The American Crisis in Physical Activity Education

Book excerpt: The American Crisis in Physical Activity Education was written because the author is terribly upset about what is happening to physical activity education and so-called educational sport within the education system. He lives in North America as a dual citizen, and he feels sad that we appear to be a large part of the world's problem! He thought that the world would be a better place for all people by the year 2000. Because now it definitely doesn't seem to be heading in that direction, he is forced to conclude: (1) that in many ways we are confused about what our values are at the present, (2) that we need to reconsider them and then re-state exactly what we believe they are in light of the changing times, and (3) finally that we will then need to assess more carefully, on a regular basis, whether we are living up to those values we have chosen and so often glibly espouse. Physical activity education, including what is called educational sport, is a field that in the 21st century is facing one more crossroad in its torturous historical development.