Physical Education Waiver Policy

As stated in Section 3313.603 of the Ohio Revised Code, students in grades 9-11 may be excused from the physical education course requirement by participating in school-sponsored interscholastic athletics, marching band or cheerleading for at least two athletic seasons during high school grades 9-11. The Ohio Revised Code defines school-sponsored interscholastic athletics, marching band or cheerleading as any high school athletic team, high school cheerleading squad or high school marching band of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School that participates in the school’s regular athletic season(s) (as such seasons are established under the rules and bylaws of the Ohio High School Athletic Association) and is operated under the supervision of a school employee.  Club activities and/or club sports are NOT considered part of school-sponsored athletics, marching band or cheerleading.  

The physical education requirement for graduation in the State of Ohio is 0.50 credit, which is usually fulfilled by taking two semesters of physical education, each of which are 0.25 credit. To qualify for the PE waiver a student must also complete a 0.25 credit elective from the health/physical education department.

Three (3) possible pathways to fulfilling the graduation requirement:

List of 3 items.

  • Completing two semesters of physical education.

    One semester will be completed during the student's freshman year or sophomore year. The second semester must be completed prior to graduation. (Summer PE will continue to be an option.) 

  • A student may apply for the PE waiver to be used in conjunction with one PE class.

    Upon completion of two full seasons of interscholastic athletics, cheerleading, or marching band, and the completion of a 0.25 credit physical education elective, the PE waiver will be added to the student's transcript. 

  • St. Vincent-St. Mary recommends that all students complete one semester of physical education during their freshman year.

    (Summer gym will continue to be an option for earning this 0.25 credit.) It is our belief that the Health and Physical Education classes serve as a foundation for the knowledge and positive attitudes that will lead students toward developing their personal health and fitness, and an appreciation for a physically active lifestyle. With this pathway, if a student chooses to invoke the PE waiver, it would fulfill the entirety of their PE requirement. The student will earn an extra 0.25 credit for participation in PE l, and have the opportunity to take an extra elective at a later time. 
At the conclusion of each season, coaches/band director will submit a roster of students who have satisfactorily completed the season (a minimum of 60 contact hours). The athletic office, in cooperation with the school counseling department, will track and record this information.  

A high school student who has not fulfilled his/her physical education requirement prior to the beginning of his/her senior year will be scheduled into a physical education class.  Participation in school-sponsored interscholastic athletics, marching band or cheerleading during the senior year cannot be used to fulfill the physical education graduation requirement. 

A high school student who has earned physical education credit prior to the start of the 2020-2021 school year can finish the physical education requirement either through completion of another physical education course or through participation in two athletic seasons. Participation in school-sponsored interscholastic athletics, marching band or cheerleading seasons prior to the 2020-2021 school year cannot be used to fulfill the physical education requirement. This policy is NOT retroactive.

Participating in school-sponsored interscholastic athletics, marching band and/or cheerleading is a privilege and not a right. This policy shall not in any way be construed as granting a student the right to participate in such school-sponsored interscholastic athletics, marching band and/or cheerleading.

St. Vincent-St. Mary High School

15 North Maple Street Akron, Ohio 44303   |   Phone: (330) 253-9113
In the spirit of the Gospel, we are committed to educate the whole person; to lead and to serve, enlightening the mind, developing the body, touching the heart, and inspiring the soul.