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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think that all kids should take part in Sports Day if they want to?

35 replies

KeithLeMonde · 06/07/2016 08:34

OK, I'm ready to be told that I am being PFB about this; it's DS's first year at secondary school. He's just told me that he tried out for the various sports for Sports Day and hasn't been picked for any of them. There are no inclusive events - you only take part in an event if you are picked. So he's going to spend all day sitting at the side of the field watching others play sports.

Is this normal for secondaries? I know he's not the greatest sportsperson but he's keen and involved, and I would have expected that they would have some kind of inclusive events that everyone could take part in.

It's a rather old-fashioned boys' state grammar school if that makes a difference (his choice of school, based on the fact that his friends were going there, and not entirely my cup of tea if I am honest, though in general he's very happy there).

OP posts:
Biscuitbrixit · 06/07/2016 08:35

That's a bit rubbish!

ThornyBird · 06/07/2016 08:36

That's pants - I've just sent my older 2 off with faces like thunder because everyone HAS to do at least one 'sport'. Eldest is doing the wheelbarrow race HmmGrin

idontlikealdi · 06/07/2016 08:37

Standard for secondary isn't it? Although I agree it's a bit shit but better than lumping all the kids who aren't good enough into an obstacle race or something.

PurpleDaisies · 06/07/2016 08:40

It is fairly standard for secondary, although I've worked in schools that have done a tug of war that usually involves the kids who aren't in any other events.

OldBeanbagz · 06/07/2016 08:40

That's rubbish for the kids who want to get involved but aren't allowed to.

DD is not renouned for her sporting ability but she enjoys Sports Day and loves competing for her house, even if she doesn't win.

bigTillyMint · 06/07/2016 08:41

I think it's similar at the DC's secondary - all those that want to compete get put into heats before the big day as there can only be a certain number for the final of each race. However, I think there are usually very few trying out for certain events, so he would have stood a good chance in one of them IYSWIM.

With the races, there are a lot - 100m, 200m, and various others for each year group which takes a lot of time. I guess there just isn't time for everyone ( just under 300 in each year group in DC's sec) who wants to be doing it on the day, so they pick the best.

TheNaze73 · 06/07/2016 08:43

It's a real tough one. Our inter house sports day were mega competitive & I can see why captains would pick the best. Maybe they should introduce a plate event, for those not picked?

TeaBelle · 06/07/2016 08:44

It used to be like this at my school and then they added a supporter's prize, so which ever class had the best costumes could add points to their spoorting peer's efforts

BertrandRussell · 06/07/2016 09:02

Difficult. Particularly if it's an interhouse competition--the other kids will want to win.

imonaplane · 06/07/2016 10:13

I think it's normal for large secondary schools. At ours there are nearly 2000 pupils. Would take days for everyone to take part.

GeekLove · 06/07/2016 10:21

reminds me of my secondary school sports day. Doesn't seem like much of a sports day when its only for about 20% of people. I used to take a book with me to read. Complete waste of time.

I am as mystified by the 'sitting outdoors in school uniform workout' as the 'waiting in a line to hit a ball with a bat' workout. Sports day should be exactly that, where everyone can exercise and try new sports and minigames such as goal-shooting, obstacle course etc. I really didn't see how my sports days benefitted the majority since everyone knows who the most athletic students are anyway.

TheWitTank · 06/07/2016 10:27

Thats crap, but I remember it being the same at our school back in the day. I was always mega sporty and took part, but lots of kids spent a bloody boring day sitting on the sidelines or sneaking off for a fag. I do think it should be inclusive if the child wants to enter, great sportsman or not.

sorenofthejnaii · 06/07/2016 10:29

I really didn't see how my sports days benefitted the majority since everyone knows who the most athletic students are anyway

It's tradition, innit... Hmm

I remember doing fuck all at sports day. The sports I enjoy nowadays are non competitive. I just like exercising.

GeekLove · 06/07/2016 10:36

I'm a big believer in terms of the fact that in school and in life there are boring but necessary things you have to do but if either of my DCs find that the 'Traditional' format of Sports day bores them witless or worse they find it humiliating I've no qualms in having them take the day off.

HereIAm20 · 06/07/2016 10:43

Everyone has their own particular talent usually. On prize-giving day there will be people who have won academic prizes and less academic kids watching the prizegiving event. On sports day (at secondary schools) it is the sporty kids' time to shine. When it comes to school plays etc the dramatists get their turn. Just like in real life!

GeekLove · 06/07/2016 10:52

True, but for maths or drama everybody else isn't made to watch it.
Like I said there will be plenty of opportunities in life when you have to do boring but necessary stuff. But boring AND unnecessary stuff, screw that!

I have always been an active child and an adult but almost all of it was out of school. I haven't played a formal team game since leaving. Nor do I spectate.

GeekLove · 06/07/2016 10:52

Oh and YANBU. For me the point of Sports Day is a Day of Sport and activity for everyone. It should be inclusive but those that are are exceptions to the rule, particularly at secondary level.

GeekLove · 06/07/2016 17:27

And once again I kill the thread!

TheRealAdaLovelace · 06/07/2016 17:28

seems nasty but normal for secondaries IME.

user1467805734 · 06/07/2016 17:30

Yanbu unreasonable, might son when 19 wanted to play for Man Utd, they didn't pick him, surely they should allow all who want to play to join.

TheRealAdaLovelace · 06/07/2016 17:37

that is a really crap analogy btw

HereIAm20 · 06/07/2016 17:49

At our school they are made to watch the drama and the prizegiving even if not getting a prize or in the play!

corythatwas · 06/07/2016 18:01

HereIAm20 Wed 06-Jul-16 10:43:59

"On prize-giving day there will be people who have won academic prizes and less academic kids watching the prizegiving event."

Is this something that happens in state schools? And even in private schools, is it allowed to take up more than max 20 minutes of assembly? Making 400 on-academic children sit around doing sod all an entire day so a small number of academic children can collect prizes isn't actually going to happen, is it?

And even for drama productions (which in many state schools take place n the evening and are not compulsory) there are plenty of back stage or chorus parts for the ones who don't make the grade as actors.

sorenofthejnaii · 06/07/2016 18:07

And even in private schools, is it allowed to take up more than max 20 minutes of assembly

Please. Speech day was a whole afternoon at my school. Inspirational talks from alumni, prizes for pupils who got 9 O-level passes plus awards for the best in various subjects, sports, debating etc.

Reality · 06/07/2016 18:11

DD will be holding a fucking banner all day. What an epic waste of a day.