Coaching: A Response

Michael asked a number of questions about the role of coaches and sports in the curriculum.

I have never been a particular fan of sports, either for watching or for participating (as if my physique didn't betray that). Phys ed in primary school was always a chore, and the sport requirement at my prep school was the bane of my existence (until I wised up and started doing drama to dodge that particular requirement).

This does not mean that I discount the contribution of good coaches. For several years, I took training in martial arts, which not only kept me more physically active than I had been before (or, really, since), but was a fulfilling part of my day. The major difference I can identify between my in-school experience and the out-of-school experience was in the teachers. The martial arts instructors were helpful and supportive, even when pushing me to give that extra bit of effort. My phys ed teachers in primary school (and I had a new one every year -- in one year, there was a new phys ed teacher every quarter) took little effort to engage the students, and the coaches in prep school were equally distant, driving heavily towards the results, first and foremost.

Moving beyond mere anecdote, there is research suggesting that aerobic exercise, whether that be in the form of sports or some other activity, helps to improve problem solving abilities and I.Q. scores. Coupled with this "national obesity epidemic," the evidence seems to point strongly to at least SOME form of physical engagement for students.

So, should sports be considered a vital element of education? Much as it pains me to say... I think they may well be important. There is certainly room to argue that students, children as well as adults, should be engaged in at least SOME form of physical activity, and sports can provide a fun, productive way to do just that, for both the physical and mental benefits.

To end with a question: Should schools be concerned with the physical and emotional well-being of their students as well as the intellectual?