AIBU? School says sports day on Saturday is compulsory

[weekendsareforfamily]

My son is in year one, so second sports day now. Last year it was scheduled on a Saturday but the weather was bad so was cancelled and rearranged for a Tuesday afternoon. This year it is planned for this coming Saturday. My boy has a swimming lesson from 09:30, the children have to be in school for 09:00.
On the FB group chat someone has asked whether they have to go as they are working and cannot get the child to school. The receptionist has replied saying yes as its a compulsory day and we have all known about this since September last year.
Now I was planning on popping into the reception to say my boy wouldn't make it because he's swimming but now I am worried I will be told tough and that I knew about this so should be bringing him in. I am worried I will be fined if he doesn't attend but it's a Saturday?! Do I tell the truth and risk a fine? Do I lie and make up another reason? Do I lose out on the money I have already paid for his swimming lessons (we have already lost out on two from going away at last half term)? Arrrgh
WWYD? Thanks

[BitOutOfPractice]

Ain't you the Pollyanna?

Seriously, you've got some great experiences ahead of you with parenting. And some shit times too. Trust me, some sports days will be great, some will make you want to cry. But painting them with rosy colour wash and being aghast that not everyone adores them, based on one experience is a bit galling.

I'm sure I will have a lovely summer now my primary sports day years are behind me!

[Heatherjayne1972]

Why are school assuming parents can bring children in on a Saturday?
Some will be with the other parent
Some parents actually work weekends too!

Mine would not be going simply because I couldnt physically get them there

• don’t make any difference how much notice is given

[Mrseft]

@BitOutOfPractice actually I may not. So I'm determined to enjoy what I can of my kids experiences while I can, and haven't the opportunity to miss them cuz there will always be more.

[Bibesia]

Surely that's an assumption on your part. MY DS isn't at all sporty but loves the rest of the day hanging out with his friends.

But it's equally an assumption by you, Pitter, that OP's child will be allowed to "hang out" with his friends. Schools that run the competitive type of sports day tend to make children sit where they are put, which may or may not be with their friends, and to insist they at least appear to pay attention to the races rather than chatting to their mates. Plus, of course, it's much more fun hanging out with your friends at home or another venue of choice than getting into school or PE uniform and sitting on a hot school sports field.

[OwlinaTree]

Did you go OP?

[Icanttakemuchmore]

If you can't go for a reason then don't take your child. It's a Saturday and not a school day. What can they possibly do?? Nothing.

[twoshedsjackson]

I hated Sports Day as a child,(weekday afternoon) I hated it when I was a teacher, even when it was during the normal school week. Then I moved to the indie sector and had to go in on a Saturday, and most of my colleagues (those with a life outside school, basically) harboured the suspicion that some of the Saturday events entailed avoidance of the nitty-gritty of home life on the part of those with the clipboard. Turning out at the weekend to pursue your passion for a given sport is a whole different ball-game (excuse the pun).
Saturdays can be problematic for other reasons as well. The best known one would be observant Jews, but could also be Seventh Day Adventists. When I was still in the state sector, we had to gracefully accept that our best netball player was not available for Saturday tournaments for that very reason. Children of mixed heritage may well be attending Saturday schools (eg Polish, Chinese) where their parents are making a commendable effort to keep them in touch with their heritage. If you raise some of these issues with the school, you will earn the gratitude of many teachers as well as non-sporty children!