An attempt has been made to view the adolescent in organized athletics--sympathetically and understandingly. In doing so, an admittedly-biased vantage point has been selected-the better to evaluate the philosophical desirability of competition, as of itself, and, secondary thereto, the positive or negative value of organized competitive athletics. Since, philosophy or no, athletic programs have long been established in almost every conceivable sport and in almost every age group from grade-school onwards, a pattern of organized medical care to cope with this established need has been advocated, much as it already exists in most colleges, large and small. Based on experience within one such organized medical program, certain recommendations and principles have been outlined, upon which framework any ideal program of medical care must be based. In short, the athlete, whether in early or late adolescence, deserves the best medical care we can provide--hopefully better, but certainly no worse than his adult counterpart in professional athletics receives
