null Can a student be excused from sport at school if they have their period?

Can a student be excused from sport at school if they have their period?

For most people, having their period does not stop them from participating in exercise and sports.  Light exercise can actually help ease some period symptoms such as: pain, cramps, bloating, depression, mood swings, irritability, fatigue and nausea. 

For some people, exercise may be the last thing they want to do when they have their period, especially if they are experiencing cramping and pain. Some students may worry about leakage or the possibility of getting their period for the first time. 

Swimming can be a particular concern for students as they may not wish to/be able to use tampons/menstrual cups/period bathers. 

It is important to remember that each person's body and experience of menstruation is different. Some may have pain free periods and others may experience debilitating pain or have additional medical conditions that impact on their periods. Some people have very light periods and others very heavy.  Some young people may be able to manage their periods at school with ease, others may struggle. 

Offering students options to participate in sport in ways that they feel comfortable may help to alleviate some of these concerns and encourage them to continue to engage in sports at school. For example, doing a less strenuous/low impact option of the sport/activity. Normalising and destigmatising periods also helps young people to feel safe and secure to talk about any concerns they have and to help them participate fully in school activities. 

 

 

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