Jewellery in PE: Policy and Considerations

The Association for Physical Education (AfPE) provides clear guidelines on what should never be worn during PE lessons:

• All personal effects should be removed. Staff should remind students at the start of every lesson that jewellery is not permitted, especially in contact sports where there is a risk of injury;

• Risk assessment is crucial. If jewellery cannot be removed, options include taping the item securely or offering an alternative activity, such as cross-country running;

• Monitoring is essential. Students who continue participating with taped jewellery must be observed closely, particularly those with body piercings, which pose a higher risk of injury;

• Managing non-removable jewellery. If an item cannot be removed, staff should modify activities to ensure safety;

• Legal responsibility of staff. When taping jewellery, the supervising teacher must ensure it is secure. If taping is deemed ineffective, alternative participation should be arranged;

• Earrings and alternative safety measures. Students unable to remove their earrings must tape them on both sides to prevent injury, particularly from impacts during activities; and

• Special considerations for cartilage piercings. These piercings take longer to heal, and removing them even briefly may cause closure. Despite this, staff cannot allow students to participate if there is a risk of injury, and appropriate precautions must be taken.

The subject of school uniform—particularly the wearing of jewellery—remains one of the most debated topics in education. Policies differ from school to school, making consistent enforcement a challenge. Additionally, academy trusts, local authorities, and governing bodies may have their own uniform guidelines, which must be followed.

When 'Health and Safety' Isn't Really About Health and Safety

Schools often cite "health and safety" as a justification for their uniform policies. However, this broad term can sometimes be misapplied, leading to frustration among parents and students who challenge the reasoning behind such rules.

Jewellery and PE: Best Practices

Case 182 - School Bans Hair Clips and Jewellery During PE Lessons for Health and Safety Reasons

Issue: A school used "health and safety" as the explanation for its policy banning personal effects, including hair clips and jewellery, during PE lessons.

Panel Decision: The policy requiring students to remove all jewellery and personal effects during PE is reasonable and aligns with standard practice in many sports. However, clearer communication with parents regarding the rationale behind the rule—rather than simply citing "health and safety"—would have been more effective. Decisions about wearing jewellery outside of PE are a matter of school policy, not occupational health and safety.

Importance of Clear Communication

Uniform, jewellery, and PE kit requirements should be clearly communicated at the start of each academic year. Making expectations explicit and easily accessible helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures all students can safely participate in physical education.

Providing clarity in policy explanations can help avoid unnecessary conflicts and ensure that health and safety measures are genuinely about student well-being rather than just a catch-all justification for school rules.

Other items to consider

Fitness Watches and Activity Trackers that monitor activity should be removed before participating in PESSPA sessions, clubs, and activities.

Body jewellery should either be removed or securely taped to a safe standard. If staff notice body jewellery being worn during any PESSPA activity, they must stop the activity and take appropriate steps to ensure safety.

Sensory Aids (Glasses & Hearing Aids): The suitability of wearing glasses or hearing aids during activities depends on the nature of the sport.

Sports glasses, specifically designed for young athletes, provide both vision correction and essential safety features. They help protect students’ eyes during physical activities while ensuring optimal vision. It is recommended that sports glasses meet established safety standards, such as British Standard (BS) EN 166:2002 for impact resistance, ensuring durability in athletic settings. For students requiring vision correction, paediatric sports glasses with prescription lenses should be properly fitted by an optometrist or ophthalmologist to enhance both performance and eye protection.

If sensory aids must be worn during activities, modifications should be considered, such as providing extra space, allowing additional reaction time, or using a softer ball instead of a harder one.Medical Bracelets

Medical-aid wristbands: Advancements in medical-aid wristbands have led to designs with a low risk factor (e.g., soft materials, Velcro fastenings), making them generally acceptable for most PESSPA activities. However, wearers must regularly check these bracelets for hard or sharp edges that could cause injury. If concerns arise, the bracelet should be covered with tape, padding, or a soft sports-style wristband.

Religious artefacts must either be removed or made safe. Health and safety regulations typically take precedence over equality law, particularly when the safety of others is at risk, as outlined in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Case law regarding human rights legislation confirms that students do not have an absolute right to express their beliefs at all times and places within a school setting, including the wearing of jewellery. A successful human rights claim would typically require a recognized religious obligation to wear such items. However, if the item poses a safety risk to others, such a claim is unlikely to succeed.

Hair, Nails, and General Safety Considerations: Long hair should always be tied back using a soft and secure item to prevent entanglement in equipment and to maintain clear vision. Nails must be kept sufficiently short to avoid injury to oneself or others.

By adhering to these guidelines, schools can ensure that PESSPA activities remain safe and inclusive for all participants.

Case Law

Case Reference: R (ex parte Roberts) v. The Chair and Governors of Cwmfelinfach Primary School (2001) (unreported)

In this case, the school enforced a policy prohibiting the wearing of earrings during PESSPA activities, citing the foreseeable risk they posed to both the wearer and other students. A student was excluded from participation in PESSPA, extracurricular clubs, and playground activities after her parents refused to remove her earrings.

The parents challenged the exclusion under the Human Rights Act 1998, claiming it amounted to victimization and denial of access to the national curriculum. However, the court ruled in favor of the school, affirming that it was entitled to enforce its policy on health and safety grounds. The claim that this exclusion breached the European Convention on Human Rights was rejected.

Key Takeaways:

Schools have the authority to implement and enforce policies regarding jewellery during PESSPA activities, particularly when safety is a concern.

If students or parents refuse to comply, schools are justified in restricting participation in physical activities.

While general policies can be upheld, schools may need to consider reasonable adjustments for jewellery with religious significance

Handsam Resources

PEG01 Safety in Sport and Physical Education

PEG04 Risk Assessment for Physical Education

Example PE and Games Policy