School
Sport and Physical Education
Practical guidance for teachers on supporting students with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis in sport and physical education, including adapting activities, managing fatigue, staying involved and planning for sports days, carnivals and camps.
Having Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis doesn't mean a student has to miss out on sport.
Many students with IBD can take part in physical activity and enjoy the same sports as their classmates. However, their energy levels and symptoms can change, particularly during a flare.
The key is to support participation without making the student feel singled out or pressured.
🏃 Don't assume they can't participate
IBD affects everyone differently.
A student may be able to complete a full PE lesson one day and need a modified activity the next.
Instead of automatically excluding them, ask what they feel able to do.
For example:
"Would you like to join in as usual, or would you prefer a lighter activity today?"
Giving the student some choice can help them stay involved while recognising how they are feeling.
⚽ Allow activities to be adapted
If a student is struggling with symptoms or fatigue, they may still be able to participate in a modified way.
Depending on the activity, this could mean:
Reducing the intensity.
Taking more frequent breaks.
Shortening the activity.
Walking rather than running.
Participating for part of the lesson.
Choosing a lower-impact activity.
Taking on a different role within a team.
An adjustment doesn't necessarily mean sitting out completely.
💤 Understand changes in energy
Fatigue can affect a student's ability to exercise, particularly during an IBD flare.
They may become tired more quickly than their classmates or need longer to recover.
Watch for changes in how they are managing the activity, and give them the opportunity to slow down or rest when needed.
Avoid comparing their performance with other students.
🏊 Consider the type of activity
Different activities may present different challenges.
For example:
Swimming: The student may feel uncomfortable being far from a toilet or changing room.
Cross-country: A long course with limited toilet access may create additional concerns.
Team sports: The student may need to step off the field unexpectedly.
Athletics carnivals: Long days, travel between events and multiple activities can be tiring.
Planning ahead can help the student participate with greater confidence.
🏅 Keep students involved in school sport
Being unable to complete an activity doesn't have to mean being excluded from the lesson.
If they need to sit out temporarily, they could still:
Support their team.
Help keep score.
Assist with equipment.
Take part in coaching or strategy activities.
Rejoin the activity when they feel ready.
This can help prevent a health condition from becoming a reason for social exclusion.
🗣️ Let the student have a say
Older students in particular may know their body and limits very well.
Rather than making decisions for them, involve them in planning where appropriate.
Ask:
"What helps you participate when you're not feeling 100%?"
Their answer may be different from what you expect.
❤️ Remember
A diagnosis of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis doesn't define what a student can achieve in sport.
Focus on participation, listen to the student and make reasonable adjustments when their symptoms require them.
The aim is to help students remain active, included and confident in physical education and school sport.
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