L’Extension Démocratique

1922 — Pédagogie Sportive
Les Éditions G. Crès et Cie, p. 7–154
L’Extension Démocratique

Institutionalization of the Resourceful Type:
“The campaign in favor of 'utilitarian gymnastics' and the simplistic methods that underlie it also provided reinforcement by opening up new perspectives. The establishment in France of the ‘Diplôme des Débrouillards’ and later the 'Hébert card' paralleled that of the Swedish sports badge, which anyone could earn the right to wear on their lapel by successfully completing the tests of a very ingeniously designed pentathlon.”

Context:

• Coubertin references the Diplôme des Débrouillards as a democratic innovation, providing structured access to physical education for the broader population.

• The débrouillard ideal becomes institutionalized, reinforcing it as not just an individual trait but a civic and national standard.

• This parallels similar movements in other countries, showing the débrouillard as scalable, measurable, and broadly attainable.

From Elitism to Accessibility:
“Ancient sport excluded slaves; would modern sports be exclusively for the rich? This would be the case as long as… they required considerable costs for clothing, equipment, instruction…”

Context:

• Coubertin challenges the socioeconomic exclusivity of modern sport.

• He positions the débrouillard ideal as a corrective, making physical competence an attainable virtue independent of wealth or privilege.

Practical, Cost-Reducing Shifts:
“The simplification of clothing and the habit of working with bare skin allowed athletes to reduce their expenses…”

Context:

• Coubertin advocates for minimalist, cost effective adaptations in sport.

• These changes embody the débrouillard mindset: overcoming constraints through practical, outcome focused solutions rather than reliance on costly formalities.

Linking with Utilitarian Gymnastics:
“The campaign in favor of 'utilitarian gymnastics'... opened new perspectives.”

Context:

• Coubertin links physical education to real world competence.

• He shifts focus away from prestige and performance toward readiness for life’s demands..

Key Insight:
The Diplôme des Débrouillards marks Coubertin’s shift from theory to structure. He redefined the debrouillard as a civic standard, linking resilience to accessible physical training. What began as a personal trait became a national goal rooted in equity, competence, and practical strength..