If a student fails a PE course, or just isn’t scheduled appropriately, the student can make it up later by doubling up. BUT, the student cannot accelerate in PE and take 2 courses in one year, in anticipation of a gap later. A 10th grader can count participation in a school sport - but only if it meets all of the required time in a particular semester - so if you participate in basketball, you may be out of luck since it crosses over 2 semesters. BUT, if you are in 9th grade and play 3 seasons of sports, you STILL must take PE during the regular school day, because students can’t opt out until 10th grade.
Instead of having state laws and regs, and local regs governing all of this, wouldn’t it be better to really focus on the connection between fitness and achievement? Wouldn’t it be better for all concerned to support students in their development of good habits in their lives, and provide them with access to facilities and programs to this end? It is time to look at ALL requirements, particularly in high schools, and free principals from burdensome mandates so they can truly focus on what it will take to prepare students for college and career. That will mean letting go of some controls in favor of true reform.