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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to keep my child off school sports day in 32C heat?

84 replies

Saralocky28 · 09/07/2026 17:11

School sports day tomorrow and where I live it's saying 32 degrees. It's all in an open sports field, no shade. AIBU to refuse my child to go? Usually it's 4 hours of constant activity. Yes they can stop to cool down and have a drink but it's all outside.

Very mixed in the parent WhatsApp. It was already canceled two weeks ago because of the heat but tomorrow is going to be even warmer!

I know my son will want to go but as his mum I'm worried he'll get dehydrated/sunstroke. Or am I being ridiculous!

OP posts:
MabelsBeats · 09/07/2026 17:20

Unfortunately your child will wake up tomorrow feeling unwell, you will follow the process for letting the school know, and I’m sure he will feel better in time for Monday. Like tens of thousands of other children on sports day. I am not one for going against school rules usually, but sports day in extreme heat is an exception.

Original poster
Saralocky28 · 09/07/2026 17:19

UncleTed · 09/07/2026 17:18

Are they starting at 6am? If they are, no problem. If they are starting normal time, it’s just silly.

10-2 🤔

OP posts:
UncleTed · 09/07/2026 17:18

Are they starting at 6am? If they are, no problem. If they are starting normal time, it’s just silly.

NuffSaidSam · 09/07/2026 17:18

If you don't trust the school to keep them safe then keep him off. I think it depends on what the school is like. At my DC school they're super cautious with sun safety etc. so I would have no worries sending them in.

Original poster
Saralocky28 · 09/07/2026 17:18

LlynTegid · 09/07/2026 17:15

What about having it indoors, if there is a sports hall?

For some children, sport is the only thing where they are winners compared with others in their class/age.

Seems strange given the previous cancellation.

Unfortunately it's not on school premises they hire a sports field every year and it's all outside. They clearly had an issue with it 2 weeks ago because of the heat so why is it not the same tomorrow. I will be there anyway to watch so if I feel it's too much ill just pull him out.

OP posts:
cramptramp · 09/07/2026 17:17

I think he’ll be very disappointed to miss his sports day and the school will manage it just fine.

waterrat · 09/07/2026 17:16

I really don't know why we allow others to make decisions about our children to such an extreme level in this country.

If I felt my child would not have a good day due to feeling hot/ sick etc I would have no problem keeping them off

They should move sports day to the spring term!

LlynTegid · 09/07/2026 17:15

What about having it indoors, if there is a sports hall?

For some children, sport is the only thing where they are winners compared with others in their class/age.

Seems strange given the previous cancellation.

JacquesHarlow · 09/07/2026 17:13

As long as you're ok with him getting an unauthorised absence etc then why not?

Presumably the school aren't authorising parental decisions on absence? @Saralocky28

Personally i think kids will be fine in short bursts and if the event is well managed, but that's just me.