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The Guide for All-American Girls was provided to each girl
of the AAGPBL as their guidelines for beauty and physical fitness habits, clothing
and etiquette. The guide explained many of the ways the players had to act and
interact while in the league.
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Only a couple of the pages from the AAGPBL Guide are reproduced
here as thumbnails for you to see, but the entire text of the guide is provided,
unedited, for you to read. View images of the entire guide here.
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The following text and the title above are taken verbatim (including
typos) from the charm school guide located in the collections of the National
Baseball Hall of Fame Library. The layout alone has been modified for
this presentation.
This document was presented to the players to follow. Put yourself in
their shoes. Read this document as a way to live within the league while
you play baseball for the AAGPBL.
Foreword
When you become a player in the All-American Girls Baseball League you have
reached the highest position that a girl can attain in this sport. The All-American
Girls Baseball League is getting great public attention because it is pioneering
a new sport for women.
You have certain responsibilities because you too, are in the limelight.
Your actions and appearance booth on and off the field reflect on the
whole profession. It is not only your duty to do your best to hold up
the standard of this profession but to do your level best to keep others
in line.
The girls in our League are rapidly becoming the heroines of youngsters
as well as grownups all over the world. People want to be able to respect
their heroines at all times. The All-American Girls Baseball League is
attempting to establish a high standard that will make you proud that
you are a player in years to come.
We hand you this manual to help guide you in your personal appearance.
We ask you to follow the rules of behavior for your own good as well as
that of the future success of girls' baseball.
In these few pages you will find many of the simple and
brief suggestions which should prove useful to you during the busy baseball
season. If you plan your days to establish an easy and simple routine,
so that your meals are regular and well balanced, so that you have time
for outside play and relaxation, so that you sleep at least eight hours
each night and so that your normal functions are regular, you will be
on the alert, do your job well and gain the greatest joy from living.
Always remember that your mind and your body are interrelated and you
cannot neglect one without causing the other to suffer. A healthy mind
and a healthy body are the true attributes of the All-American girl.
Beauty Routines
Your ALL-AMERICAN GIRLS BASEBALL LEAGUE BEAUTY KIT should
always contain the following:
- Cleansing Cream
- Lipstick
- Rouge - Medium
- Cream Deodorant
- Mild Astringent
- Face powder for Brunette
- Hand Lotion
- Hair Remover
You should be the best judge of your own beauty requirements. Keep your
own kit replenished with the things you need for your own toilette and
your beauty culture and care. Remember the skin, the hair, the teeth and
the eyes. It is most desirable in your own interests, that of your teammates
and fellow players, as well-as from the standpoint of the public
relations of the league that each girl be at all times presentable and
attractive, whether on the playing field or at leisure. Study your own
beauty culture possibilities and without overdoing your beauty treatment
at the risk of attaining gaudiness, practice the little measure that will
reflect well on your appearance and personality as a real All American
girl.
"After the Game"
Remember, the All-American girl is subjected to greater exposure through
her activities on the diamond, through exertion in greater body warmth
and perspiration, through exposure to dirt, grime and dust and through
vigorous play to scratches, cuts, abrasions and sprains. This means extra
precaution to assure all the niceties of toilette and personality. Especially
"after the game," the All American girl should take time to
observe the necessary beauty ritual, to protect both her health and appearance.
Here are a few simple rules that should prove helpful and healthful "after
the game."
- Shower well and soap the skin.
- Dry thoroughly to avoid chapping or chafing.
- Apply cleansing cream to face - remove with tissue.
- Wash face with soap and water.
- Apply skin astringent.
- Apply rouge moderately but carefully.
- Apply lipstick with moderate taste.
- Apply eye make-up if considered desirable.
- Apply powder.
- Check all cuts, abrasions or minor injuries.
If you suffer any skin abrasion or injury, or if you discern any aches or pains
that do not appear to be normal, report them at once to your coach, chaperon or
the person responsible for treatment and first aid. Don't laugh off slight ailments
as trivialities because they can often develop into serious infection or troublesome
conditions that can handicap your play and cause personal inconvenience. See that
your injuries, however slight, receive immediate attention. Guard your health
and welfare.
"Morning and Night"
In the morning, when you have more time to attend to your beauty
needs, you will undoubtedly be enabled to perform a more thorough job.
Use your cleansing cream around your neck as well as over the face. Remove
it completely and apply a second time to be sure that you remove all dust,
grease and grime. Wipe off thoroughly with cleansing tissue. Apply and
lotion to keep your hands as lovely as possible. Use your manicure set
to preserve your nails in a presentable condition and in keeping with
the practical needs of your hands in playing ball.
Not a great deal need be said about
the teeth, because every All American girl instinctively recognizes
their importance to her health, her appearance and her personality.
There are many good tooth cleansing preparations on the market and they
should be used regularly to keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy.
A regular visit to a reliable dentist is recommended and certainly no
tooth ailment should be neglected for a moment.
Unwanted or superfluous hair is often
quite common and it is no problem to cope with in these days when so
many beauty preparations are available. If your have such hair on arms
or legs, there are a number of methods by which it can be easily removed.
There is an odorless liquid cream which can be applied in a few moments,
permitted to dry and then showered off.
There are a number of very fine deodorants
on the market which can be used freely all over the body. The most important feature
of some of these products is the fact that the fragrance stays perspiration-proof
all day long. These deodorants can be used especially where excess perspiration
occurs and can be used safely and effectively without retarding natural perspiration.
The All American girl is naturally susceptible because of her vigorous activities
and it certainly pays dividends to be on the safe side. Deodorant keeps you fresh
and gives you assurance and confidence in your social contacts.
"The Eyes are the Windows
of the Soul" The eyes indicate your physical fitness and therefore
need your thoughtful attention and care. They bespeak your innermost
thoughts - they reflect your own joy of living - or they
can sometimes falsely bespeak the listlessness of mind and body. Perhaps
no other feature of your face has more to do with the impression of
beauty, sparkle and personality which you portray.
A simple little exercise for the eyes and one which does not take much
time can do much to strengthen your eyes and add to their sparkle and
allure. Turn your eyes to the corner of the room for a short space of
time, then change to the other corner, then gaze at the ceiling and
at the floor alternately. Rotating or rolling your eyes constitutes
and exercise and your eyes will repay you for the attention that you
give to them. There are also vitamins prescribed for the care of the
eyes. Drink plenty of water and eat plenty of vegetables. We all know
well that the armed forces found carrots a definite dietary aid to eyesight.
Use a good eyewash frequently and for complete relaxation at opportune
moments, lie down and apply an eye pad to your eyes for several minutes.
"Woman's Crowning Glory"
One of the most noticeable attributes of a girl is her hair, woman's
crowning glory. No matter the features, the clothes, the inner charm
or personality - they can all suffer beneath a sloppy or stringy
coiffure. Neither is it necessary to feature a fancy or extravagant
hair-do, because a daily program for the hair will help to keep
it in healthful and attractive condition.
Neatness is the first and greatest requirement. Arrange your hair neatly
in a manner that will best retain its natural style despite vigorous
play. Off the diamond, you can readily arrange it in a softer and more
feminine style, if you wish. But above all. keep your hair as neat as
possible, on or off the field.
Brushing the hair will help a great deal more than is realized. It helps
to stimulate the scalp which is the source of healthful hair growth.
It develops the natural beauty and luster of the hair. And it will not
spoil the hair-do. When brushing, bend over and let your head
hang down. Then brush your hair downward until the scalp tingles. Just
a few minutes of this treatment each day will tend to keep your scalp
in fine condition and enhance the beauty of your "crowning glory."
Every woman wants to have an attractive
and pleasing mouth. As you speak, people watch your mouth and you can
do much, with a few of the very simplest tools, to make your mouth invitingly
bespeak your personality. Your beauty aids should, of course, include
an appropriate type of lipstick and a brush. They should be selected
with consideration and care.
With your lipstick, apply two curves to your upper lip. Press your
lips together. Then, run your brush over the lipstick and apply it to
your lips, outlining them smoothly. This is the artistic part of the
treatment in creating a lovely mouth.
Patient practice and care make perfect. Open your mouth and outline
your own natural curves. If your own natural curves. If your lips are
too thin to please you, shape them into fuller curves. Now, use a tissue
between your lips and press lightly to take off excess lipstick. If
you wish to have a "firmer foundation", use the lipstick a
second time and use the tissue "press" again.
Caution: Now that you have completed the job, be sure that the lipstick
has not smeared your teeth. Your mirror will tell the tale -
and it is those little final touches that really count.
The hands are certainly among the
most expressive accouterments of the body – they are always prominent
and noticeable - and while feminine hands can be lovely and lily
white, as described in the ads, the All-American girl has to exercise
practical good sense in preserving the hands that serve her so faithfully
and well in her activities. Cleanliness and neatness again come to the
fore. Your hands should be thoroughly cleaned and washed as frequently
as seems desirable or necessary, and especially after games, they should
be cleaned to remove all dust and grime. Soap and water and pumice will
do this job to perfection. Then a protective cream should be applied
to keep hands soft and pliable and to avoid crack and over-dryness.
Your nails should be gone over lightly each day, filing to prevent cracks
and splits, oiling for the cuticle.
The length of your nails, of course, depends largely upon the requirements
of your play. Keep them neat and clean and your hands will always be
attractive.
"All Beauty Comes From Within"
To the All-American girl, who is exposed to the elements, to the sun,
to the wind and to the dust, it is most essential that every precaution
be taken for the care of the skin. It should be covered with a protective
substance of cream or liquid, depending entirely upon whether your skin
is dry or oily. If it is dry, the cream type is recommended and if it
is oily, you should use the liquid type. A good cleansing cream can
serve as a cleanser, a powder base, a night cream and also a hand lotion.
It is a good idea to have such an all-around utility cream on
hand at all times and to use it regularly for these purposes.
Again it depends on
your particular complexion and whether you have an abundance of natural
color tones or nee very little coloring. You can determine this in keeping
with good taste to acquire the necessary results. People who are naturally
pale, of course, need the coloring to help their complexion.
Physical Fitness
A prime requisite of the All-American girl is physical fitness in the highest
degree attainable. Your daily performance depends largely on your own physical
condition and you will play better ball if you are relaxed, rested, clear of eye
and mind and functioning properly in all parts of your physical make-up. Regular
hours, plenty of sleep and good, wholesome foods at regular hours are highly important
to you and to your success. It is necessary for every active person to consume
the basic foods like milk, meat, fruits, vegetables, potatoes and bread. Everyone
is familiar with the types of food that are not good if eaten to excess and select
a list of those things which are good for you and eaten in good balance. If you
are inclined to be overweight or gain too much, you naturally cut down on the
butter, cream, sweets, sodas and similar fattening foods. If you are underweight,
you can eat these things in greater abundance, drink lots of milk, take a snack
between meals, get plenty of rest and eat a little more of the "don'ts."
Players who are active in the game every day should not have too much trouble
from the standpoint of gaining weight.
Exercise and activity helps to burn up food and it also burns up energy. That's
why you need plenty of rest as well as wholesome, balanced meals. Invest good
sense in your body and it will pay you dividends.
To avoid stiffness from exercise and exertion, it is advisable to take
hot baths with plenty of sal soda dissolved therein. Baths should be taken
as soon as possible after workouts. Vaseline can be used on any slight
abrasion or cut.
Avoid spending too much time too often in a real hot bath, as overdoing
this has a tendency to weaken your strength and resistance. In all things,
practice moderation.
To relax at night lie flat on the back
with arms down at sides, low pillow and breathe in three sections -first
inflation the abdomen for two counts - then the diaphragm for two
counts and lastly the chest for two counts. Exhale in the some manner:
chest first, then the diaphragm and finally the abdomen. As more control
is gained four counts should be taken for each section.
Before rising in the morning a healthy
stretch will start the circulation through the muscles. Lie flat on the
back and alternately tighten and relax the body. Point the toes toward
the foot of the bed and stretch the arms overhead, then point the toes
up and pull the heels toward the foot of the bed at the same time lowering
the arms to the sides and pushing palms of hands toward the foot of the
bed.
Roll onto Left side and stretch Right arm overhead and Right Leg straight
down, bending the Left knee slightly. Reverse and repeat several times.
(Max
Carey Special)
- Stand with weight even, heels and toes touching;
raise alternate heel from floor arching instep 8 times.
Continue the action lifting feet slightly from floor (RUNNING IN PLACE.)
Continue lifting knees as high as possible 8 times. (PONY TROT.)
Continue lowering knees (running in place.)
REPEAT FROM BEGINNING.
Jump feet apart and inhale stretching upwards and outwards with both
arms; exhale lowering arms.
- FOR SHOULDERS. Stand with feet slightly apart, one arm behind back.
Swing the free arm, from the shoulder, first lightly clenched, in rapid
backward circle 16 times; repeat with other arm; then reverse the swing
forward with either arm.
- FOR CHEST AND UPPER BACK. Stand erect, both arms extended straight
forward, palms down. Keeping arms taut, cross and uncross wrists 9 times
and swing arms wide open and back on shoulder level.
- TO RELAX NERVES IN BACK OF NECK. Drop head forward and reach down
with chin as far as possible toward chest, then roll head slowly straight
back completely relaxed, rotate head in circle to the Left twice and
a half so that chin finishes on chest. Reverse the rotation twice to
the Right drop the head back again as far as possible, then forward
reaching to the chest with the chin again
- FOR ANKLES AND KNEES. With one foot advanced slightly ahead of the
other, hands on hips, bounce 4 times on balls of feet with relaxed knees;
reverse with other foot forward. Repeat same using more elevation on
the bounce.
- FOR ABDOMEN AND WAIST. Stand with weight on Right foot, Left foot
pointed to side, both arms raised to the Right. Bending both knees,
swing arms and body down, across and up to the Left putting the weight
on to the Left foot. The Right arm is now curved over the head and body
inclined as far as possible to the Left. Reverse. Repeat twice. Swing
torso in a complete circle down to the Left across and up to the Left
back and around to the Right. Reverse.
- FOR ELASTICITY (TENNIS JUMP). Run 4 steps, R.L.R.L. and swing Right
leg to side (making a jump and landing on both feet simultaneously,
feet together and knees bent) spring straight up, swing both arms overhead
and arching torso. Reverse beginning with Left foot. Repeat to Right
and Left. Run 8 steps backward, picking feet up in back. Then repeat
first part one to Right and once to Left.
- FOR MUSCLES OF ABDOMEN. Lie flat on back with hands under the seat,
palms on floor. Push down on the hands with the lower back, contracting
the muscles of the abdomen. Raise both legs slowly to upright position
and lower to ground.
- FOR LEGS AND THIGHS. Lie flat on back, arms out at sides. Eight straight
kicks up and down with Right leg, reverse with Left leg - Repeat
2 with Right leg and 4 with Left leg then 2 with Right leg and 2 with
Left leg.
- FOR INSIDES OF THIGHS AND WAIST. Sit up with legs wide apart as possible,
arms extended on shoulder level. Sway body and head over to Left leg
Right arm overhead, Left arm forward, straighten body opening arms on
shoulder level; reverse; repeat on both sides. Then with arms extended
to sides, swing over touching Right hand to Left leg, body and head
forward, arms straight. Raise body and reverse. Do this 8 times close
legs together and bend body forward over knees, arms stretched toward
feet. Slowly roll back to lying position.
- TO REDUCE THIGHS AND SEAT. Sit erect, both legs straight forward,
feet together, tows turned up, fingertips in back of head. Move forward,
shifting weight from side to side (walking on seat).
- SHOULDER STAND. (This exercise should not be used if one is overweight.)
With elbows braced on the floor, hands supporting either side of waist,
pull up, and stand on shoulders, legs straight up. Keeping knees straight,
kick down with alternate feet, touching floor in back of head 8 times,
straighten legs and lower to floor swinging body and head forward on
to knees.
- SPINE FLEXORS.
a. Sit erect (do not arch back) hands around knees which are bent up
to chest slowly slide feet forward keeping hand around knees and drop
head forward, completely arching back and pull against the knees, return
to original position.
b. Kneel down and sitting back on heels fold up, dropping body forward
over knees, forehead resting on ground, both arms stretched back with
backs of hands relaxed on floor. Come up gradually straightening body
(head and arms last) and raising arms overhead, knees up straight. Lower
body to original position.
- FOR SPINE AND CHEST. Kneel on one leg, stretch the other leg back
as straight as possible, stretch body forward, chin up and lower torso
forward, raising clasped hands in back, arms straight.
- FOR HIPS. Sit on side, both legs straight out, torso raised and supported
by both hands on floor, palms down fingertips facing elbows slightly
bent. Bend knee of uppermost leg up, so that pointed toe touches knee
of other leg. Kick leg straight up turning head towards it but keeping
torso facing front. Lower leg to original position. Repeat 3 times,
then keeping feet together and slightly off floor, swing around on seat
to original position on other side. Reverse.
- FOR CIRCULATION. Lie on back completely relaxed, arms overhead, palms
up. Begin rolling over first from waist down stretching the leg muscles
and resisting from the waist up; continue in one direction for several
times and then reverse.
Clothes
Clothes, of course, have always been one of woman's great problems and it might
seem so to the All American girl. However, with the exercising of good taste,
the All American Girls Baseball League player can solve her problem in a tasteful
manner and without great expense, without being encumbered with too great a wardrobe
for the summer months. The accent, of course, is on neatness and feminine appeal.
That is true of appearances on the playing field, on the street or in leisure
moments. The uniforms adopted by the league have been designed for style and appeal
and there is a tremendous advantage to the girl and to the team which makes the
best of its equipment. From the standpoint of team morale, there is a real "lift"
noticeable in the smartly turned out and neatly arrayed aggregation. And from
the public appeal standpoint, it is surprising how the crowd will respond to the
team that appears on the field with a neatness and "snap' in its appearance.
The smart looking teams invariably play smart ball and you can add to your own
drawing power and crowd appeal by looking the part of a ball player on the field.
Wear your cap and keep it securely in place. Keep your uniform as clean and neat
as possible. Always secure your stockings so that they are smooth and neat and
remain in place. Keep your shoes clean and shining. And see if you don't feel
better and play better ball.
Here are some suggestions for the type of wardrobe which still prove
most useful and practical for you during the ball playing season:
- A dark suit made of material that is not easily crushed. (A dark suit
is suggested in preference to a light suit because it will retain its
neatness better in traveling and also in inclement weather.)
- Blouses that are easily laundered will add sparkle and versatility
to your suit.
- Skirts, blouses and sweaters are worn a great deal and will simplify
your baggage problem on road trips.
- Sports jackets and sports coats are very popular and are worn with
skirts a great deal in leisure moments at home or on road trips.
- It is recommended that your include a dress or two for civic luncheons
and other social functions in which you may participate during the summer.
- Slacks are not permitted for street wear but depending upon your other
recreation and sports activities, you might want to include shorts or
sportswear for tennis, golfing togs, swim suit or such other items as
you feel you may need.
- Shoes are for the most part casual. For street wear and travel the
various types of sport shoes are popular - flat walking shoes,
saddle oxfords, etc. It is suggested that at least one pair of dress
shoes be included for wear with frocks at more dressy affairs or social
functions and luncheons.
- Hats are seldom worn but if you wish to adorn your tresses, you will
find that the small type of sports hat is often popular in the form
of a cap or small brimmed slouch hat.
- Bobby socks are generally acceptable but of course, you will want
two or three pairs of regular stockings for dress wear.
- A raincoat is a desirable item of the wardrobe and it might be desirable
to have a light-weight, compact type to simplify your baggage
problem on road trips.
- Always carry your beauty kit with you when you go on road trips and
equip yourself with all necessary articles for your toilette.
Etiquette
Emily Post says that "charm cannot exist without good manners." You
do not have to have manners that follow particular rules but the continued practice
of kind and friendly impulses, a kind, proper and courteous approach, cannot help
but add to your personality and give you a big advantage in dealing with your
every day contacts. Here are some simple suggestions that will help; you in your
development of a pleasing personality on and off the playing field.
- INTRODUCTIONS. Always acknowledge and always make an introduction
in a pleasant and correct way. A man is always presented to a lady,
such as: "Miss Young, may I present Mr. Smith," or "Miss
Young, may I introduce Mr. Smith." The words "present"
and "introduce" are equally proper. You can also present two
people without the formal words of presentation merely by pronouncing
the two names, such as: "Miss Young, I want to make you acquainted
with Mr. Smith." Under all possible circumstances the reply to
an introduction is "How do you do?" Well bred people do not
say: "Pleased to meet you" but when it is actually true, you
can say: "I am VERY glad to meet you." When a gentleman is
introduced to a lady, she smiles, bows lightly and says: "How do
you do." It is her place to offer her hand or not, as she chooses,
but if he puts out his hand, she of course gives him hers.
- SPEECH. "You know she is a lady as soon as she opens her
mouth." The first requirement for charm of speech is a pleasing
voice. A low voice, instead of a high-pitched voice, is always
most pleasing. Making yourself heard is also most desirable. Speak out
clearly and enunciate properly. Be careful with the use of slang
and the slurring of words in your contacts and conversations with
the public.
- IN PUBLIC PLACES. The All American girl should avoid behavior that
would make her conspicuous in public. One of the cardinal rules is not
to talk too loudly. She should avoid using other people's names in a
loud voice or making personal remarks that might be overheard by others.
And there is nothing more vulgar than bragging about personal possessions,
accomplishments or achievements. Do not use a loud voice, do not stare
at people, do not knock into people and do not indulge in loud argument
in public. In short, avoid attracting attention to yourself through
poor manners.
- SPORTSMANSHIP. Sportsmanship on the field and off is definitely aligned
with etiquette. There is such a thing as wanting to win and fighting
to win with all your heart and this is both commendable and desirable.
It is another thing, however, to become known as a "poor loser"
who cannot accept the inevitable defeats in good grace. When you play
ball, play hard and play for all you are worth. It is understandable,
in the heat of excitement and the intense desire to win, that you may
occasionally differ with a decision and impulse to protest violently
is hard to control. The usually accepted pattern of a sportsman is the
one who gives no expression or gesture of either chagrin or satisfaction
and this is an admirable pattern. However, it is hard to control emotions
completely and it is expected that a player might show dissatisfaction
in the face of a bed "break" in the game and equal pleasure
with a successful maneuver. Your pleasure at appearance of gloating
or bragging over your opponents. Win gracefully and modestly and lose
gracefully too, if you can. Above all, avoid the show-off attitude
in front of your opponents and the public. Be courteous and considerate
in the event of unavoidable accidents or contacts on the field. Play
the game hard and fair and you will earn the recognition and respect
of teammates, opponents and public.
- THE BASEBALL FAN. There is an old saying that "the customer is
always right." This, in a sense, holds true of the baseball fan,
who exercises the right to talk to your without knowing you, to shout
at you from the stands and to voice his opinion, good or bad, of the
play on the field. After all, he is your customer and he feels that
you, as a player, and the team, belong to him. For the most part, the
fans encountered in the All American Girls Baseball League are understanding
and considerate. They are loyal to their home team and its players and
it is not often that a player is subjected to even good natured verbal
abuse for any shortcomings or failures. In other cities but your home
town, you may expect the crowd to be good naturedly hostile to your
cause. It is naturally pulling for the home town to win. Don't let this
attitude bother your play. Ball players who hear all the pointed shouts
and remarks in the stands are said to have "rabbit ears".
Above all, don't let the remarks of any fans arouse your own ire to
the point where you make a scene or display poor sportsmanship. Fans
who become seriously objectionable in language or actions are automatically
taken care of by the management and the fans at All American girls League
games are the highest caliber attending any sport in America.
- DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC. Because you are a ball player and a member
of the team in your home town city, it is taken for granted that you
will be popular and well known by sight. Both younger and older people
will be interested in you and you will soon get over being surprised
when strangers approach you and call you by your name. You may not know
them and may never have seen them before but at the ball park, especially,
you will know that they are fans who are interested in you and interested
in the team. You will be asked for autographs and you will be asked
questions about yourself and about the team. Be as friendly and gracious
as you possible can on these occasions. Your own personality represents
your team and all of the girls in the All American League. Don't be
abrupt or rude to fans if you can possibly avoid it. Letting them feel
that they know you, giving them a good impression through your speech
and mannerisms, will help to make them regular and steady fans and will
develop more "customers" for the league and greater success
for you personally. Autograph "hounds" and other people can
sometimes appear to be pests but these things must go with success and
exposure to an admiring public. Do what you can to make them happy and
if the situation becomes difficult at a busy time or when your presence
is requested elsewhere, avoid it gracefully without hurting their feelings
and promise that you will attend to them later or at some other time.
Away from the park, if people approach you in a friendly manner, be
polite and agreeable. On occasion, if any person should attempt to be
over friendly or obnoxious, extricate yourself from the situation without
being rude or abusive yourself. There is always a way in which a lady
can politely avoid unwanted company or attention. If you conduct yourself
as a lady at all times you will retain your own self respect and that
of others.
- PUBLIC RELATIONS. Publicity is important to you as a ball player
and highly important to your team and the All American Girls Baseball
League. In the interests of publicizing you as an individual or your
team and league in general, you might be expected to cooperate with
the publicity managers in various cities or with the newspaper and magazine
writers. Don't look upon this as too much of a chore because it usually
brings pleasing results. If the newsmen and photographers want special
pictures or interviews and articles, do what you can to help them because
in doing so you will help yourself and the future of girls baseball.
Give all the information you can that you think will be helpful to them
and try to give the time that is necessary and desirable in order that
they, in turn, may present the facts and information in an intelligent
manner.
- YOUR CHAPERON IS YOUR FRIEND, your counselor and guide. She ;comes
into the All American Girls Baseball League with a specific assignment
and she has her job to do in keeping with her duties and her responsibilities,
just as you have your own job to fill. Be helpful, friendly and cooperative
with her and do not take advantage of her good nature or her desire
to be your friend. She has a direct responsibility to you, to your family,
to the club which employs her and to the League which she represents.
Adhere to the rules and regulations in a manner that will not reflect
upon her. Feel free to go to her with any of your personal problems
and you will all derive a greater enjoyment and a finer benefit from
your association.
- ACCEPT INVITATIONS or decline them with graciousness. You may have
opportunities to attend local functions and whenever it is in the best
interests of the team and league, make every attempt to cooperate. Choose
your new found friends carefully and well and when you participate in
the social life of the community, always act and behave in good taste.
If you are gracious, lady like, friendly and cooperative, you will have
the opportunity of choosing your own friends. Don't become over friendly
or too forward among new acquaintances or those in the community who
wish to entertain you or you can readily outwear your welcome. Express
your thanks and appreciation for the kindness' and hospitality that
are extended to you and make yourself welcome again.
- IN A FINAL SUMMING UP, be neat and presentable in ;your appearance
and dress, be clean and wholesome in appearance, be polite and considerate
in your daily contacts, avoid noisy, rough and raucous talk and actions
and be in all respects a truly All American girl.
Afterword
There has grown up in our modern civilization, especially in this country,
a false notion of the capacity of women for physical development. It has been
assumed, not only by the majority of the general public, but by many medical men
as well, that physical training for girls must be confined to calisthenics, carefully
planned out gymnastic movements, and gymnastic dancing. All of the more vigorous
forms of play and exercise have been looked upon with more or less disapproval.
A careful study of the objections raised to vigorous activities for girls
will show that they are based on two quite different assumptions, namely,
(1) the unalterable physiological make-up of women which, it is
claimed, makes strenuous athletics undesirable in that it interferes with
her greatest function-child bearing; (2) the delicacy of structure,
general motor inferiority, relative lack of strength, and frailty as compared
with man make the attempting of athletics inadvisable if not impossible.
In connection with this idea goes the fear that the rougher sports will
destroy "femininity".
As for the physiological characteristics of women, which are unalterable
and which are said to prohibit anything of a strenuous nature, the simple
fact of the existence of these characteristics does not, when all the
evidence is considered, seem to lead to any such conclusion. If woman
were fundamentally, through sex characteristics, unfitted for muscular
exertion, it would have to be shown that in all periods of civilization
she was thus unfitted. That is to say, it would not be sufficient proof
to take as examples women living under a given set of conditions, and
to say that it is their fundamental sex characteristics which make them
unfit for strenuous exercise. We would have to show first that it was
not the living conditions themselves that had brought about the unfitness.
In summary, we point out that vigorous play taught to girls during their
period of physical supremacy leads to a confidence in self, a control
and coordination of muscle, and a general energizing of the whole system
that can be developed in no other way quite so well. It alone can develop
and store up in the girl a reserve strength which will stand her in good
stead through the emergencies of her life. Self-preservation may
depend on her ability to run, jump, vault, climb and swim, and the learning
of these things will of necessity develop a strong, vigorous heart which
is ever the foundation of courage and exultation.
The development of leadership, initiative, and self-confidence
in the girls who are to have the tremendously increased responsibilities
of women must carry in another generation is surely of vast importance.
If they can be encouraged to think, judge, and act on their own responsibility
they gain an asset that should prove of great future value. In Detroit
the girl leaders are surprisingly reliable and efficient, and with the
support of the teacher and the Physical Education Department, are getting
most satisfactory results.
Quoted from Health by Stunts by Captain N. H. Pearl, U. S. Army
Athletic Officer, 32nd Div. A.E.F., and Captain H.E. Brown, U.S. Army
Athletic Director, War Dept. Commission of Training Camp Activities;
chapters written by Esther Sherman in charge of Girls' Athletics.
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