Below is a compilation of other Writings (official unless otherwise noted as pilgrim's notes (e.g., "attributed to...") on the topic of exercise.
As far as the Parliamentary procedures document, Shoghi Effendi suggested against rigid rules within Bahá'í administration:
The Duties and Responsibilities of the National Assembly. The objects for which the National Spiritual Assembly is established are fully set forth in the Memorandum of Association of the N.S.A. of the Bahá'ís of the United Kingdom. (N.S.A.)
Whatever is not laid down in "Bahá'í Administration" is left to the judgment of the National Spiritual Assembly to decide. These are purely secondary details, and as the Guardian wishes to avoid introducing into the administration a labyrinth of rules and regulations he leaves the Friends in authority to decide such matters as they arise. (Shoghi Effendi)
[Ed. - 2nd par. in Unfolding Destiny, p. 148]
(Principles of Bahá'í Administration, p.
77)
I might also note that the U.S. NSA explains that Roberts' Rules of Order have no authority in the Bahá'í system. The British NSA offers some general procedures for the calling of a meeting and offers a sample agenda in
Principles of Bahá'í Administration, but it is not fixed.
General Approach to Exercise - Sports and Games
(Games, especially athletic activities (participation) are encouraged for children--See "physical education" from Lights of Guidance below ('Abdu'l-Bahá even encouraged Shoghi Effendi to go out and play when he was young--see Priceless Pearl))
"But recreation which may improve the bodily powers, as exercise, is desirable."
(Attributed to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, A Heavenly Vista, p. 9 in Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era , p. 103)
"...strive...that the companions of God...may be physically and morally superior to others...that through...health...they may be the chief of wise men..."
(Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá Abbás , p. 585)
"Playing games is not in the least forbidden. It should in fact be encouraged if they are of an athletic nature."
(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Lights of Guidance, p. 295)
"...there is nothing in the teachings about whether people should...exercise or not exercise"
(On behalf of Shoghi Effendi, quoted in Lights of Guidance , p. 299)
Bahá'u'lláh was to have had daily exercises (at least while imprisoned) (see God Passes By, p. 72 or Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era , p. 51 (under "Birth and Childhood").
'Abdu'l-Bahá was to have praised a wrestling game He witnessed (see 'Abdu'l-Bahá in London, 99 and the following page (the document takes a while to load as it has the whole book).
Warnings
As to whether prohibition of gambling applies to games of every description:
"-No, some games are innocent, and if pursued for pastime there is no harm. But there is danger that pastime may degenerate into waste of time. Waste of time is not acceptable in the Cause of God..."
(Attributed to 'Abdu'l-Bahá, A Heavenly Vista, p. 9 in Bahá'u'lláh and the New Era , p. 103)
Not to have a fanatical obsession with sport
"On page 25 of "The Advent of Divine Justice" the beloved Guardian is describing the requirements not only of chastity, but of "a chaste and holy life"–both the adjectives are important. One of the signs of a decadent society, a sign which is very evident in the world today, is an almost frenetic devotion to pleasure and diversion, an insatiable thirst for amusement, a fanatical devotion to games and sport , a reluctance to treat any matter seriously, and a scornful, derisory attitude towards virtue and solid worth. Abandonment of "a frivolous conduct" does not imply that a Bahá'í must be sour-faced or perpetually solemn. Humour, happiness, joy are characteristics of a true Bahá'í life. Frivolity palls and eventually leads to boredom and emptiness, but true happiness and joy and humour that are parts of a balanced life that includes serious thought, compassion and humble servitude to God, are characteristics that enrich life and add to its radiance.
"Shoghi Effendi's choice of words was always significant, and each one is important in understanding his guidance. In this particular passage, he does not forbid "trivial" pleasures, but he does warn against "excessive attachment" to them and indicates that they can often be "misdirected". One is reminded of `Abdu'l-Bahá's caution that we should not let a pastime become a waste of time."
(From a letter dated 8 May 1979 written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to an individual believer, A Chaste and Holy Life, selection 23)
Pertaining to Eating
"Exercise is good when the stomach is empty; it strengthens the muscles. When the stomach is full it is very harmful."
(Bahá'u'lláh, Star of the West , vol. 13, no. 9, December 1922, p. 252 online at [1] )
From the Bible
"But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself [rather] unto godliness.
"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
"This [is] a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation."
(1 Timothy 4:7-9)
From Lights of Guidance on Physical Education
997. Material Education
"...education is of three kinds: material, human and spiritual. Material education is concerned with the progress and development of the body, through gaining its sustenance, its material comfort and ease."
(Abdu'l-Baha: Some Answered Questions, 1981 ed., p. 8; cited in A Compilation of Extracts on Physical Education, p. 1, World Centre)
998. The Essentiality of Taking Proper Care of Child from the Early Days of His Life
"Unless the child, in his earliest years, be carefully tended, whether in a material or a spiritual sense, whether as to his physical health or his education, it will prove extremely difficult to effect any changes later on. For example, if a child is not properly cared for at the beginning of life, so that he doth not develop a sound body and his constitution doth not flourish as it ought, his body will remain feeble, and whatever is done afterward will take little effect. This matter of protecting the health of the child is essential, for sound health leadeth to insights and sense perceptions, and then the child, as he learneth sciences, arts, skills, and the civilities of life, will duly develop his powers...."
(From a previously untranslated Tablet by Abdu'l-Baha, Ibid., p. 1)
999. Give Them Advantage of Every Useful Kind of Knowledge
"While the children are yet in their infancy feed them from the breast of heavenly grace, foster them in the cradle of all excellence, rear them in the embrace of bounty. Give them the advantage of every useful kind of knowledge. Let them share in every new and rare and wondrous craft and art. Bring them up to work and strive, and accustom them to hardship."
(Abdu'l-Baha: Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha, 1982 ed., p. 129: Ibid., p. 1)
1000. Training and Development of Physical Body Ensures Strength and Growth
"...education is of various kinds. There is a training and development of the physical body which ensures strength and growth."
(Abdu'l-Baha: The Promulgation of Universal Peace, p. 330: Ibid., p. 2)
1001. There Should Be a Program for the Development of Youth All Over the World
"...Baha'u'llah considered education as one of the most fundamental factors of a true civilization. This education, however, in order to be adequate and fruitful, should be comprehensive in nature and should take into consideration not only the physical and the intellectual side of man but also his spiritual and ethical aspects. This should be the program of the Baha'i youth all over the world."
(From a letter written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer, July 9, 1931: Ibid., p. 2)
