Physical Activity Position Statements
Comprehensive School Physical Activity Programs: Helping All Students Achieve 60 Minutes of Physical Activity Each Day
SHAPE America's Position: The Society for Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) recommends that all schools implement a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP).
SHAPE America's Position: School-based physical activity programs should be provided and promoted for all students before and after school.
Availability & Access to Automated External Defibrillators in Schools During Participation in Physical Activity
SHAPE America's Position: Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) should be present in all schools and at all school-sanctioned athletic events/activities and venues.
SHAPE America's Position: Participating regularly in a variety of sports and physical activities yields many documented physical, psychological and social benefits.
SHAPE America's Position: Participating in regular physical activity at a level sufficient to promote health-related physical fitness is an important behavior for professionals in all fields of physical activity at all levels.
SHAPE America's Position: Administering or withholding physical activity as a form of punishment and/or behavior management is an inappropriate practice.
SHAPE America's Position: It’s imperative that parents/guardians assess program quality, both initially
and periodically, to determine whether the program will provide a positive experience – physically, socially and emotionally − for their children.
SHAPE America's Position: All elementary school children should be provided with at least one daily period of recess of at least 20 minutes in length.
SHAPE America's Position: All athletes should have equal access to these benefits by having full access to involvement in school sports. Athletes must also accept the responsibilities related to sport involvement.
SHAPE America's Position: All children should receive basic instruction in motor skills and sport activities through comprehensive physical education programs.