Love it or loathe it kids … It’s soon to be compulsory !
Posted by Big John on August 14, 2012
Because the UK won loads of medals in the Olympic Games, our Dave has decided that all primary school children in England will have to play competitive sports in future. His mate Mayor Boris and all those who will most certainly make a few bob out of it also think this is a fantastic idea, but did anyone ask the children what they think ?
My own memory of competative sport was one of the ‘cinder’ (not grass) football (soccer) pitch in Brockwell Park on a freezing cold winter’s day. I was probably about eight or nine years old. I was wearing tough leather studded ankle boots and thick woollen socks with folded comic books tucked inside them in the hope of protecting my young shins. My ‘uniform’ consisted of a pair of long baggy navy blue shorts and a long sleeved shirt fastened at the neck by a shoe lace.
My position on the field of play was right back, although ‘right back’ behind the goal posts would have suited me better, as that was the only place to be if you were to avoid being hit in the face by a very hard leather ball, being kicked in the goolies or having your knees grazed by falling on the cinders. As you will have guessed I hated every minute of it and spent most of the game trying to stay as far away from the ball as possible.
Bonkers ‘BoJo’ may have happily spent two hours a day on the playing fields of Eton, so it may come as a shock to him and his Old Etonian ‘toff’ pals when he learns that some youngsters are not too keen on being chased around a muddy field by …
… some demented whistle blowing bully in a tracksuit.
Maria from Silver Fox said
Oh we share a common memory of horror on the field. Mine however was girls’ softball. My place on the field was short stop and I spent most of the time praying the ball wouldn’t come my way.
Over the years, I have developed a love of working out (aerobics and light weight lifting) I do not have to compete with anyone. The team does not have to rely on me for winning points or any points for that matter.
As a teacher I saw many children who loved the competitive sports and just as many who preferred the sidelines or individual activities. I think all children should exercise and have fun. Those who love competitive sports should be encouraged to enjoy good sportsmanship and the fun of the game and those who don’t should seek what they enjoy. Seems so simple if the politicians would just stay out of the education business.
Gabbygeezer said
Hooray for your view, Maria. We ought to let kids be the kind of kids they want to be. Our job as adults ought to be to provide diverse opportunities so all benefit.
SilverTiger said
There was a strong tradition of games (football and cricket) and athletics at my secondary school but I heartily disliked both. From the 4th form upwards, we could choose cross-country running as our games activity, so I and a group of similar non-athletic games-no-hopers would together rush around the course and back to school. Once there we were allowed to dress and go home. (Incidentally, the most dangerous part of the run was crossing the playing field used by the nearby girls’ school – you ran for your life!)
While I understand the benefit of gentle exercise for all, and would encourage that in schools, gym is too often taught by over-achieving gorillas with small brains who don’t know the capacity of children or the misery of being pushed beyond their ability.
In my case, this forcing led me to vow that on leaving school, I would never again involve myself in games or gym and I have kept that vow. Looking back now, I think that is a pity as I might well have enjoyed, say, cross-country running, and benefitted from the exercise. In that sense, the school deprived me of a capacity to choose.
rummuser said
What is all the fuss about? If kids do not want to play competitive games, they surely are not compelled to do so are they? Not here they are not.
grannymar said
Give Dave a week and he will do a U turn!