Around six and a half hours of classes in high school, including a forty-five minute physical education session. Then student-athletes proceed to a one to three hour practice, not including if they opt for jobs. When do they have time for studying and homework? Do student-athletes have plenty of time during one forty-five minute study hall period during the day to complete their studying needs? Or do they need more studying time other than one forty-five minute study hall period? In some states, this issue has been considered and brought forth an "opt-out" option allowing student-athletes to substitute physical education for study hall.
Pros: Some individuals" state substituting physical education for a study hall session is an advantage to student-athletes. The athletes are receiving beyond the physical activity offered in PE classes at practices and games. Also, most high school athletes train vigorously off-season (specifically during the summer) while other non-athletes spend most of their summer time working or simply enjoying their time off from school (swimming, vacations, etc ). Some sports also demand practice before and after school practice, which leaves little time for studies. .
Cons: If student-athletes are allowed to substitute PE classes for study hall, other students involved in active competition (band, color guard, etc ) will wonder if this option will be offered to them. These active competition sports accept an student as part of the team merely based upon attendance. This raises a controversy of lethargic students participating in these activities to merge, or avoid, from PE to study hall. Another opposing factor involved with-in this issue is some students may plan on participating in a sport, but doesn't make the cut. Are these individuals forced into PE because they don't have any God-given athletic skill? Yet, the non-athletes in PE may need an sports orientated individual their age as a "mentor or leader" to help (visually/verbally) with the basic physical activity skills needed in PE.
