble by both teams to reach the ball first.
The first public game was played between the staff and
students at the Y Training School on March 11, 1892. The
students won with a score of 5-1.
In 1892, the game first spread internationally. Graduates of
the Training School went to work as Y secretaries, and brought
the game with them to Canada and Mexico.
-
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-2-
The first game played by college women was in January 1892 at
Smith College in Northampton, Mass. No men were allowed to
watch the game since the women were dressed in bloomers.
Cylindrical baskets with heavy woven wire replaced peach
baskets as the goal in 1892. The Narragansett Machine Company
of Providence, R.I., made a basket with a cord to help pop the
ball out after a score in 1893.
Soccer balls were replaced by basketballs in 1894, first
manufactured by the Overman Wheel Company of Chicopee Falls,
Mass. Unlike today, the early balls had laces.
The first basketball game between two college teams was
February 9, 1895, with the Minnesota State School of
Agriculture defeating Hamline College of St. Paul.
On January 16, 1896, the University of Chicago beat a Y team
sponsored by the State University of Iowa. It was the first
collegiate game with five players on a side. There were no
substitutions made by either team.
In 1896, former Y players in Trenton, N.J., organized the
first professional basketball team and played their first game
in the Masonic Temple Auditorium.
The 23rd Street YMCA in New York City won the first Amateur
Athletic Union National Championship in 1897.
In 1898 the first professional organization, the National
Basketball League, forms with six teams. It disbanded after
the 1902-03 season.
-30-
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BASKETBALL
1391. 19:41
CENTENNIAL
Fact Sheet
RULE CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE GAME
Timeline
1891
Basketball was invented by James Naismith, an
instructor at the International YMCA Training School in
Springfield, Mass.
1893
Backboards were introduced, and in 1895-96 made part of
the official rules. James Naismith stated that they
might never have been added if not for overzealous
spectators who would use any means to help their team
win. As baskets were often attached to a balcony where
spectators were seated, spectators would reach over to
stop the opponent's ball from entering the goal or to
help their team's shot into the basket.
1894
Free throws were introduced. The free throw line was
moved from 20 to 15 feet, where it has remained until
today.
1895-96
The point system was finalized. Field goals were
changed from three to two points; free throw shots from
three to one point.
1897
Five-person teams became universally accepted. In
1893, the official Y rules suggested five players to a
team when the gymnasium was small, nine for larger
spaces. In 1895, the rules set the number of players
to five on a team when the playing space was less than
1800 square feet, seven if the floor was up to 3000
square feet, and nine if the playing space was larger.
1898
A clause in the rules was added that stated a dribbling
player could not touch the ball with both hands more
than once, though there was no limitation on the number
of times a player might bounce it with one hand. The
next year it was recognized that the dribbler could use
alternate hands in bouncing the ball. Naismith
described the dribble as originally a defensive measure
to escape an opponent rather than a way to advance the
ball down the court. When players were so closely
guarded that they couldn't pass the ball, they could
roll or bounce the ball away from themselves and then
race to try and recover it. In only a short time,
players were controlling the ball by bouncing and then
catching it.
-
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1913-14
When a ball went out-of-bounds, a new rule designated
that an opponent of the last player to touch the ball
would put it back into play. The following year, it
was changed so that the opponent nearest to that player
would throw it in. Before this rule, the first player
from either team to touch the ball after it went out-
of-bounds was allowed to put it back in play.
Therefore, players from both teams would be falling
over each other and knocking heads as they scrambled to
reach the ball. Naismith recalled players diving to
reach the ball, even though they were heading into
equipment stored in the gym or a spectator sitting in
the bleacher.
1923-24
The person fouled had to shoot the foul shot,
eliminating the team choosing a "designated foul
shooter." The rules also changed the penalty for
traveling with the ball or double dribbling. Instead
of being charged with a foul requiring a free throw,
players received a violation resulting in loss of the
ball to the other team. Prior to this new rule,
players had been taking too many foul shots, which had
interfered with the flow of the game.
1932-33
A rule change required that the offensive team must
advance the ball beyond midcourt within 10 seconds or
lose possession of the ball. The team could not return
to its back court until a goal was attempted, the ball
went out-of-bounds, or there was a jump ball. Also,
offensive players were prohibited from standing in the
free throw lane for more than three seconds. These
changes meant higher-scoring games since they reduced
stalling -- the five offensive players freezing the
game and protecting their lead by spreading out around
the perimeter and retaining possession of the ball
indefinitely by dribbling and passing it back and
forth. They would not try to score, because the five
defensive players were bunched near the basket, forcing
the offensive players to take only difficult perimeter
shots.
1936-37
The center jump after each score was eliminated.
Before this, the referee threw up the ball from the
sidelines between opposing centers at midcourt after a
player made a field goal or foul shot. Now the
defending team could throw in the ball from out-of-
bounds, and the game became faster-paced.
1944-45
To reduce rough tactics, the number of personal fouls
was limited to five. Goal tending -- interfering with
the ball on its downward flight toward the hoop --
became illegal. Unlimited player substitutions were
also allowed.
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The Rules
Original rules for basketball by Dr. James Naismith, who invented the game in 1891 at the International YMCA Training
School in Springfield, Massachusetts.
1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands (never the fist).
3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it; allowance to be made for
a man who catches the ball when running at a good speed.
4. The ball must be held in or between the hands; the arms or body must not be used for holding it
5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping, or striking, in any way the person of an opponent shall be allowed: the first
infringement of this rule by any person shall count as a foul, the second shall disqualify him until the next goal is made. or if
there was evident intent to injure the person for the whole of the game, no substitute allowed.
6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of Rules 3, 4, and such as described in Rule 5.
7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count as a goal for the opponents.
8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there, providing those
defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edge and the opponent moves the basket, it shall
count as a goal
9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field and played by the first person touching it. In case of a
dispute, the umpire shall throw it straight into the field The thrower-in is allowed five seconds. If he holds it longer it goes to
the opponent If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on them.
10. The umpire shall be judge of the players and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have
been made. He shall have the power to disqualify players according to Rule 5.
11. The referee shall be the judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it belongs, and
shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made, and keep account of the goals, with any other duties that
are usually performed by a referee.
12. The time shall be two fifteen-mimute halves, with five minutes rest between them.
13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winners. In case of a draw, the game may, by agree-
ment of the captains, be continued until another goal is made.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE YMCA
DATE:
OCTOBER 1, 1991
TIME:
2:45 PM
LOCATION:
OVAL OFFICE
THROUGH:
DAVID DEMAREST
ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
BK
FROM:
BOBBIE KILBERG
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR PUBLIC LIAISON
I.
PURPOSE
To have your picture taken with the National leadership of
the YMCA.
II.
BACKGROUND
YMCA programs reach more than 13 million individuals each
year. This week, the YMCA is conducting its first
national public policy conference in Washington. Over 300
YMCA staff and volunteers from throughout the country,
Puerto Rico and Canada are in Washington to discuss a
YMCA effort to build a mainstream consensus on public
policy issues that affect children and families. These
leaders have been selected by local and state YMCA public
policy committees to represent the YMCA constituency.
On Monday, September 30, the Office of Public Liaison
hosted a White House briefing for the YMCA public policy
conference attendees.
III.
PARTICIPANTS
The President
Dave Mercer, National Executive Director
Barbara Roper, Chairperson, National Board
Harold Davis, Past Chairman, National Board
Hans Jonassen, Chairman, Public Policy Committee
LeRoy Zimmerman, Public Policy Committee Member
Bobbie Kilberg, Deputy Assistant to the President for
Public Liaison
Helen Mobley
September 23, 1991
Page Two
Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance to you. I will forward a list
of all those planning to attend the White House briefing, complete with dates of birth and social
security numbers on September 27.
Sincerely,
Dana Crosby
Dana Crosby
Office Manager
09/20/91
11:58
001
YMCA OF THE USA
WASHINGTON OFFICE
1701 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 903
Y
®
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
202-835-9043
202-835-9030 (FAX)
YMCA of the USA
Washington Office
1701 K Street, N.W. Suite 903
Washington, D.C. 20006
202-835-9043
Barbara C. Roper
Chairman, National Board
David R. Mercer
National Executive Director
TO:
Helen Mobley
FROM:
Bob Boisture
DATE:
FAX NUMBER:
NO. OF PAGES (including cover page) 2
COMMENTS:
Rola
At
DO
20
YMCA Mission:
To put Christian principles
into practice through
programs that build healthy
body, mind. and spirit for ill
09/20/91
11:58
002
sycst.SD
Y
€
RM2026 DC
YMCA of the USA
Washington Office
September 20, 1991
1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 905
Washington, D C 20006
202-835-9043
Ms. Helen Mobley
Office of Public Liaison
Barbara C. Roper
The White House
Chairman, National Board
128 Old Executive Office Building
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Helen:
the Hings
David R. Mercer
National Executive Director
Pam
Many thanks for all your work on our behalf. Hopefully by the time you receive this
note, some or all of the invited speakers for the briefing will have confirmed their acceptance.
But just to be prepared, I thought it might be helpful for me to identify several other
administration officials who would be excellent presenters for the briefing:
245-347-KE
Wade Horn, Commissioner of Children Youth and Families at HHS, to speak on
juvenile justice and delinquency prevention and the National Commission on
JeffRosenberg * Families.
Children's report Beyond Rhetoric A New American Agenda for Children and
Mark Ragan, Director of the Child Care Task Force, to speak on the Administration's
activities with regard to child care.
* John Butterfield, Executive Director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness
and Sports, to talk about youth fitness issues and the activities of the President's
Council.
Roger Porter, James Pinkerton, or Hans Kuttner, of the White House Office of Policy
Development, to talk about the Administration's overall perspective on strengthening
families and promoting positive youth development.
Given the amount of time you've already devoted to the YMCA, 1 hope it won't be
necessary to pursue additional presenters. But if it is, I hope these suggestions are helpful. Let
me know if there is anything else we can do. And, again, many thanks for all you are doing.
With best regards,
Sincerely,
Bob
Robert A. Boisture
YMCA Mission:
To put Christian principles
into practice through
programs that build healthy
hody, mind, and spirit for all
Y
YMCA of the USA
Washington Office
1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 903
Washington, D.C. 20006
September 26, 1991
202-835-9043
Barbara C. Roper
Chairman, National Board
Ms. Helen Mobley
Office of Public Liaison
David R. Mercer
The White House
National Executive Director
128 Old Executive Building
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Helen:
Again, I would like to thank you for all your assistance and patience with me as we prepare for
the White House briefing next Monday. The conferees are very enthusiastic about the briefing
and the speakers you have lined up for them to hear.
Enclosed you will find a list which reflects the registrants we have scheduled to attend the
briefing. The list includes my name, but do not count me as one of the 220 participants, as I
will merely be there to assist the YMCA assembly. As we discussed on the telephone, I will also
escort the YMCA leaders as they come to the White House to meet with President Bush on
October 1. At that time, in addition to the sweatshirts, Dave Mercer will also present the
President with a leather-bound history book of the YMCA.
For your information, the YMCA buses will begin departing the Ramada Renaissance Techworld
at about 8:30 a.m. This should allow plenty of time for all to clear security prior to the briefing.
Frederick Myer, the YMCA photographer, and I plan to arrive at the Old Executive Building at
8:00 a.m. Monday morning. This way I will be familiar with the system and building before the
buses start arriving.
Thanks again....you have truly been invaluable to me as we prepare for the briefing. I look
forward to meeting you September 30.
Sincerely,
Dana
Dana Crosby
Office Manager
YMCA Mission:
To put Christian principles
into practice through
programs that build healthy
body, mind, and spirit for all.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
SCHEDULE PROPOSAL
September 24, 1991
TO:
CHARLIE KOLB, DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
DOMESTIC POLICY
HM
FROM:
HELEN MOBLEY) OFFICE OF PUBLIC LIAISON
REQUEST:
To address the YMCA National Public Policy
conference on America 2000 and other aspects of the
President's domestic agenda.
BACKGROUND:
Over 200 members of the YMCA will be in Washington
for the first national public policy conference. It
is their intent to signal a new commitment as
leaders in building a mainstream consensus on public
policy issues that effect children and families.
These leaders will be selected by local and state
YMCA public policy committees to represent the YMCA
constituency.
DATE AND TIME:
September 30, 1991 at 10:00am or 10:30am
DURATION:
30 minutes including question/answer session
LOCATION:
Room 450, OEOB
PARTICIPANTS:
Governor Bob Martinez, confirmed
SEQUENCE OF
EVENTS:
-- Speaker enters room 450
-- Speaker gives remarks
-- Speaker departs
HeLen
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
MEMORANDUM
TO:
David Demarest
FROM:
KATHY SUPER
SUBJECT:
APPROVED PRESIDENTIAL ACTIVITY
EVENT:
Photo Opportunity with the leadership of the YMCA
DATE:
Tuesday, October 1, 1991
TIME:
2:15 p.m.
DURATION:
5 minutes
LOCATION:
Oval Office
ATTIRE:
Business Suit
REMARKS REQUIRED:
No
MEDIA COVERAGE:
White House Photographer Only
FIRST LADY PARTICIPATION:
Is Invited
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
CONTACT:
TELEPHONE:
NOTE:
PROJECT OFFICER, SEE ATTACHED CHECKLIST
Rose Zamaria
Marlin Fitzwater
Phil Brady
Ede Holiday
David Demarest
David Valdez
Fred McClure
Gregg Petersmeyer
USSS-PPD
Susan Porter Rose
Sig. Rogich
Gary Walters
Patty Presock
Jay Parmer
Dorrance Smith
WHCA Audio/Visual
Bill Farish
Laurie Firestone
WHCA Operations
C. Boyden Gray
William Kristol
Paul Bateman
Laura Melillo
Debra Romash
Jackie Kennedy
Ron Kaufman
Deb Anderson
Richard Trefry
Janet Johnson
Tony Snow
AJM 9/9/91
07/03/91
15:32
Browningferris
Interior
(713)870.8100
Education
YMCA OF THE USA
AIDWHO should
WASHINGTON OFFICE
1701 K STREET, N.W., SUITE 90
WASHINGTON, DC 20006
202-835-9043
Ann Mason
202-835-9030 (FAX)
Small CasAl
his 703-836-3439
'Y' FAX
people arenty
TO:
FROM:
Bob Boisture
Ms. Kilberg
DATE:
7/3
FAX NUMBER: 202-456-1647
NO. OF PAGES (including cover page)
3
COMMENTS:
I: \SHARE\FAX
January 28, 1991
07/03/91
15:33
002
July 3, 1991
Y
YMCA of the USA
Washington Office
Ms. Bobbie Kilberg
1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 903
Deputy Assistant to the President for Public Liaison
Washington, L) C. 20006
The White House
202-835-9043
128 OEB
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Barbara C. Roper
Chairman, National Board
Washington, DC 20500
David R. Mercer
Dear Ms. Kilberg:
National Executive Director
I am writing to follow-up on your conversation with Sally McKenzie concerning our upcoming
YMCA National Public Policy Conference, to be held September 30th and October 1st in
Washington, DC. YMCAs across the country represent a broad mainstream constituency that
is deeply concerned about the future of children and families. Our public policy conference -
- the first we've ever held reflects YMCAs' growing commitment to play a leadership role
in shaping public policies that promote healthy development of children and youth, strengthen
families, and support strong communities. We expect at least 300 key YMCA leaders from
around the country.
We were extremely excited when Sally reported your interest in discussing a possible White
House briefing for our conference participants. (We understand that attendance would be
limited to the seating capacity of the OEB auditorium.) This would be a tremendous
addition staff. to the conference, and I am anxious to discuss this possibility with you and your
Because our agenda SQ closely mirrors the President's, our conference planning committee
also voted unanimously to invite him to be the speaker at our closing banquet on Tuesday,
October 1. I enclose a copy of the invitation letter to the President from our National
Executive, Dave Mercer. You should also know that Mr. Bobby Holt, a YMCA volunteer
from Midland, Texas, conveyed this invitation to the President in person at a recent
meeting. I understand that Mr. Holt has just received a letter of acknowledgment from the
White House scheduling office; I will fax a copy to you as soon as I receive it.
I truly appreciate how many speaking requests the President must receive, and I'm anxious
to work with you and your staff to see whether there is any way for him to participate, even
briefly, in our conference. If the President cannot accept our invitation to the Tuesday
evening banquet, we would be honored if he could speak to our participants as part of the
White House Bricfing.
I will call this afternoon to discuss next steps.
Thank you very much for your interest.
Sincerely,
Bob Boisture
Bob Boisture
Director of Public Policy
YMCA Mission:
To put Christian principles
Enclosure
into practice through
programs that hund healthy
body. mind. and spint for all.
Theers. Aug.
Y
July 16, 1991
YMCA of the USA
Washington Office
Ms. Helen Mobley
1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 903
Office of Public Liaison
Washington, D.C. 20006
The White House
202-835-9043
128 OEB
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Barbara C. Roper
Washington, DC 20500
Chairman, National Board
David R. Mercer
Dear Helen:
National Executive Director
Thank you again for your interest and willingness to arrange a White House briefing for
participants at the YMCA National Public Policy Conference, scheduled for September 30
and October 1. I truly appreciate all you have done to make this a reality. It will be a
highlight of our conference!
This letter is a follow-up to our conversation regarding presenters and issues for the
briefing. It is my preference that the presenters reflect the areas of the YMCA national
The President
public policy agenda. The following are suggestions for topics and speakers:
1.
Child Care: Jo Anne Barnhart, Family Support Administration
2.
Youth Service and Voluntarism: Gregg Petersmeyer, Office of National Service
3.
Youth Health and Fitness: Arnold Schwarznegger, President's Council on Physical
Fitness
4.
Substance Abuse: Surgeon General Antonio Novella or Dr. Elaine Johnson, Office
of Substance Abuse Prevention (The staff in the Office of National Drug Policy has
indicated that Gov. Martinez may be able to participate in the conference, therefore
we would like to ask him to be a speaker at a later time during the conference.)
5.
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention: Robert Sweet, Office of Juvenile
Justice and Delinquency Prevention or Wade Horn, Administration for Children,
Youth, and Families
6.
Workforce 2000: Lynn Martin, Department of Labor
7.
Education: Lamar Alexander, Department of Education - may beinvited folanother event.
connetprair
I'm available at your convenience to talk about our next steps. In the meantime, please call
if you need more information.
Best regards,
Bob
Bob Boisture
-10-22-52
Director, Public Policy
YMCA Mission:
To put Christian principles
into practice through
programs that build healthy
body, mind, and spirit for all.
PUBLIC POLICY POSITION ON YOUTH SERVICE
General Principles
The YMCA is our nation's largest charitable voluntary service organization. It has 139
years of experience with volunteer activities that reflect the interest and commitment of those
who serve the needs and expectations of those who are served.
The YMCA mission is to build healthy body, mind, and spirit in the individuals and families
it serves. The YMCA puts Christian principles into practice through programs that promote
good health, strong families, youth leadership, community development, and international
understanding. Ys believe that people are responsible for their own lives and actions and
that they should join together in positive association to serve the needs of all. These
principles are expressed in all Y programs -- programs that involve people of all ages, from
infants to senior citizens.
Six million young people participate in YMCA programs every year. These programs
encourage children and teens to grow strong and secure in who they are and to develop
positive values. YMCAs regard volunteer service as integral to YMCA youth programs and
have service. developed models that demonstrate the value of involving young people in community
YMCAs believe that government should support initiatives that strengthen the service ethic
and challenge all to respond, collectively as well as individually, to the social and environ-
mental needs of their communities. These initiatives should be locally based and should
offer a wide range of opportunity for involvement. The volunteer experience should
promote individual growth and enhance community life. More specifically, YMCAs believe
that government community service initiatives should reflect the following principles:
Training and Supervision: All youth community service programs should recognize the need
for supervision and training, both for the sponsoring organizations and the volunteers.
Successful programs require a commitment to paying qualified and experienced staff
members to work with volunteers.
Community-based: All programs should be developed or adapted by the community in
response to needs it has identified. This approach brings about meaningful volunteer
experience which produces results that are more easily measured at the local level.
Examples of successful models should be collected and made available to other communities.
Involve Existing Programs: Government community service programs should not duplicate
the many successful programs operated by community-based organizations. New delivery
systems should not be created until existing programs are given a fair chance to meet the
challenge of a government initiative. The nonprofit community should be considered in
these decisions.
Multigenerational: People of all ages should be encouraged to volunteer. Also, in order to
respond to the needs of people of all ages, from prekindergarteners to senior citizens,
community service initiatives will need to include varied program designs and models.
Economic and Cultural Diversity: Youth service programs should involve people from
different economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds. Volunteers should have the opportunity
to learn and work with people of other cultures and with different life
experiences.
Support for Volunteers: Programs should provide support to participants. This may include
training and education, career counseling, and, when appropriate, reimbursement for out-of-
pocket expenses.
Career and Vocational Training: Service offers young people important developmental
experiences. Full-time service programs are a key element of a youth employment strategy.
Job Protection: Government initiatives should not be viewed as a means of developing a
low-cost labor force. Instead, they should be viewed as ways of improving our communities
and the service providers themselves.
Private/Public Partnership: The private sector is making a commitment to youth service
activities through contributions to local organizations and programs. Government initiatives
should ensure that private funds are not diverted from these local programs. Instead,
government policymakers should recognize that an expanded effort will mean an increased
financial commitment by both the private and public sectors.
Approved by the YMCA National Board, March 1991
PUBLIC POLICY
ISSUES
YMCA Public Policy Position
on Substance Abuse
General Principles
Building self-esteem, developing healthy lifestyles,
Acknowledge that Everyone is At Risk: Effective
instilling positive values, and strengthening families
programs recognize that all children are at risk of
are central to the YMCA mission and are important
addiction. Therefore, government policy should
elements of a national substance abuse policy.
support programs that involve people of all ages,
YMCA programs offer people opportunities to
from rural and urban communities, and from all
grow mentally. physically, and spiritually.
economic classes.
The YMCA is one of the largest youth-serving
Give High Priority to Prevention Efforts: Programs
organizations in the country. Over 6 million
that promote self-esteem and healthy lifestyles and
children and teenagers participated in YMCA
that teach decision making help people develop
programs last year. Young people come to the
skills that improve their chances for leading
YMCA for a variety of reasons, but once there, they
positive, successful lives, and they prevent young
find a wholesome environment where they can
people from becoming substance abusers. Shrink-
learn about themselves, develop positive life skills
ing the supply of drugs involves huge outlays of
and values, and have fun.
resources; that strategy will never be as successful
as initiatives directed at shrinking the market.
YMCAs believe that today's substance abuse
Therefore, prevention should be a significantly
problem requires a coordinated strategy involving
higher priority in government substance abuse
government and the private sector. YMCAs' major
policy. Federal, state, and local prevention
efforts will continue to focus on youth develop-
programs should encourage the development of
ment as a primary prevention strategy.
new, creative approaches to preventing substance
abuse among youth.
However, YMCAs are also committed to working
in partnership at the local. state, and federal levels,
Provide for Early Intervention: Children and teens
not only to help young people stay away from
who experiment with tobacco, alcohol, and other
drugs, but also to help kids stop who may be
drugs-or who experience related problems-
experimenting with drugs, and to ensure adequate
should be provided with services to prevent the
treatment for people in need of recovery. YMCAs
development of severe addiction problems in the
believe that drug policy should reflect the follow-
future. Government policy should recognize and
ing principles:
support the development of early intervention
programs.
Recognize Alcohol and Tobacco as Key Elements of
the Substance Abuse Problem: Government policy
Ensure Access to Treatment Programs: These
should recognize that tobacco, alcohol, and other
should be available to people who are addicted to
legal drugs represent a significant threat to the
alcohol and other drugs. Government policy
health of all children and youth. Government
should promote recovery. Communities should be
policy should define the problem to include
provided resources to develop programs that meet
tobacco, alcohol. and over-the-counter drugs as
the varied needs of addicts and that advance the
well.
recovery process.
Recognize the Importance of Involving Families:
Promote Community Collaboration: Neighbor-
Services provided to those affected by substance
hoods and communities must be encouraged to
abuse should focus on the family. Government
create initiatives that reflect the needs of the
policy should provide support to families and
people who live in them. Government policy
should involve parents in developing programs for
should provide funds and other incentives and
children.
should support programming that involves public/
private partnerships at the local level.
Increase Public Information about the Risks of
Tobacco and Alcohol: Everyone pays for substance
Involve Community-Based Organizations: Non-
abuse, directly or indirectly. The severe conse-
profit, community-based organizations are critical
quences of addiction demand that policies encour-
providers of successful prevention, early interven-
aging tobacco and alcohol use be curtailed. This
tion, and treatment programs. Government policy
should include a prohibition of advertising encour-
should provide funds and other incentives to
aging youth to smoke or drink. Government
increase these groups' effectiveness. Furthermore,
policy should support public education campaigns.
government programs should not limit eligible
providers; they should involve schools, for-profits,
Promote Research: The knowledge base has not
and nonprofits in programs.
kept pace with growing awareness about the
problems associated with substance abuse. There
Encourage Innovation and Replicate Successful
is a great need for information about the problem,
Local Programs: Solutions to the problems
possible solutions, and effectiveness of programs.
associated with substance abuse require innova-
Government policy should promote and fund
tion, risk taking, and creative programming.
applied research studies.
Government policy should support such efforts
and should recognize successful models for
replication in other communities. Government
policy should also recognize the needs of local
programs for a sustained commitment to funding.
YMCA of the USA
Y
1701 K Street N.W., Suite 903
Washington, DC
®
20006
YMCA Involvement in Federal Child Care Legislation
Adopted by the YMCA National Board
March 17, 1989
General Principles
Strengthening families and meeting the needs of children have always been,
and remain, central to the YMCA mission. YMCAs have responded quickly
and energetically to families' rapidly growing need for affordable, quality child
care, and now provide care for approximately 500,000 children each year.
Based on this experience, YMCAs believe that government and the private
sector should work together to develop policies which assist families in
their primary task of raising children. These policies need to respect the
diversity of family structure that exists today. These policies should support
parents who choose to and are able to stay at home and care for their
children, as well as those who must work to provide for the general well-
being of their children. General tax relief for low-income families, through
refundable tax credits, or otherwise, may provide a partial means of
addressing this concern. However, the YMCA does not regard such general
tax relief as an adequate substitute for a targeted child care strategy which
assists low-income working parents and serves the developmental, social,
and educational needs of their children.
YMCAs believe that federal child care policy should reflect the following
general principles.
Provide Federal Leadership
The federal government should provide strong leadership in addressing the
rapidly growing need for affordable, quality child care.
Provide Safe, Quality Child Care
Safe, quality child care should be available to children of working parents
regardless of their ability to pay. Effective regulation is a necessary
component of safe, quality care, and federal policy should actively
encourage state regulation of child care.
Target Low-Income Families
Limited federal dollars for child care should be targeted primarily to low-
income families. The federal government should not directly subsidize
targeted child care for upper-income families.
Allow State Flexibility
Federal child care policy should allow the states to concentrate the limited
federal resources most effectively to assist families working toward
self-sufficiency.
Foster Parental Choice
Federal policy should maximize the child care choices available to families
by supporting the diversity of the existing child care delivery system. States
should be given the flexibility to use federal child care funds to assist
families using for-profit, nonprofit, church- and school-based providers, and
family day care homes. None of these providers should be given an
exclusive role in providing services to any age group of children.
(over)
Assist Child Care Providers
Federal policy should support efforts to strengthen the child care delivery
system, including training for child care providers, resource and referral
programs, and grants for building and expanding child care programs.
Support State Initiatives
A federal child care program should encourage, not discourage, states in
establishing child care intitiatives of their own.
Encourage Program Diversity
Federal child care assistance should be delivered through racially, ethnically,
and economically diverse programs which serve handicapped children.
YMCA National Board Position
In accordance with the YMCA's general principles for federal child care
legislation, the YMCA National Board approves the following:
Prompt Action
1. The YMCA National Board supports prompt enactment of federal child
care legislation consistent with the general principles set forth.
Act for Better Child Care
2. As set forth above, the Act for Better Child Care provides an effective
framework for advancing the YMCA's general principles for federal child
care legislation. The YMCA National Board continues to endorse this
legislation.
Tax Credits for Low-Income Families
3. The National Board expressly concludes, however, that the enactment of
the Act for Better Child Care does not and should not preclude enactment
of tax credit proposals aimed at giving income supplementation to low-
income families.
For more information contact Debbie Murdock, public policy specialist,
YMCA of the USA, at 202-835-9043.
YMCA of the USA
Y
Washington Office
1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 903
Washington, D.C. 20006
JUN 25 '91 03:36
P.1
WILLIAM A. MCKENZIE
SALLY F. MCKENZIE
4517 BEVERLY DRIVE
DALLAS, TEXAS 75205
FAX TRANSMISSION COVER SHEET
DATE:
6/25/91
TO:
white House /Public Lision
Babbi Kilberg
FAX #
302/456-1647
FROM:
Silly M Kengre
FAX #
(214) 521-4512
MESSAGE:
bullings for thes group 3 a tap
I'm requesting One of your
(afew tabes women like me
Depresentation of CEO's lawyers
Ohio would be e and Freendly "choer
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spreach to 1 Let me know if a
D.C. person Bob Boisture in touch
with you (Theyare anpearst x dothing
TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES INCLUDING COVER SHEET:
2
PLEASE ADVISE OF ANY ERRORS IN TRANSMISSION BY CALLING
(214) 521-7287.
4,Bob Bob Boisture
AGENDA
Sunday, September 29
P.2
2
5:00 p.m. Registration, Hospitality
"Meeting the YMCA Mission
Monday, September 30
Through the Public Policy Process:
A National Leadership Conference"
8:30 a.m. Opening Session
(FIRST SUCH CONFERENCE)
Keynote Address: "Challenges Facing Children and
Families Today" LOUIS SULLIVAN
INITED
11:00
Help define the YMCA advocacy
YMCA State Delegation Meetings
agenda
12:00 p.m. Luncheon Address: "Business" Response to the
Needs of Children and Families"
Meet with key members of the
Administration and Congress
1:30
Panel Discussion on Strengthening Social
Services
Learn about important state and
3:00
Workshops on YMCA Public Policy Agenda:
federal initiativesaffecting YMCAs
Tax Challenge, Child Care, Youth Service,
Youth Health and Fitness
Develop strong state public policy
committees
5:00
Reception
*Dinner on Your Own*
And more! Receive updates on the
tax challenges facing YMCAs,
Tuesday, October 1
federal youth service initiative, and
federal child care legislation
8:30 a.m. Breakfast Address: "Building State Advocacy
Agendas"
Meet with YMCA key leaders from
10:30
around the country
YMCA State Delegation Meetings
JUN 25 '91 03:37
12:00 p.m. Capitol Hill Luncheon Address: "Sharing the
YMCA Message with Congress"
2:00-5:00 Meetings with Members of Congress
7:00
Awards Dinner and Celebration! PRESIDENT
INVITED-
Executive Office of the President
CONFERENCE ROOM RESERVATION REQUEST
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL HOSTING/ATTENDING EVENT:
EXTENSION:
OFFICE/AGENCY: Helen mobley
X7900
DATE OF MEETING:
OPL
9/30/91
STAFF PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEARANCE:
HOURS:
Helen mobley
From: 930m To: liam
TYPE OF EVENT:
Official:
Private:
Meeting
Reception
Other
PURPOSE OF MEETING:
It will be an opportunity to connect the YMCA Public Policy
agencla with the President's efforts to reverse the negative trends
related to children and families.
NUMBER OF ATTENDEES:
IN ATTENDANCE:
200
President
First Lady
Vice President
ROOM(s) REQUESTED:
22 OEOB
274 OEOB
450 OEOB
474 OEOB
476 OEOB
Roosevelt Room West Wing
Other
GSA REQUIREMENTS:
NO
YES (fill out TYPE OF SERVICE below)
TYPE OF SERVICE:)
Elevator Service
#4
#6
#7
SPECIAL ROOM ARRANGEMENTS (See reverse side for options)
Time Reserved 830m 9 30 am
Theatre:
Number of Chairs
Floors Reserved 1-4
Reception: Number of Table(s)
6ft
8ft
10ft
Conference: Number of Table(s)
6ft
8ft
10ft
Podium
Coat Rack
Number of Chairs
Flags
Other
WHITE HOUSE STAFF MESS REQUIRED:
NO
YES
Estimated Cost $
Funding to be Provided by:
Counsel's Approval:
REMARKS:
OFFICIAL USE ONLY
DATE OF REDUEST:
APPROVED BY:
RETURN TO: White House Administrative Office
Room 1, OEOB; 48 hours prior to event.
09/10/91
15:09
001
YNCA of the USA
Washington office
Phone: (202) 835-9043
Fax: (202) 835-9030
FAX COVER SHEET
To:
Helen Mobley
Fax number: 202 456-2461
From:
Bob Boisture
Date:
September 10, 1991
Time: 1:00 pm EDT
This fax consists of
pages, including this cover sheet.
Helen,
Many, many thanks for all your help!
I'm sending you the attached correspondence in case Ann Brock
gives you a call.
Best regards,
Bob
09/10/91
15:10
002
Y
YMCA of the USA
Washington Office
1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 905
September 10, 1991
Washington, 10 C 20000
202-835-9043
Ms. Ann Brock
Barbara C. Roper
Chairman. National Board
Director of Scheduling
Office of the First Lady
David R. Mercer
The White House
National Executive Director
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Ms. Brock:
AS outlined more fully in the attached letter of invitation to Mrs. Bush, the YMCA of
the USA is sponsoring our first National Public Policy Conference here in Washington on
September 30 - October 1. Helen Mobley in the Public Liaison Office has been extremely
helpful in arranging a White House Briefing to kick-off our Conference on the morning of the
30th, and in arranging for 5 of our national leaders to meet with the President on the afternoon
of October 1st. Needless to say, we are most excited about both opportunities, and they will
tremendously enhance our conference!
We had initially hoped that the President could give our closing keynote address on the
evening of October 1st. Mr. Bobby Holt of Midland, Texas had extended our invitation
personally to the President in June, and we followed-up with a formal letter to the President.
Unfortunately, the President was not able to accept.
While there is no greater honor than having the President address a meeting of this sort,
Mrs. Bush brings her own very special perspective and concern to the issues that are our top
priority - the needs of children and families. Her public statements on these issues have been
eloquent and forceful, and I can think of no one who would have greater credibility with this
group of YMCA leaders. We sincerely hope she will be able to accept this invitation.
With best regards,
Sincerely,
Bob Boirture
Robert A. Boisture
Director of Public Policy
YMCA of the USA
cc: Helen Mobley
YMCA Mission:
To [nil Christian principles
into practice through
programs that build healthy
body. mind, and Apirit for all
09/10/91
15:10
003
Y
8
YMCA of the USA
September 10, 1991
Washington Office
1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 903
Washington, D.C. 20006
202-835 9043
The Honorable Barbara Bush
The White House
Barbaru C. Roper
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Chairman. National Board
Washington, DC 20500
David R. Mercer
Dear Mrs. Bush:
National Executive Director
On behalf of the National Board of the YMCA of the USA, I am writing to invite you to
give the closing keynote address at the first-ever YMCA National Public Policy Conference
on Tucsday evening, October 1st. The conference will be here in Washington, at the
Ramada Renaissance Techworld.
The theme of the conference will be "Strong Kids, Strong Families, Strong Communities."
You can see from the enclosed draft brochure the message our participants will be carrying
to Capitol Hill.
Our goal for the conference is to inspire and empower YMCAs to become even stronger
leaders in their states and communities in developing new community-based solutions for the
needs of youth and families, with a strong emphasis on prevention.
Our participants will include 225 to 250 of the most influential leaders within the YMCA.
This group will play a critical role in defining the YMCA's agenda for the nineties.
The chance to hear your vision of what needs to be done to strengthen and support
America's children and families would greatly enrich our deliberations.
Bob Boisture, our Director of Public Policy, will be in touch with your staff to follow-up on
this letter. We very much hope you will be able to accept this invitation.
With best regards,
Sincerely,
Dave Marcer
Dave Mercer
National Executive Director
YMCA of the USA
VMCA Mission:
To put Christian principles
into practice through
programs that build healthy
body. mind, and spirit for all.
More Children in Poverty. 20.9% of American
children live in poverty, as compared with 16% in
1979.
004
AMERICA'S CHALLENGE:
Growing Family Stress. 50% of all marriages now
end in divorce. 25% of all children live with a single
STRONG KIDS,
parent -- up from 9% in 1960. 25% of babies are
bom to unmarried mothers -- up from 5% in 1960.
STRONG FAMILIES,
Following divorce, the average income of women and
children falls by 30%, and 40% of fathers lose
STRONG COMMUNITIES
regular contact with their children.
More Emotional Problems. Teen suicide - the most
extreme manifestation of emotional stress - has tripled
America's future depends on the strength of our
since 1960. Based on broader evidence, a recent
children, our families, and our communities. Over
American Medical Association report concludes that
2000 YMCAs across the nation, serving 13 million
"more adolescents today have serious psychiatric
people each year, are working everyday to nurture
and psychological problems."
children, support families, and strengthen
communities. In this work, we see much to celebrate
Major Lifestyle-related Health Concerns. Substance
- but we also see growing cause for alarm. On many
abuse remains a major problem among youth; for
key fronts, America is losing ground.
example, 38% of high school seniors report regular
binge drinking. A significant increase in obesity in
Too many of our children are reaching adulthood
elementary school students, up from 18% in 1963 to
unprepared to be productive workers, effective
27% today, suggests lower fitness levels and a less
parents, or responsible citizens. Too many of our
families are stressed to the breaking point. And too
healthy lifestyle.
many of our communities are being badly weakened
Millions of Children Without Health Insurance. 8.3
by economic, social, and racial tensions.
million of America's poorer children (13% of the
As a nation we face a stark choice -- reverse these
total) have no health insurance protection.
trends or accept a future of diminished productivity,
declining opportunity, and rising social unrest.
More Youth Unprepared for Jobs That Can Support
a Family. Over the past two decades, educational
achievement has been static or declining while the
skill level required for well-paying jobs has increased.
Real wages for young male high school graduates
YMCA
have declined 18% since 1979, seriously
compounding the economic stress on young families.
THE YMCA's COMMITMENT
YMCA PUBLIC POLICY CONCERNS
STRONG KIDS. YMCAs provide positive
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
developmental programs for children and youth.
Give High Priority to Prevention. YMCAs believe
that providing programs that help children and
*
YMCAs serve over 6 million children and youth
families succeed is more cost-effective than remedial
in positive developmental programs like child
strategies that offer help only after children and
care, youth sports, day and resident camping,
families are in crisis. YMCAs support increased
and leadership training.
investment in prevention.
*
The YMCA of the USA's Youth Work 2000
Support State and Local Initiatives and
initiative will help YMCAs significantly
Strengthened Community Collaboration. YMCAs
strengthen and expand their youth development
believe that fragmentation of services to youth and
programs.
families is a major problem. YMCAs support the
development of integrated, community-based strategies
STRONG FAMILIES. YMCAs provide programs
for serving children and families.
to strengthen and support families.
PRIORITY ISSUES
YMCAs are America's largest provider of child
Child Care
care, serving over 500,000 children, and YMCA
*
Make safe quality child care available to all working
parent-child programs help strengthen family
families, regardless of ability to pay.
relationships.
*
Maximize child care choices, and strengthen the
Through YMCA adult programs, over 6 million
quality of care.
Americans develop the physical, mental, and
spiritual strength and self-confidence to be more
Substance Abuse
effective parents, workers, and citizens.
*
Recognize alcohol and tobacco as key elements of
*
The YMCA of the USA is developing new
the substance abuse problem.
programs and program components to strengthen
*
Give high priority to prevention and education
family relations and enhance parenting skills.
efforts.
15:11
STRONG COMMUNITIES. YMCAs mobilize and
Youth Service
coordinate broader community efforts to support
*
Expand community-based programs to involve youth
children and families.
in community service.
16/01/60
*
YMCAs work in partnership with schools and
Youth Health and Fitness
other organizations to meet community needs.
* Expand sports, fitness, and health education
*
YMCAs mobilize over 400,000 volunteers.
programs for children and youth.
*
The YMCA of the USA's Community
*
Eacourage communities to develop comprehensive
Development initiative will strengthen YMCAs'
youth health strategies.
capacity to be a catalyst for positive community
change.
Support for the Voluntary Sector
*
Maintain tax-exemption for YMCAs and other
community service organizations.
* Maintain strong tax incentives for charitable giving
Y
R
July 29, 1991
YMCA of the USA
Washington Office
1701 K Street. N.W. Suite 903
Washington. D.C. 20006
The Honorable Lamar Alexander
202-835-9043
Secretary
U.S. Department of Education
Barbara C. Roper
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Chairman. National Board
Washington, DC 20202-0100
David R. Mercer
National Executive Director
Dear Governor:
On behalf of the National Board of the YMCA of the USA, I am writing to invite you to
participate in the YMCA's first national public policy conference. The conference signals a
new commitment by the YMCA to be a leader in building a mainstream consensus on public
policy issues that affect children and families. The conference entitled, "Meeting the
YMCA Mission Through the Public Policy Process: A National Leadership Conference,"
will be held at the Ramada Renaissance Techworld in Washington, from Sept. 30 - Oct. 1.
Three hundred YMCA staff and volunteers will attend the conference. These leaders will be
selected by local and state YMCA public policy committees to represent the YMCA
constituency.
The YMCA would be honored if you would speak on the topic, "The Challenges Facing our
Youth." Of primary importance to the YMCA is the education and positive development of
youth today. As you know, a large and growing proportion of American young people are
reaching adulthood unprepared to be productive workers, responsible citizens, or effective
parents. YMCAs across the country are committed to working with schools, the
government at all levels, and the corporate sector to develop strategies addressing the needs
of youth and families. To this end, YMCAs would be interested in learning from you, how
they could support your efforts to achieve the National Educational Goals and promote the
positive development of our youth.
If your schedule permits, I would very much appreciate it if you would provide the opening
address at the luncheon on Monday, September 30, 1991. If this is not possible, the
conference agenda can be adjusted to accommodate your schedule. I hope you will be able
to join us for this exciting event.
Sincerely,
Dand
David Mercer
National Executive Director
YMCA Mission:
To put Christian principles
into practice through
programs that build healthy
body. mind. and spirit for all.
Shed
prop
August 7, 1991
conf)
Y
Ms. Helen Mobley
YMCA of the USA
Office of Public Liaison
Washington Office
The White House
1701 K Street, N.W., Suite 903
128 OEB
Washington, D.C. 20006
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
202-835-9043
Washington, DC 20500
Barbara C. Roper
Chairman, National Board
Dear Helen:
David R. Mercer
National Executive Director
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on Thursday. I am very excited about the White
House briefing and certainly appreciate all your hard work. As we discussed, we will plan on
starting the briefing at 9:30 am on September 30th, and concluding at 11:00 am.
The briefing will be an excellent opportunity to connect the YMCA Public Policy agenda with the
President's efforts to reverse the negative trends related to children and families. The YMCA is
committed to pursuing policies that support positive youth development, strengthen families, and
empower communities. The issues of primary importance to YMCAs are: good quality child care
for parents, substance abuse (including tobacco and alcohol) prevention; youth and community
service, and promotion of healthy lifestyles. Enclosed are copies of the YMCA National Board
Public Policy positions.
As we discussed, the following are recommendations for speakers (and talking points) in order of
priority. I would prefer it if we could have four people meet with the YMCA representatives,
therefore limiting the presentations to 20 minutes.
1.
President Bush. If the President is unable to attend the closing ceremony, it would be an
honor to have him attend this session to discuss:
DElaml
-
The President's longstanding commitment to the YMCA mission and programs.
The President and Mrs. Bush were founders of the YMCA in Midland, Texas.
secondary
-
The President's volunteer initiative. As one of the largest voluntary organizations
in the country, YMCAs have been strong advocates of the Points of Light
O America you
Foundation and the President's efforts to expand volunteer service among
Americans.
-
Strategies for making a difference in the lives of children and families. Of
primary concern are ways in which YMCAs can support the President's plans to
improve education, reduce substance use among youth, and expand child care
services for working parents.
Of course, Mrs. Bush or Vice-President Quayle would be excellent substitutes.
2.
Secretary of Labor, Lynn Martin. YMCAs would be interested in a briefing on the
Department of Labor's strategies targeted at "workforce 2000" issues. These would
Key
include: child care, preparing young people to make a successful transition from school
to work, the importance of positive youth development programs in preparing tomorrow's
labor force, and youth employment programs.
YMCA Mission:
To put Christian principles
into practice through
programs that build healthy
body, mind, and spirit for all.
Page Two
401.9200
Yes
3.
Assistant Secretary Jo Anne B. Barnhart, Administration for Children and Families,
Department of Health and Human Services. YMCAs would be most interested in hearing
about the implementation of the newly passed federal child care legislation, In addition,
Ms. Barnhardt could inform YMCAs about the Drug Education and Prevention Program
Relating to Youth Gangs and the Drug Education and Prevention Program for Runaway
and Homeless Youth -- two grant programs that fund several YMCA programs. Other
topics could include: the restructuring of the Department of Health and Human Services,
involvement by nonprofit, community-based organizations in the delivery of services to
youth, and Ms. Barnhardt's perspective on effective prevention programs -- what works
and what doesn't.
Yes
4.
Surgeon General Antonio Novella or Dr. Elaine Johnson, Office of Substance Abuse
Prevention. Either of these speakers would do an excellent job of briefing the YMCAs
245.1163
on opportunities and strategies to curb the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs
among youth. YMCAs want to know what resources are available, who the primary
partners are, and what works. YMCAs are very concerned about the connection between
&
early tobacco and alcohol use among youth and other problems such as low self-esteem,
poor school performance, and juvenile delinquency.
5.
639.329 you
Gregg Petersmeyer, Office of National Service. YMCAs rely upon volunteers to provide
many key programs. The President's volunteer service initiative has served as a call to
action among YMCAs to do more. YMCAs will want to hear about the President's
strategy, how YMCAs can support the effort, and how the strategy is implemented at the
local level. Mr. Petersmeyer could also present a brief update on the implementation of
the National and Community Service legislation.
6.
Arnold Schwarznegger, President's Council on Physical Fitness. YMCAs are very
no
interested in being active partners in Mr. Schwarznegger's plan to improve youth fitness
and expand programs in communities. YMCAs would benefit from hearing the specifics
about the Council's agenda and opportunities for collaboration. As well, I understand
that Mr. Schwarznegger is working at the state level to encourage government to make an
increased investment in youth sports and fitness programming. YMCAs want to learn
how to support his efforts in this critical area.
Enclosed is a copy of the invitation sent to Governor Alexander. I would appreciate any sug-
gestions you have on additional efforts that would lend further support to the invitations to
President and Mrs. Bush and to Governor Alexander.
If you have any questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact me or my
Assistant Director, Debbie Murdock. I will be out of town this week, but will return to
Washington on August 12.
Thank you again for all your help and support. This event is a momentous occasion in the 140
year history of the YMCA!
Best regards,
Bor Boisture
Bob Boisture
Enclosures
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TO
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YMCA of the USA
Y
101 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois
60606
®
FAX #: 1-312-977-9063
FAX COVER SHEET
Date: 9/26/91
Number of pages including this one: 2
PLEASE DELIVER TO:
Name:
Helen Mobley
Company: White House
FAX #: 2021456-1647
SENT BY:
Name: Leslie Cohn
Direct Telephone #: 1-312-269- 1185
Department:
Message: I realized that I didn't include
with the information I Faxed you
yesterday the I effer From the president
congratulating the y on the centennial.
A copy of this letter went in the
information package to help Ys celebrate
the anniversary. There are more than
2,000 Ys across the country.
SEP-26-1991 10:11 FROM YMCA OF THE USA
TO
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 11, 1991
I am delighted to join with the members of the
YMCA in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the
game of basketball.
The only major sport that is entirely American in
origin, basketball has become one of the most
popular team games in the world. Basketball is a
fast-paced yet methodical and rhythmic game, and
it is almost as much fun to watch as it is to
play. James Naismith would be proud to know that
the sport he created now entertains millions at
the grade school, high school, college,
professional, and international levels.
Members of the YMCA can take special pride in
their contributions to the development of
basketball over the past 100 years. Through
countless league and pick-up games that are
sponsored by the YMCA, Americans have increased
their physical fitness while learning important
lessons about teamwork and about good sportsman-
ship. On behalf of all basketball players and
fans -- including the Bush family -- I commend
your outstanding efforts to promote the best
aspects of the game.
CyBul
Bud
SEP-26-1991 10:11 FROM YMCA OF THE USA
TO
12024561647
P.01/02
YMCA of the USA
Y
101 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois
60606
®
FAX #: 1-312-977-9063
FAX COVER SHEET
Date: 9/26/91
Number of pages including this one: 2
PLEASE DELIVER TO:
Name: Helen Mobley
Company: White House
FAX #: 2021456-1647
SENT BY:
Name: Leslie Cohn
Direct Telephone #: 1-312-269- 1185
Department:
Message: I realized that I didn't include
with the in formation I Faxed you
yesterday the 1 lefter From the president
congratu congratulating the y on the centennial.
A copy of this letter went in the
information package to help Ys celebrate
the anniversary. There are more than
2,000 Ys across the country.
SEP-26-1991 10:11 FROM YMCA OF THE USA
TO
12024561647
P.02/02
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 11, 1991
I am delighted to join with the members of the
YMCA in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the
game of basketball.
The only major sport that is entirely American in
origin, basketball has become one of the most
popular team games in the world. Basketball is a
fast-paced yet methodical and rhythmic game, and
it is almost as much fun to watch as it is to
play. James Naismith would be proud to know that
the sport he created now entertains millions at
the grade school, high school, college,
professional, and international levels.
Members of the YMCA can take special pride in
their contributions to the development of
basketball over the past 100 years. Through
countless league and pick-up games that are
sponsored by the YMCA, Americans have increased
their physical fitness while learning important
lessons about teamwork and about good sportsman-
ship. On behalf of all basketball players and
fans -- including the Bush family -- I commend
your outstanding efforts to promote the best
aspects of the game.
CyBul
SEP-25-1991 15:08 FROM YMCA OF THE USA
TO
12024561647
P.01/11
YMCA of the USA
Y
101 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois
60606
©
FAX #: 1-312-977-9063
FAX COVER SHEET
Date: 9/25/91
Number of pages including this one: 11
PLEASE DELIVER TO:
Name:
Helen Mobley
Company: White House
FAX #: 2021456-1647
SENT BY:
Name: Leslie Cohn
Direct Telephone #: 1-312-269- 1185
Department:
Message: Thanks for your interest in the 100th anniversary of
basketball. In fact, the Chicago Metropolitan YMCA is
working with the Chicago Bulls to plan some activities to
celebrate the centennial. Please phone me with any
questions.
SEP-25-1991 15:08 FROM YMCA OF THE USA
TO
12024561647
P.02/11
Y
NEWS FEATURE
YMCA of the USA
101 North Wacker Drive
Basketball: A YMCA Invention
Chicago. Illinois 60606-7386
312-977-0031
Contact: Leslie Cohn
Barbara C. Roper
Chairman, National Board
YMCA of the USA
800/USA-YMCA, ext. 185
David R. Mercer
National Executive Director
CHICAGO (September 25, 1991) -- Without the invention of
basketball, the phrase "a butcher runs the slab and puts up a
brick" would just be nonsense. But for those who can interpret
basketball speak, it translates as a tough player who runs down
the court and throws a shot that clangs off the rim.
Indeed, if James Naismith hadn't come through with his
assignment to create a new game while teaching at the
International YMCA Training School (now known as Springfield
College), there would be nothing for athletes to do between the
end of the football season and the beginning of baseball.
The exact date of the first game of basketball is unknown,
though it was played sometime in early December of 1891. Now,
from California to Cairo, millions of people play and watch the
sport.
Naismith came to the YMCA Training School in Springfield,
Mass., as a student and did so well he was appointed an
instructor. He chose the school because he was interested in
physical education as a vehicle to train young men in Christian
values. He felt "there might be more effective ways of doing
good besides preaching," and that athletics offered the
possibility.
The Y Training School was developing physical education
programs that also focused on strengthening the mental and
spiritual aspects of a person. This new emphasis on health and
fitness supplemented the Y's work in education and social
welfare. The school was training two sets of Y leaders:
physical directors and secretaries. The secretaries' training
YMCA Mission:
To put Christian principles
-more-
into practice through
programs that build healthy
body. mind, and spirit for all.
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-2-
didn't focus on physical development, and they were bored by
their winter physical education requirement, which was mostly
calisthenics and gymnastics. In fact, there was no indoor winter
sport that presented the challenge and excitement of baseball and
football.
Naismith felt the system was at fault, not the men. He
understood why they didn't enjoy their class. He thought they
needed an activity that not only provided a workout, but also
allowed them to have fun. He believed that it was possible to
create a new sport that was "interesting, easy to learn, and easy
to play in winter and by artificial light."
Naismith voiced his opinions to the staff at the school. In
fact, his feelings echoed those of Dr. Luther Gulick, dean of the
physical education department, and a pioneer in the field of
physical education. (Gulick was the creator of the Y's symbol,
the inverted triangle, signifying body, mind, and spirit.)
Gulick presented Naismith with a dual challenge. He
assigned him to take over the class of ornery Y secretaries (they
had already disposed of two other teachers) while working on the
new game Naismith said could be invented. He wasn't happy about
the assignment but decided to set his mind to it.
First he tried bringing outdoor games indoors. But sports
like lacrosse, rugby, and soccer resulted in broken windows and
nearly broken bones for the players.
The day before he was to report back to the staff, he was
about ready to admit defeat. He didn't feel the class disliked
him, but understood why they thought his attempts to involve them
in physical education were no better than those of previous
teachers.
Naismith decided to take a different approach before giving
up. He reviewed existing games for features that could be
borrowed or modified for a new sport that could be played indoors
without hurting the players.
He realized that a large ball would eliminate the need for
extra equipment and would be easier to handle, throw, and catch.
He also decided that instead of stopping a running player by
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-3-
tackling, players should pass the ball to each other. Finally,
he chose a horizontal goal so that it would not be too easy to
defend, and rough play would not help a player to score.
Naismith came through with the new game on deadline. And
the once skeptical students enjoyed playing it from the start.
But the sport was nearly named boxball. As Naismith was
searching for the goal he required, he asked the superintendent
of buildings for two 18-inch square boxes. He was told there
were no boxes, but "I have two old peach baskets down in the
store room, if they will do you any good."
The ringleader of that fateful class, Frank Mahan, helped
him name the game. Mahan first recommended Naismith ball, but
Naismith thought that name would kill any game. Then Mahan
suggested basketball. "We have a basket and a ball, and it seems
to me that would be a good name for it," was Naismith's laconic
reply.
Naismith points out in his autobiography that students from
the Y Training School helped spread the game. They came from
across the country and took the game back to where they lived and
worked. In fact, those first students quickly brought the game
to different Ys because they took it home with them over
Christmas break.
Students of Naismith from the United States and around the
world helped carry the game with them when they went to ão Y work
in other countries. Within the first decade after its invention,
the sport was being played in more than a dozen countries.
With some modifications to the rules, basketball quickly
caught on with women, especially at the college level. The first
women to play were some local schoolteachers who asked Naismith
to teach them the game after skipping their lunch many times to
watch his students play.
The rules were first published January 15, 1892, in The
Triangle, the school's journal of physical education that went
out to Ys around the country. The first public game also took
place at the school on March 11, 1892. The students beat the
staff 5-1.
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Today, after many changes and variations in rules and
refinements of play, five principles still govern the game
embodied in Naismith's original 13 rules:
-- The ball shall be large, light, and handled with the
hands.
-- There shall be no running with the ball.
-- No member of either team shall be restricted from
getting the ball at any time it is in play.
-- Both teams are to occupy the same area, yet there is to
be no personal contact.
-- The goal shall be horizontal and elevated.
And 100 years later, the Y continues to offer basketball
leagues, programs, and even pick-up games for young people and
adults. The Y's basketball programs are based on a philosophy
that everyone should play, regardless of aptitude or skill level.
Young people don't have to worry about whether they're good
enough to play on a team; there are no tryouts or cuts.
Y youth sports programs emphasize the values of fair play
and respect for yourself and your opponents. The main goal is
not to win at all costs but to feel good about playing and about
yourself. No one is chosen as MVP, and there isn't an all-star
team.
Whitey Biercz, a volunteer coach from the Farmington Valley
(Conn.) y program, believes in "the Y's emphasis on teaching
fundamentals and sportsmanship and de-emphasizing competition."
He sees that the confidence players gain from learning new skills
follows them off the court.
He's also probably glad his duties don't include standing on
a ladder to retrieve a successful shot out of a peach basket. He
might get pushed off by a player attempting an "Air Jordan" slam
dunk.
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PROFILE OF DR. JAMES NAISMITH
INVENTOR OF BASKETBALL
Naismith was born in Almonte, Ont, Canada, in 1861. He was or-
phaned at the age of 8, attended Almonte High School for two years,
dropped out for four, and returned to graduate in 1883. Before his
death in 1939, he was an educator, physical education teacher, and
basketball coach. He was also ordained as a Presbyterian minister and
earned an M.D., but never held a pastorate or practiced as a physician.
In 1884 he enrolled at McGill University in Montreal and earned a
degree in theology. He became a student at the YMCA International
Training School in 1890 and was appointed an instructor in 1891.
Naismith realized the need for a new indoor winter sport. He created
basketball after being assigned to come up with a new game, while
DIRLL
urged on by YMCA secretaries who were bored by their physical
education requirement of daily calisthenics. The game was a success
from the first time his class played it in December 1891.
He left the school in 1895, and by 1898 he had received his M.D. from
Gross Medical College in Denver, Colo. While in school, he also acted
as the physical education director for the YMCA in that city.
He introduced basketball to the University of Kansas in 1898 as the
chairman of its physical education department and as chapel director
(he remained there up to his retirement in 1937).
Naismith was also chaplain of the First Kansas Infantry when it went to
the Mexican border in 1916, and took a leave of absence from the
university to serve with the YMCA in France during World War I. He
was the first individual enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in
Springfield, Mass., officially named in his honor.
A TMCA
BASKI IBALL
1h9 3991
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BASKETBALL
CENTINNIAL
Fact Sheet
EARLY HIGHLIGHTS OF BASKETBALL
The YMCA invented basketball because the organization saw the
need for a new recreational game that could be played indoors
and would interest and develop young men during the winter
months.
The sport was created by Dr. James Naismith, then an
instructor at the International YMCA Training School in
Springfield, Mass., now Springfield College.
The first game of basketball was played sometime in early
December of 1891, with a final score of 1-0. It is the only
major sport that originated in the United States.
At first, there was no set number of players to a team, and
the number was usually based on the size of the facility they
were playing in. The first game had nine men on each side,
and Naismith recommended this as the best number to play with.
James Stebbins, the superintendent of the building, was unable
to fulfill Naismith's request for two boxes to use as the
goals. He was, however, able to supply peach baskets, thus
avoiding the game's being named boxball.
Frank Mahan, one of the students who first played the game,
came up with its name, basket ball (which remained two words
until 1921). He had first suggested naming it Naismith Ball,
but Naismith refused.
The original 13 rules were first published January 15, 1892,
in The Triangle, the journal of physical education for the
YMCA Training School. Players could throw or bat the ball to
move it around the court, but dribbling was then an unknown
skill. If a ball went out of bounds it could be thrown in by
the first person who touched it, often leading to a mad
scramble by both teams to reach the ball first.
The first public game was played between the staff and
students at the Y Training School on March 11, 1892. The
students won with a score of 5-1.
In 1892, the game first spread internationally. Graduates of
the Training School went to work as Y secretaries, and brought
the game with them to Canada and Mexico.
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The first game played by college women was in January 1892 at
Smith College in Northampton, Mass. No men were allowed to
watch the game since the women were dressed in bloomers.
Cylindrical baskets with heavy woven wire replaced peach
baskets as the goal in 1892. The Narragansett Machine Company
of Providence, R.I., made a basket with a cord to help pop the
ball out after a score in 1893.
Soccer balls were replaced by basketballs in 1894, first
manufactured by the Overman Wheel Company of Chicopee Falls,
Mass. Unlike today, the early balls had laces.
The first basketball game between two college teams was
February 9, 1895, with the Minnesota State School of
Agriculture defeating Hamline College of St. Paul.
On January 16, 1896, the University of Chicago beat a Y team
sponsored by the State University of Iowa. It was the first
collegiate game with five players on a side. There were no
substitutions made by either team.
In 1896, former Y players in Trenton, N.J., organized the
first professional basketball team and played their first game
in the Masonic Temple Auditorium.
The 23rd Street YMCA in New York City won the first Amateur
Athletic Union National Championship in 1897.
In 1898 the first professional organization, the National
Basketball League, forms with six teams. It disbanded after
the 1902-03 season.
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A YMCA INVENTION.
BASKE (BAL)
1391. iyen
CENTERNAL
Fact Sheet
RULE CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE GAME
Timeline
1891
Basketball was invented by James Naismith, an
instructor at the International YMCA Training School in
Springfield, Mass.
1893
Backboards were introduced, and in 1895-96 made part of
the official rules. James Naismith stated that they
might never have been added if not for overzealous
spectators who would use any means to help their team
win. As baskets were often attached to a balcony where
spectators were seated, spectators would reach over to
stop the opponent's ball from entering the goal or to
help their team's shot into the basket.
1894
Free throws were introduced. The free throw line was
moved from 20 to 15 feet, where it has remained until
today.
1895-96
The point system was finalized. Field goals were
changed from three to two points; free throw shots from
three to one point.
1897
Five-person teams became universally accepted. In
1893, the official Y rules suggested five players to a
team when the gymnasium was small, nine for larger
spaces. In 1895, the rules set the number of players
to five on a team when the playing space was less than
1800 square feet, seven if the floor was up to 3000
square feet, and nine if the playing space was larger.
1898
A clause in the rules was added that stated a dribbling
player could not touch the ball with both hands more
than once, though there was no limitation on the number
of times a player might bounce it with one hand. The
next year it was recognized that the dribbler could use
alternate hands in bouncing the ball. Naismith
described the dribble as originally a defensive measure
to escape an opponent rather than a way to advance the
ball down the court. When players were so closely
guarded that they couldn't pass the ball, they could
roll or bounce the ball away from themselves and then
race to try and recover it. In only a short time,
players were controlling the ball by bouncing and then
catching it.
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1913-14
When a ball went out-of-bounds, a new rule designated
that an opponent of the last player to touch the ball
would put it back into play. The following year, it
was changed so that the opponent nearest to that player
would throw it in. Before this rule, the first player
from either team to touch the ball after it went out-
of-bounds was allowed to put it back in play.
Therefore, players from both teams would be falling
over each other and knocking heads as they scrambled to
reach the ball. Naismith recalled players diving to
reach the ball, even though they were heading into
equipment stored in the gym or a spectator sitting in
the bleacher.
1923-24
The person fouled had to shoot the foul shot,
eliminating the team choosing a "designated foul
shooter." The rules also changed the penalty for
traveling with the ball or double dribbling. Instead
of being charged with a foul requiring a free throw,
players received a violation resulting in loss of the
ball to the other team. Prior to this new rule,
players had been taking too many foul shots, which had
interfered with the flow of the game.
1932-33
A rule change required that the offensive team must
advance the ball beyond midcourt within 10 seconds or
lose possession of the ball. The team could not return
to its back court until a goal was attempted, the ball
went out-of-bounds, or there was a jump ball. Also,
offensive players were prohibited from standing in the
free throw lane for more than three seconds. These
changes meant higher-scoring games since they reduced
stalling -- the five offensive players freezing the
game and protecting their lead by spreading out around
the perimeter and retaining possession of the ball
indefinitely by dribbling and passing it back and
forth. They would not try to score, because the five
defensive players were bunched near the basket, forcing
the offensive players to take only difficult perimeter
shots.
1936-37
The center jump after each score was eliminated.
Before this, the referee threw up the ball from the
sidelines between opposing centers at midcourt after a
player made a field goal or foul shot. Now the
defending team could throw in the ball from out-of-
bounds, and the game became faster-paced.
1944-45
To reduce rough tactics, the number of personal fouls
was limited to five. Goal tending -- interfering with
the ball on its downward flight toward the hoop --
became illegal. Unlimited player substitutions were
also allowed.
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The Rules
Original rules for basketball by Dr. James Naismith, who invented the game in 1891 at the International YMCA Training
School in Springfield, Massachusetts.
1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands (never the fist).
3. A player cannot run with the ball. The player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it; allowance to be made for
a man who catches the ball when running at a good speed.
4. The ball must be held in or between the hands; the arms or body must not be used for holding it
5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping, or striking, in any way the person of an opponent shall be allowed: the first
infringement of this rule by any person shall count as a foul, the second shall disqualify him until the next goal is made. or if
there was evident intent to injure the person for the whole of the game, no substitute allowed.
6. A foul is striking at the ball with the fist, violation of Rules 3, 4, and such as described in Rule 5.
7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls, it shall count as a goal for the opponents.
8. A goal shall be made when the ball is thrown or batted from the grounds into the basket and stays there, providing those
defending the goal do not touch or disturb the goal. If the ball rests on the edge and the opponent moves the basket, it shall
count as a goal.
9. When the ball goes out of bounds, it shall be thrown into the field and played by the first person touching it. In case of a
dispute, the umpire shall throw it straight into the field The thrower-in is allowed five seconds. If he holds it longer it goes to
the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the game, the umpire shall call a foul on them.
10. The umpire shall be judge of the players and shall note the fouls and notify the referee when three consecutive fouls have
been made. He shall have the power to disqualify players according to Rule 5.
11. The referee shall be the judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in bounds, to which side it belongs, and
shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made, and keep account of the goals, with any other duties that
are usually performed by a referee.
12. The time shall be two fifteen-minute halves, with five minutes rest between them.
13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winners. In case of a draw, the game may, by agree-
ment of the captains, be continued until another goal is made.
you
Bob Boistene
Scence rosby
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
BRIEFING FOR THE YMCA NATIONAL PUBLIC POLICY CONFERENCE
The Old Executive Office Building, Room 450
Monday, September 30, 1991
9:30 am
Welcome and Introductions
Helen Mobley
Office of Public Liaison
Remarks
Governor Bob Martinez
Director
Office of National Drug Control Policy
Wade Horn
Commissioner
Administration for Children, Youth and Families
Department of Health and Human Services
Charles E. M. Kolb
Deputy Assistant to the President for
Domestic Policy
The President and Mrs. Bush wish to thank you for coming to the White House.