afPE Supports Parents in Sport Week 2018

01/10/18

The Association for Physical Education is delighted to support Parents in Sport Week 2018 (1st October – 7th October).

If we want to ensure that high quality physical education in schools is used as a building block for lifelong participation, then sport and physical activity beyond the school day and in community club settings has an essential role to play. To allow this to happen we must ensure that we appreciate the key role which parents play in making this happen. They are often the unsung heroes providing all of the free support a child needs to engage in this setting. This can range from providing lifts (the free taxi), the bus fare or simply their time as they take children to events and activities. Without this our community clubs and activities would not operate.

To ensure that parents can feel secure in the knowledge that their children are attending a safe and well run club it is vital that clubs inform parents of what happens in their clubs and what to do if they have concerns. This will help to assure parents of the care being shown to their children. Parents should be encouraged to ask any questions they may have around the safety of their children in sport and physical activity settings.

Clubs can also use this opportunity to help parents understand (or just remind them) of their responsibilities for ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment, for example by applying a code of conduct of respect for all parties (including the opposition in competitive events) when they are present in these settings.

This is also an excellent opportunity for clubs to help parents embed physical activity into their own lives or undertake some further voluntary work in their own club or setting.

Click HERE to find out more about Parents in Sport Week and download free resources.