Clara Gregory Baer
Personal Information
Born: 1863
Died: 1938
Country of Birth: USA
Nationality: USA
Ethnicity: White
Education
Nils Posse Normal School of Physical Education; Boston School of Expression; Emerson School of Oratory
Professional Life
Field of Study: Educator
Institution/Corporation: Sophie Newcomb College Tulane University
Degrees & Memberships: Member: Women's Christian Temperance Union; Honorary Board Member New Orleans Dispensary for Women & Children; National Education Association
Awards & Achievements
Awards: None found
Achievements: physical education teacher & author of 1st public rules for women's basketball in 1896; developed the sport of Newcomb Ball (similar to volleyball) in 1895 & wrote its rules; developed Netball
had a 38-year career as a physical education teacher & teacher trainer
her women's basketbal rules prohibited dribbling, guarding, snatching the ball, & 2-handed passes; talking was not allowed, the goal had no backboard, baskets were changed after every goal, & points varied (4,3,2) depending on the distance from the goal
her courts had 7 divisions & players couldn't move outside of their division; there were 2 players in each division-1 defensive & 1 offensive
she described the jump shot as 1-handed
she encouraged the wearing of bloomers during physical activity
she was born in Algiers, LA at the time of the Union siege of New Orleans during the Civil War
her nickname was "Dixie"
she was a sickly child & was encouraged to participate in tomboyish activities to strengthen her body & health
her mother died when she was young & she & her siblings were raised by their maternal grandmother
was well versed in the Posse system of Swedish gymnastics