FCPS to offer middle school athletics
For the first time, Fairfax County Public Schools is planning to launch an athletics program for middle school students.
The program would start with cross country this fall. An outdoor track program would be offered in spring 2024. There would be no cost to students.
According to FCPS, middle school sports would support students’ well-being. It cites a report by the American Academy of Pediatrics that found students who participate in physical activities are more focused in school, sleep better, have less stress, and are less likely to engage in risky behavior, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and using drugs.
Any current FCPS middle school student who is enrolled in at least five courses and is in good standing at their school can participate.
Students would need to have a physical exam, as required by the Virginia High School League. The exam form must be completed and signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant on or after May 1.
Fairfax County public high schools will offer the exam for $50 per student through June 17. Students who receive free and reduced-priced meals are eligible to receive an exam at no cost. Register for an exam here.
Middle school athletics are contingent on approval of the FCPS advertised budget for FY 2024. The budget proposes $600,000 for the program, which would cover staff athletic stipends, transportation, uniforms, equipment, and physical exam reimbursements for eligible students.
FCPS requires student-athletes to be covered by medical insurance. If needed, parents can apply for the voluntary student insurance program offered through FCPS.
Parents also need to complete a registration process that includes the state-mandated concussion education program and emergency care card information before the student participates in middle school sports. This process is still in development and will be available before the first day of school.
4 responses to “FCPS to offer middle school athletics”
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What sports? Thx
As a former middle school principal in a school with many different sports, I heartily applaud this effort. With the exception of head contact sports (American football, I am looking at you), there is so much to be gained by student involvement in athletic activities: challenges outside of the classroom, the coaching, the camaraderie, and the ensuing school spirit.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that middle school sports will cost money. We have had high school athletics for decades and we probably don’t really evaluate the costs on a year-to-year basis. Starting up middle school sports will cost more than one might imagine – the coaches, the equipment, costs for competition, buses, among many other expenses – but in the end it will be worth. I think it is wise to start with lower cost activities as a way to evaluate the impacts and costs.
One additional note: the school system will need to keep the very meaningful impacts of Title IX front and center. This act, requiring equal opportunities for participation for both boys and girls, is not as easy as one might imagine for school administrations. Good luck!
I am a former physical education teacher and coach in the FCPS system thus I am all for providing students with sports activities. However, I am also a FxCo tax payer and I see this as a program that will escalate and cost tax payers more and more money. Why not beef up the intramural program in the middle school? At the end of each intramural activity hold a one day play day round robin tournament at one of the larger schools within each school district and let the middle school intramural team(s) in that school district compete against the other schools.
I’m fine with paying a few extra dollars so kids have a positive way to stay active. When you spread it out over all taxpayers, its a solid benefit for students and the community. I’m not sure which would cost more, but neither would cost that much, so I’m fine with this being an option. I’d be happy with both in fact.