Setting Up a School Sports Day

Sports Day is one of the most exciting days of the academic year for lots of children. It gives them the chance to show off their sporting ability, compete in lots of fun, friendly events with all their friends and to win medals. However, it’s not as easy as a normal PE lesson, and there are a few extra things you’ll need to take into consideration.

Of course, safety is of paramount importance at a school Sports Day. Unfortunately no matter how hard you try, there will always be cases where someone falls over or bumps heads with another pupil, so make sure you have trained first aiders waiting on the wings and a full medical kit. This should include plasters, antiseptic wipes and bandages at the very least. Also keep lots of water at the ready in case it’s a hot day.

It might also be an idea to set out a dedicated area in which the sporting activity can take place. This could be done with a simple chalked area set out if it is on concrete or using hired fencing so that everyone knows the boundaries of the sporting area. You could also use this fencing to divide the area into different sections for different sports or to create racetracks or pitches for team sports.

Another thing to remember is that you’ll need lots of chairs for spectators. While many of the parents will be standing for much of the afternoon to cheer on their children, lots of the parents will want to take the opportunity to sit down at some point, so make sure you have plenty of seating both along the trackside and in the shade.

For most children, the most important thing will be collecting their prize at the end of the day. Buy lots of medals and little trophies and make sure there is a certificate waiting for each child. This helps to teach them that it’s about the taking part that counts, as every child will be rewarded regardless of their performance.

Finally, make sure you have plans in place in case it rains. If it’s not an option to postpone the day, make sure there is some indoor space free for the children to compete in. Even if you can’t complete the full schedule of planned activities, you could come up with some fun indoor games to take place in the school hall to make sure everyone still has a fun day.

Carl Perton is the head of his son's school's PTA and enjoys an active involvement in school activities and fundraising events of all varieties