Any PE teachers here? Policy question re: Montgomery or Fairfax public schools

[Anonymous]

Long story short: My 9-year old is participating in a sports league that uses exercise as punishment. She was a few minutes late for a practice (my fault, not hers) and was forced to do 50 burpees. Would this be allowed in public schools? The organization operates in Montgomery and Fairfax counties, so I'm particularly interested in those districts.

[Anonymous]

Well, in Loudoun they are not allowed to use exercise as a punishment. Maybe you should just speak to the director about your concerns?

[Anonymous]

In school? No.

On an MCPS sports team? Yes

[Anonymous]

Any policies governing schools in a jurisdiction will not apply to a sports league in that same jurisdiction.

Be on time OP.

[Anonymous]

I think doing exercises like laps if you show up late is pretty normal.

[Anonymous]

Yup sports leagues are different than school. Being late can result in extra exercises, even if the kid didn't drive him/herself.

[Anonymous]

I don't see this as punishment, but rather a way to get the tardy player warmed up quickly and independently. Once you're warmed up, you join the team.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I have contacted the director with no response yet.

I know the rules in the school don't apply to sports leagues, but if the schools don't do it, it bolsters my argument that it's no longer a routine practice. I have a relative who teaches PE in another state who says it's a big NO there. It's considered corporal punishment.

It was routine in my days as an athlete, but that doesn't make it right or effective.

[Anonymous]

I don't think it bolsters your argument at all. Apples and oranges.

[Anonymous]

OP! I just saw what I think is the most clever bumper sticker in a HS parking lot;

MY SPORT IS YOUR SPORT'S PUNISHMENT

[Anonymous]

This is an optional activity, right? If you don't like the way it is run, pick another league.

Also, I agree with PP that viewing this as punishment is the wrong lens. It's accelerated warm-up so your daughter can get on the field faster.

[Anonymous]

Corporal Punishment?? Are you for real, OP?

A sports team is totally different from PE class. Sure, in PE it would be inappropriate to single out a kid and make them do 50 burpees as you're dealing with kids who have no choice but to be there, have varying levels of physical ability, and burpees aren't in any way related to the actual curriculum trying to be taught.

That has nothing whatsoever to do with your snowflake's sports team. She is there voluntarily *for the express purpose* of physical exertion of some kind or another. She was late. She missed something and the coach needs her to not lose out on that time of her training. Would you object to 50 burpees if the whole team had to do them? They're a great way to get in shape.

[Anonymous]

Op, it sounds very ordinary. It is right? not sure, but ordinary. I often had disconnects w/coaches on issues but understand we could either let them coach or our child would not be on the team.

[Anonymous]

I think doing exercises like laps if you show up late is pretty normal.

Agree. And, don't forget--the team may have been doing exercises and warm-ups prior to his arrival.

[Anonymous]

So don't do the sport anymore. It's an optional activity.