PE Class: Required or Optional for Student Athletes?

Here at Exeter High School, it is only fair that all students must participate in gym class. Or is it? While required gym class is often thought of as a tool used to help students consistently exercise, many student athletes who dedicate numerous hours each week to their sports don’t feel as though they should be required to take gym class alongside their less active peers.

Imagine that you are an elite soccer player with daily practices exceeding the requirements of any gym class. The last thing you need is a school period taken up by an unnecessary class. Instead, you could have the opportunity to work on school work, which might not be allowed by a demanding schedule that includes PE. Some may argue that requiring physical education for these student athletes is important because it allows for an exercise break during the day. However, according to Eric Gaudette from The Rebellion, “If the athletes do not participate in physical education, this will also benefit other students who need more attention…This would also benefit the non-athletes as they would not feel as much pressure as they do when they are competing against the school’s top athletes in gym.”

As a competitive dancer with a demanding practice schedule, I feel as though being exempt from a PE requirement would be very beneficial. Although I believe it is a good course for students who might not get enough physical activity, students (such as myself) who get more than enough exercise each day should not have to worry about meeting a gym class requirement. Some days I feel tired or worn out after a long gym class; and therefore, I am unable to perform my best at practice. In addition, having an extra period for homework completion or another elective would be very useful due to lack of time in the evenings. 

Despite the fact that gym class is currently required here at EHS, offering it as an elective for student athletes could have a very positive impact on the daily lives of athletes involved in demanding sports and the hectic schedules that are bound to come with them.