Although opportunities to play sports (gymnastics, 1881; basketball, 1895; tennis) were provided to Radcliffe students in earlier years, the Department of Physical Education was not established until the opening of the gymnasium in 1898. After 1915, the department administered medical examinations, compulsory physical education, and after 1920, a swimming test. It continued these functions until 1924 when physical education became a sub-department of Health Education. The Office of Sports, Dance and Recreation supervised the athletics program from 1960 to 1971. Since 1971, Harvard University has administered athletic programs; recreational programs such as arts, crafts and dance have been the responsibility of the Office of the Arts. Radcliffe's Athletic Association was formed in 1901 and sponsored intramural and intercollegiate competitions in gymnastics, basketball, field hockey, swimming and other sports.
From the description of Records of the Department of Physical Education, 1901-1973 (inclusive). (Harvard University). WorldCat record id: 232006495
