MINIMUM FITNESS STANDARDS
ODNR DIRECTIVE

The ODNR recognizes a need for Commissioned Officers to maintain a minimum physical conditioning due to the nature of the work performed. Therefore, the ODNR shall offer both a mandatory and voluntary physical fitness testing program for all FOP/OLC and Exempt Commissioned Officers.

Commissioned FOP/OLC and Exempt Officers hired and/or commissioned after 1/1/04 are required to comply with the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission (OPOTC) Basic Training Program Physical Fitness Standards to obtain initial employment with the ODNR. During each Division’s annual testing period, the aforementioned Commissioned Officers are required to comply with the ODNR Physical Fitness Standards (based upon The Cooper Institute, Physical Fitness Specialist Course and Certification, 2002, pp 108-124) as identified further in this Directive to retain employment with ODNR.

The three (3) physical fitness components of the OPOTC Basic Training Program Physical Fitness Standards used by the ODNR for physical fitness standards testing are as follows:

1. One-Minute Sit-ups;
2. One-Minute Push-ups; &
3. 1.5 Mile Run.

Commissioned Officers are required to complete the aforementioned fitness components in the listed order. Fitness test results shall determine compliance with the minimum passing standard pursuant to each Officer’s age/gender. These standards are subject to change as determined by the ODNR.

Before participating in the annual fitness test, Commissioned Officers shall submit the following completed forms to his/her Certified Instructor:

1. Informed Consent Form; &
2. Health Screening Questionnaire.

If the Commissioned Officer indicates a positive response to any of the questions contained on the Health Screening Questionnaire, the Officer is also required to submit a completed Medical Release Form before permitted to take the fitness test.

ODNR Commissioned Officers shall receive the following bi-weekly fitness allowance at the appropriate percentages for successfully passing the annual ODNR Physical Fitness Standards:

1. 40% $10.00
2. 50% $20.00
3. 60% $30.00 These aforementioned monetary rates are effective 7/1/2007.

ODNR shall conduct annual fitness testing in the spring of each year with each Officer getting the appropriate supplement at the commencement of the proceeding fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Commissioned Officers who meet the annual physical fitness testing requirements after July 1 shall receive the appropriate supplement payment within thirty (30) days of successful completion of the testing.

Commissioned Officers are required to pass all three (3) of the physical fitness components in any subsequent testing after failing the initial annual test. The ODNR shall conduct the second test approximately forty-five (45) days after the initial failed attempt. The ODNR shall conduct the third/final test within ninety (90) days of the initial test. A Commissioned Officer may request to take any required second or third test sooner than prescribed in the aforementioned time frames.

Commissioned Officers meeting the ODNR Physical Fitness Standards at different percentages when completing the three (3) components of the test shall receive the supplement based upon the lowest acceptable percentage. Thus, a Commissioned Officer passing the one minute sit-ups at 40% but the remainder of the testing at 60%, shall receive the 40% ($10.00) supplement. Officers who successfully meet the required standards are not permitted to take any subsequent testing in an attempt to increase the requisite supplement.

For Commissioned FOP/OLC and Exempt Officers hired and/or commissioned before 1/1/04, physical fitness testing is voluntary. Interested Commissioned Officers shall receive one opportunity during the annual testing to comply with the ODNR Physical Fitness Standards in an attempt to receive the pay supplement. Voluntary testing shall occur during the scheduled testing hours only and employees shall not incur overtime in the pursuit of passing the physical fitness requirements.

The ODNR shall remove any Commissioned Officer governed by the mandatory physical fitness requirement who fails to successfully pass the ODNR Physical Fitness Standards after (3) attempts in a ninety (90) day period.

Pursuant to Article/Section 28.01 of the FOP Labor Agreement and OAC 123:1-30-01, the ODNR retains the right to request an independent medical examination (IME) of a Commissioned Officer to determine the ability of the Officer to perform the substantial and material duties of the employees position.

Only Instructors trained in physical fitness standards protocol by OPOTA or equivalent shall administer physical fitness tests and follow the OPOTA testing standards as practicable.