Notwithstanding the contributions of a few policy experts, overall physical education is constrained by policy illiteracy and neglect. A brief historical perspective on physical education policy provides a foundation for "a policy primer" founded on three recurring needs: (1) antecedent and corequisite factors meriting attention in support of policy improvement; (2) field-wide capacity-building in support of policy advocacy and improvement; and (3) specialized policy courses and seminars in physical education teacher education and doctoral physical education teacher education programs. Recommendations for policy-focused research and development structure a new agenda that merits attention and action.