Classroom Coach? Physical Discipline & Physical Education Presented By: Karla Schultz Attorney at Law

Whipping Them into Shape?: Physical activity as punishment Should PE teachers and coaches use physical activity as punishment? Standard 3.2 of The Educator’s Code of Ethics: “The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly treat a student or minor in a manner that adversely affects or endangers the learning, physical health, mental health, or safety of the student or minor.” Standard 3.5: “The educator shall not intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly engage in physical mistreatment , neglect, or abuse of a student or minor.”

Whipping Them into Shape?: Physical activity as punishment “Administering or withholding physical activity as a form of punishment and/or behavior management is an inappropriate practice.” The National Association for Sport and Physical Education

Can’t Touch This?: Employee Immunity State law grants professional district employees immunity for acts that are within the scope of their official capacity. But, there is an exception where the employee acts with “excessive force in the discipline of students or negligence resulting in bodily injury to students.”

PE Classes: Physical activity as punishment Under the Texas Education Code reasonable physical activity in a physical education course is not corporal punishment. BUT “…administering or withdrawing physical activity as punishment is inappropriate and constitutes an unsound education practice.” The National Association for Sport and Physical Education

Coaches’ Model Behavior: Ethics and Standards Coaches should “never use physical activity or peer pressure as a means of disciplining athlete behavior” National Standards for Sport Coaches: Quality Coaches, Quality Sports But the Texas High School Coaches Association Code of Ethics does not address the issue. “Suggests” only that coaches: Promptly see to injured players and make sure that doctor’s orders are carried out Act as a living example by demonstrating actions and behavior that “always bring credit to the profession and to the coach.” At games: exchange friendly greetings with rival coaches, be as inconspicuous as possible, and demonstrate a friendly and kindly attitude toward the players on the bench

Whipping Them into Shape: Physical activity as punishment Be aware of how your PE teachers and coaches administer discipline and manage the classroom Is it consistent with district expectations and rules Is the disciplinary code and protocol clear to them? Alternatives to physical activity as punishment are the same as those for any class: Be sure students know the rules and expectations Remove a student who is behaving in an unsafe or disruptive manner Engage in effective classroom management