Taiwan launches sports class reforms, targeting excessive games and poor academics

Taiwan's Ministry of Education is set to launch reforms for its sports classes, addressing concerns that have accumulated since these programs returned under the ministry's purview. Deputy Minister Chang Liao Wan-chien revealed in an interview that the current system suffers from too many competitions and declining academic standards among student-athletes.

Chang Liao admitted that much of the data submitted by schools regarding daily training hours and public leave days is not accurate. She noted that during her time coaching at the grassroots level, she observed that such information was often fabricated. For instance, she questioned how baseball teams could possibly adhere to a 30-day limit for public leave when numerous major tournaments occur throughout the year, often requiring extensive travel across the island.

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many of the data are not real.

To rectify this, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Sports Administration, will review competition arrangements, coaching systems, and talent cultivation. The goal is to ensure that sports classes return to their educational core, rather than focusing solely on competitive results. Chang Liao pointed to Japanese high school baseball as an example, where national tournaments are limited, and students prioritize regular schooling. She cited former professional baseball player Chen Chieh-hsien, who played in Japan, as an example of a well-rounded individual with strong skills, communication abilities, self-management, and resilience, qualities education should foster beyond mere athletic performance.

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Many major competitions are held throughout the year, and it is difficult to believe that public leave can be controlled within 30 days a year.

The deputy minister also highlighted differences in coaching structures. In Japan, many high school baseball coaches are also teachers, responsible for both athletic and academic development. Students may even be prohibited from practicing if their academic performance declines. In contrast, Taiwan often relies on retired athletes as full-time coaches, with a primary focus on competitive training. The reform will therefore reconsider the coaching system and grassroots talent development.

Ultimately, Chang Liao emphasized that the reform should not solely focus on producing professional athletes. It must also consider students' academic achievement, career development, and athletic abilities, creating a comprehensive talent cultivation system. This approach aims to equip students with the necessary skills for further education, employment, or cross-disciplinary development, even if they do not pursue a professional sports career, thereby truly balancing education and athletic competition.

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Chen Chieh-hsien not only has excellent skills but also expresses himself well, manages himself, and can face setbacks. These are the talents that education hopes to cultivate, not just competitive performance.