missing games?

[inthename]

ds has a problem with his knee at the moment which is taking time to settles ('gives way' at odd times especially during games)
due to do rugby soon - would you ask dr to 'sign off' rugby? (dr gave note two weeks ago for 'light' games only as teacher thinks kids should have bits falling off before they miss a lesson) but rugby only starts later. What to do for best?

Can you not just tell the school as a parent he won't be doing Rugby? Why does he need a Doctor's note?

Can you get him a physio referral? Could strapping it up help? DS has a similar issue with his ankles, and I have found an appropriately sized ankle support from the chemist really helps (as did the ankle-high rugby boots he had last season, but he declared those "uncool" this year )

DD1 has missed stretches of PE over the years due to various things (damaged ankle, possible broken finger, strained chest, knackered ankles after DofE to name but a few). All have been just signed off by me, referring where necessary to having seen a doctor.

It would be very odd for a school to demand a dr's note and you'd probably have to pay for one. However I'd say any outdoor activities like hockey, football and cross country would also need avoiding. I've a suspicion he doesn't especially like rugby . Can he do swimming or other fitness training instead ? Alternatively arrange appointments during games time for physio, dentist etc.

When DS1 broke his knee I just told the school and that he wouldn't be doing games until I said he could.

Liz, you're right that he doesn't like rugby, but this would be a complete sign off whilst I try to get it sorted. I've had to sign him off before for other things, but found that the teacher gets rather 'well, he could do it if he tried' hence the drs note! Thanks for all your thoughts, I'll write a letter and back it up with visit to dr's

Rugby starts in January for the prep schools doesn't it? DS2 is still playing football at his prep. DS1 is playing rugby this term (yr8 senior school) - half of the boys in his year group are very keen rugby players, the other half just run up and down the field avoiding contact mostly. I've watched loads of B/C/D team rugby matches and I've never seen any of the more timid boys get hurt; they barely have to touch the ball if they don't want to. I wonder if you and your ds are worrying unnecessarily?

Do they not offer any other sports? If there's a possibility of something less knee-twisting, you could ask for him to do that?

Rugby starts soon after half term. He isn't on any teams, touching the ball isn't a problem (again the teacher pushes the timid ones into the scrum etc, the concern is mainly due to the tackling and that his knee is currently 'jumping' for want of a better word without anyone even getting near his legs) No alternatives available unfortunately

If you don't want your DS to do rugby due to medical reasons (I'm assuming this really is he reason rather than he just doesn't like rugby) simply write a letter/email head of games copying in headmaster/form teacher clearly stating he can't do it because he has a problem with knee, end of story don't enter into any negotiation e.g. he can do the training but not the contact side of rugby just say he can't play. As a parent you have the right to make the final decision about this. Is this problem being investigated by the way? It often requires strengthening exercises prescribed by a physio.

A small prep obviously wont be able to provide him with an alternative so either suggest he goes to the library to study, and or supports his team when they're playing a match or you'll pick him up from school early on those days which ever works out best for all of you. Just to keep them happy say in the letter you'll keep them informed about when he can resume play.