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Should Athletes be Allows To Opt Out of Gym Class?

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Should Athletes be Allows To Opt Out of Gym Class?

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A question I asked each student and teacher I interviewed was if they saw the benefits of Athletes opting out of gym class and if they would support that policy. Most said yes as they either participated in a sport or had participated in a sport and understood the time and effort that goes into it and agreed that while their sport is in season it would be more helpful to offer a free period since the student is already remaining active outside of class. They also believed this policy, if implemented, should include club sports for athletes who don't participate in a school sport but are still just as if not more busy than aathletes on a school team.

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Students from our school very much enjoy the options our school offer once we reach 11th grade (lifetime, team sports etc.) Although, most students said they wish there was even more choice in specifically what units we participate in especially for those who are not as athletic as others because they can find some units embarrassing and very difficult to participate in. More choice would allow the students to feel more comfortable participating in class.

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Something that I learned a lot about not in my initial research but when I was interviewing students from my school was the amount of both subtle and obvious bullying in gym class. The response most students gave when I asked them what they dislike about their current gym class was "the people." They all experienced people in their class who put down, made fun of and belittled them in their class both for participating and excelling and for opting and and struggling. Hopefully by bringing the school's attention to this problem and how many students that have experienced it, they will aim towards making gym a respectful place for all students.

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Anyone who wishes to improve the physical education program at their own school or has thoughts on the program they would like to share they can talk with a gym teacher, administrator or even contact someone from the board of education. If you wish to have even more of an impact gather others who have the same concerns as you when you go to voice them.

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For my professional interview I contacted Mr Strege and asked him the same questions I had asked Mrs Ernstrom. Strege sees the benefit in a mandatory PE class in fighting the obesity epidemic. When I asked what he thought could be improved upon he said it would be best to ask the students as they're the people directly affected.

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For my initial interview I interviewed Mrs Ernstrom, a gym teacher here at Schroeder. She had concerns including involving special ed students more, include other aspects of health outside of just physical health and providing more choices for students. She also says she sees the benefits the group environment can have on students. She also sees the benefits in opting student athletes out of gym while their sport is in season giving their busy schedules and activity outside of school.

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The policies and laws regarding Physical Education programs is a state power. The current laws require 7th-12th graders  to participate in a gym class at least three times a week one semester and at least two times a week the other semester. A student is not allowed to be excused from PE unless they have a written medical excuse that states what they are and are not allowed to do. For a student to graduate in NYS they require 2 gym credits obtained over the course of their 4 years in high school.

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In my research of the physical education program in New York I have spoken to students and teachers alike who see a variety of problems within the program. There was a variety of concerns such as bullying, inclusion, choices, special ed classes, opting athletes out of class and more.

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In an attempt to draw attention to the improvements students desire from their PE courses I interviewed some students, asking them a variety of questions about what they like and dislike about our current program. The students I interviewed were seniors because they have spent four years in the program and thus have more insight on changes that need to be made. The major concerns among the students was bullying in the classes, a lack of choice and consequences of a lack of choice. I sent these interviews to Mr. Strege since he runs the athletic department at our school as a way for him to have insight into what the students think about our schools PE program. Hopefully this shows the administration that the students have insight and desires about how their PE classes are set up and run.