Toward policy preparedness in physical education

In this position paper, we propose the uptake of policy preparedness by all physical education (PE) professionals so that they may best address policy issues to enhance quality PE. Our working vision is that policy preparedness starts with ‘awareness’ of the importance of policy and ‘knowledge’ of what policy is and how it happens. Such preparedness is further centred on practical ‘know-how’ for policy process engagement. Furthermore, policy preparedness depends upon ‘motivation and confidence’ to see oneself as a policy actor and to take action to implement policy know-how within one’s sphere of influence. We propose policy preparedness is best developed through sustained, theory-guided reflective dialogue between PE professionals from different policy spaces on their lived policy experiences. We conclude by inviting readers to reflect on their own and other PE professionals’ current and desired levels of policy engagement and to contribute to this working vision of policy preparedness accordingly.