Education ministers across Germany are aiming to reintroduce more performance-oriented competitions at primary schools during the National Youth Games. Specifically, the traditional competitive format for track and field and swimming disciplines is intended to be reinstated as an option for third and fourth-grade students, according to reports from the newspaper “Bild.” The Federal Ministers Conference (BMK) plans to pass a resolution on this matter this Thursday in Munich.
Under the proposed reforms, performance metrics such as sprints or long jump distances could once again be measured down to the second or centimeter. This proposal marks a shift from the changes introduced in 2023, when many primary schools adopted more playful formats in competition. Instead of precise measurements, alternative formats like perimeter distance throws or estimated running times were used. These adjustments drew widespread criticism from parents, teachers, and sports associations nationwide. The current push aims to emphasize the competitive nature of the National Youth Games once more.
Federal Education Minister Karin Prien (CDU) also advocated for a stronger focus on performance principles. Speaking to the “Bild,” she argued that schools should teach children how to handle setbacks and tolerate frustration, which is crucial for developing resilient adults, and that superior achievements should be visibly acknowledged. She stated that she supported the decision to resume the National Youth Games as a genuine competition, and confirmed that this format will be permitted starting next school year.
Several ministers have welcomed this planned change. Hessens Education Minister Armin Schwarz (CDU) stated that “turning the wheel back” is the correct move, stressing that the performance principle is fundamental to a functioning society and that children want to compete. Likewise, Sachsen’s Education Minister Conrad Clemens (CDU) told the “Bild,” “If we want German Olympic champions, we should not be afraid of competitions in school.”
It is important to note, however, that there is no plan for a universally mandatory return to classical competition. The specific implementation of the National Youth Games remains the responsibility of the individual states, schools, and teachers.
Baden-Württemberg, which introduced the National Youth Games in 1951, plans to move forward proactively. In this state, mandatory rules for all schools during the upcoming games will apply, requiring precise measurements in track and field and swimming for third and fourth graders. The traditional certificates will be replaced by “Gold,” “Silver,” and “Bronze” certificates that include precise point tallies. “Only winners will leave the field,” Jung told the “Bild,” adding, “But it is also a competition.” Jung is confident that children want to compete and are capable of handling it.
