To think DS sports day was odd and not really in the spirit of inclusion?

[Notbeinfunnehbut]

Me and DH and DM attended DS sports day yesterday
it was very hot and it wasn’t set out like a traditional sports day I.e activities each team goes round
mall kids were seated , activities did happen but certain kids from each team were read out and all other kids remained seated , there were children who took part in multiple races , and some none my son did 1! Being stood in a sun trap for over 2 hours to see him do one race at the end 😡

like I said some kids did nothing,

I asked him and he said teachers asked kids which ones they wanted to do instead

AIBU to think the whole point of SD is that everyone takes part??

"i think my big issue is that people don’t take time off work to watch other ppls children repeatedly participate and yours not."

I think most people would (1) ask their child which races they were in, or (2) want to attend anyway. I mean, you don't only watch the Christmas concert if your kid has a big role do you? Your child wants you there, one race or ten.

No it’s the same school him and my older child went to for years, and we weren’t notified of the change

just very random

it could be a confidence issue if I had been aware I would have felt sad for him but definitely not annoyed I’m more annoyed on behalf of my husband and mum

Yanbu. It's supposed to be about inclusion and encouraging a love of sport. It's the ones that don't volunteer that need the encouragement most! Fun water relays and mini treasure hunts or tumbling or dance showcase different types of sporting talent and problem solving skills.

I agree 100%. There's plenty of opportunity for sports 'stars' to compete in interschool events and do well/ shine. Sports day for the whole school isn't about that, it is (or should be) like the Christmas show. Everyone takes part, parents come to watch, it doesn't matter if you can't sing or act, it's about collective fun and celebration.

@PurpleDaisies secondary schools have sport’s days but parents aren’t usually invited.
If a child is worried we will run with them. It is a very rare occurrence at my school as each year has age appropriate races and slower children are cheered the loudest and praises for resilience in reaching the finishing line.

*praised

@Notbeinfunnehbut oh well, it's done now & you'll know for next year & can encourage him to have a go at some more races then.

Your son knows he has 3 people who care about him that came to his sports day. I'd just emphasise how much you enjoyed seeing him in the race that he did, so he remembers it as an enjoyable experience.

Did you mean to tag me? I can’t work out why you’ve directed this information at me.

Is it abuse to expect children to do other things at school that they don't want to do? Or just sport? Children need to do exercise- it's important for their health. Sports Day not so much... but definitely exercise at school.

@Lola4321 I would suggest that children and parents that find the concept of school very distressing to the point that they view group activities as abuse, they might be better off homeschooling.

And nobody has even begun to argue against children doing PE but there is a big difference between a PE lesson and forcing a child to perform in an event when they don’t want it in front of a bunch of strangers.

@PurpleDaisies yes just the first paragraph. I thought you said upthread that secondary schools don’t have sports day or that you’d not heard of them doing so. I may well have the wrong user.

Y’see at the school plus I’ve seen, what I see are a few kids having fun (usually those with good parts) and the rest of the also rams sitting there looking bored out of their minds.
I really hate these forced activities. They’ve school play should be optional too! The kids who are the ‘fillers’ understand perfectly well why they are given a crap part.

Not me. I said the exact opposite.

But school is not just about academic study, it’s about supporting the growth of the whole child. That includes taking part and work with a team, building resilience, public speaking and overcoming fears. Staff are well aware which children struggle and it’s joyous to see children flourish. Fwiw by flourish I don’t mean win or achieve highly.

Sorry @PurpleDaisies

YABU I absolutely hate when kids are pushed into doing sports day.

A PP likened it to doing maths but you don’t need to stand up and do a maths test in front of the entire school and loads of parents.

It’s like school plays - they all take part but some just stand there being trees.

Your son should have told you but you’ve highlighted a good point that maybe it would be a good idea to let parents know so they know whether they still want to go or not.
I personally would still go if I could simply to show I support them but there have been many times I’ve not been able to due to work.

The difference between opting out of competitive sport and other parts of school is that for most adults sport is a hobby, spectator activity or no part of our lives whatsoever.
It is not a life skill, and not even the most appropriate way to learn team work, and there are plenty of other ways to keep fit that don't alienate people without certain abilities.
Its lovely for sporty children to have their abilities recognised, but there is nothing to be gained by making disinterested less sporty children join in that isn't greatly outweighed by the disadvantages.
The school should have certainly shared the policy with parents though.

Y’see at the school plus I’ve seen, what I see are a few kids having fun (usually those with good parts) and the rest of the also rams sitting there looking bored out of their minds.
I really hate these forced activities. They’ve school play should be optional too! The kids who are the ‘fillers’ understand perfectly well why they are given a crap part.

Yeah, quite a few children do not enjoy reading and find it boring. Let's make that optional, too. No forced subjects - surely the way forward.