## Part 1 Sports Administration in Other Countries

Also in foreign countries, the promotion of sports is considered important, and the governments of those countries are implementing aggressive measures to improve school physical education, achieve a lifelong sports society, and train top-level athletes who can compete on a world stage. The following sections will describe school physical education, lifelong sports and competitive sports, and promotion regimes for sports administration implemented in foreign countries.

## 1 United States of America (US)

## (1) School Physical Education

In the United States, state governments basically have jurisdiction over school education, and the school education system differs by state. Accordingly, school physical education also differs by state. In 47 states out of 50, however, the provision of school physical education is somehow legally mandated. The following shows an example of school physical education provided in the state of Connecticut.

Physical education classes are provided at all the growth stages of children, from kindergarten to senior high school (to 18 years old), and all students should attend these classes. Class hours are set at 60 to 100 minutes for kindergartners and elementary school pupils in the low and middle grades, 80 to 120 minutes for elementary school pupils in higher grades, three hours a week for junior high school students, and one credit for graduation (at least 120 hours a year) for senior high school students.

Physical education classes are provided to a smaller number of students compared with those in Japan, and in many cases, practical skills are taught according to the level of each student. At many junior and senior high schools, students can choose what they want to do from among a lot of athletic events. Although details differ by school district and by school in the case of elementary schools, teachers specialized in physical education teach students at large-scale elementary schools and junior and senior high schools.

Also, “health and safety education” classes are provided apart from “physical education” classes, in which students learn about their health, including the prevention of injuries and diseases, growth and development, and smoking, alcohol, and drug abuse prevention.

## (2) Lifelong Sports and Competitive Sports

According to a survey conducted by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2001, 61.4% of US citizens do some form of exercise or sports. Also, the survey shows that 51.9% of US citizens do light exercise for at least 10 minutes once a week and 24.7% five or more times a week. (All data are for US citizens aged 18 or older.)

The US Olympic Committee (USOC) is implementing programs to support top-level competitors in order to (1) prolong the period in which they are on the active list; (2) improve their performance; and (3) help them prepare for life after retirement. The USOC formulates a special four-year budget instead of a single-year budget, which coincides with the organization of the Olympic Games.

## (3) Promotion Regime for Sports Administration

In the federal government, the Department of Health and Human Services is in charge of sports-related matters. Sports promotion measures, however, are basically implemented by each state government.

## 2 United Kingdom

## (1) School Physical Education

The United Kingdom has different school education systems for England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. School education systems, however, are rather similar in England and Wales, where approximately 90% of the country’s population reside.

Physical education classes are provided at all school grades throughout the compulsory education period (from age 5 to 16), and all children have to attend these classes.