Fighting fit: Physical education instructors are much in demand

If you are athletic, enjoy sports and have physical stamina, this is the right subject for you. If you dream of winning the Dronacharya national award for sports coaches, you could do a bachelors in physical education (BPEd) and specialise as a sports coach, shaping winners. Some years ago, physical education was considered a recreational activity or, at best, a hobby. And those who made it big did so because they enjoyed it, not because they looked upon it as a professional pursuit. However, now the scenario has changed. With more money coming into sport, many people with potential are taking it up as a full-time career. Sponsorships, scholarships, contracts, advertising and awards have entered the scene and boosted career prospects.

What do I have to do?

Physical education teachers use physical activity as a means to help people acquire skills, knowledge and attitudes that contribute to their optimal development and well-being. The intent is to promote fitness and health. Team-building, teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play are also boosted.

Physical education influences the overall development of children by encouraging correct posture and fitness, instilling confidence and poise, alertness and vitality, which offset frustration, since it involves working with others and sharing responsibilities.

One of the aims of a physical education teacher is to select and promote players for various games and make arrangements for participation of teams at different levels and at various places. Thus, they look into the organisational aspect of tournaments and championships, the latest changes in rules, contemporary training methods and the construction and maintenance of playfields. Instructors utilise information technology to do research in physical education and sports.

Students are trained in calisthenics, gymnastics and other physical exercises by physical education teachers, to promote strength and gracefulness or to correct body posture. Teachers not only train students in games and athletics but also assume responsibility for the maintenance of gymnasiums and sports equipment. They also supervise games in junior classes.

Physical education professionals also manage accounts, formulate plans, make timetables for schools and clubs and arrange for specialised coaches. They ensure that health and safety regulations are adhered to and that the premises, the swimming pool and equipment such as badminton nets and wrestling mats are in good condition.

What should I study?

Students should have passed Class XII in any stream for the three-year BPEd course. They are given physical training together with theory classes to equip them to work as teachers in schools, colleges and physical fitness centres.

In a three-year BPEd course, you will study general science, anatomy, physiology, English, an Indian language, kinesiology and physiology of exercise, psychology, teaching practices, officiating skill, organisation of physical education, health education, recreation, massage and how to treat athletic injuries.

The masters in physical education (MPEd) course covers administration, the foundation of physical education organisation, the science of coaching, research methodology, sports medicine, physiology of exercise, measurement and evaluation in physical education and project work.

What next?

Coaches and physical education instructors are needed for physical training and various sports at different levels in schools, colleges, universities and sports clubs.

Most physical education teachers are full-time professionals trained in specialised fields. All physical education instructors need to have great technical expertise and an ability to draw out the best in their students.

Trained physical education instructors are in demand as in-house coaches for corporate teams and at all the training centres set up by the Sports Authority of India (SAI) as well as by state and Union sports bodies. With greater awareness of fitness and weight management, you can also find openings in fitness clubs.

where to study

• University of Calcutta, Calcutta.
• SAI National Sports East Centre, Calcutta.
• Jadavpur University, Calcutta.
• SAI Laxmibai National College of Physical Education, Gwalior.
• Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, New Delhi.