ABSTRACT
I have very fond memories of my career as a teacher and, I guess, like many PE teachers, some of the most memorable are associated with extra-curricular activities and events. However, for all the pleasure gained from reflection, there are some incidents that, by their unsettling nature, have proved to be pivotal in the development of my professional philosophy. One such incident occurred during the late 1980s to a young male student whom I shall call Alan. Alan was a bright, articulate and popular Year 10 student (16 years of age) who played a full and active part in the school’s extra-curricular programme. He was a gifted sportsperson who, as well as playing for the school’s football, rugby, basketball, cricket and athletics teams, also played district and county schools football and was a member of a highly successful junior football club.
