Abolishing High School Sports Essay

Dr. Daniel Gould, director of the Institute for the Study of Youth Sports, in his essay “Are High School Sports Good For Kids?” argues that problems with high school sports are beginning to outway the benefits.. He supports his claim by providing evidence of how sports are beneficial to kids, explaining the problems within sports, and extending the importance of what creates a positive response from sports. Gould’s purpose is to inform coaches, principals, and parents about what makes sports beneficial and how to prevent the problems in order to allow kids to learn and become better citizens. He establishes an informative tone for coaches, principals, and parents.

Many people believe that students that are involved in a high school sport affect their grade and test scores. At most high schools in America, sports are very popular and an important role in a student’s school years. High school sports have a positive impact on students and schools everywhere. Students have a better chance in succeeding in school while playing in a high school sport. First, high school sports are positive because it has great impact on both the student’s education and sports participation.

High school sports are valued around the United States. They can be a big part of school spirit, and may even affect the school you choose to go to. Two articles: one from The Atlantic, and one from The Huffington Post have conflicting opinions on the subject of high school sports. The article against sports by Amanda Ripley, was written to persuade US citizens that sports should be limited or fully removed from high schools. The article in support of sports by Kai Sato was written in response to the negative article, intended to critique that author in specific.

For years schools have bonded through sports programs, now they think they should get rid of them. Being a student in school is harder that it has ever been. The academic standards are so high, it can feel paralyzing. That's why it is so important for schools to invest in sports programs now and in the future. Schools should keep sports programs because sports relieve stress on kids and makes kids look forward to going to school.

This notion is supported by Dr. Daniel Gould, who believes that “Children who participate in sports have increased educational aspirations, closer ties to school and increased occupational aspirations in youth” (1). People against the funding of high school sports think that parents and society are placing more emphasis than ever before and, “[P]ressures athletic personnel to deviate on winning from the athlete- centered educational and personal development mission” (Gould 1). However, athletes strive to do better in class. Michael Lorenc, a high school basketball coach believes that “those who seem to have an overwhelming schedule where they’re playing maybe multiple sports, and high academic schedules, they tend to do better than those who don’t do anything extracurricularly” (Gray). Balancing sports and school makes athletes put more effort into keeping up grades while playing the sport they love.

Tim O’ Shei says that sports could benefit students with grades, homework, and classwork. According to the text, “No Sports Are More Important than Ever”, “When you

The stress can get so intense, it feels paralyzing. That’s why it is important than ever for schools to invest in their athletic programs,” states the sports article “Should Schools get rid of Sports.” Schools should keep their sports programs because they help improve academics, help improve mental and emotional health, and improves social skills like being on a team. Schools should not get rid of their sports programs because they help with student’s academics.

In the article "The Case Study Against High-School Sports" author Amanda Riley delves into the idea that school sports may have a negative effect on the students. Although evidence is provided, as someone who has first handedly experienced the benefits and positive outcomes school sports has given me, I can't help but stand beside them. Through gaining leadership and dedication skills, as well as meeting new people and finding a hero within a coach, school sports has equipped me with valuable

Schools have been providing sports for years, and had students enjoying them with their families and friends. According to many people they want to get rid of sports to focus on their academic skills than athletic skills to help them in the real world with businesses. Therefore, schools should shut down sports to cut down their bills, bring up teacher salaries, and have more educational programs to help them succeed in their business life. Although Schools are always trying to raise money for superior tools in class, it would help if the school closed down the athletics to gain more money for academic needs.

They may think that playing a sport is necessary in middle/high school because it is a part of American culture, along with helping build social skills. In the article “Play More Than One Youth Sport Better Mental Health”, Dr.Jamie Pardini states, “As well, when kids play different sports, they are exposed to different peer groups in activities that require different types of teamwork and collaboration- skills that transfer well into adulthood.” The problem with the argument is that they say sports are good for kids to play so they experience different peer groups, but they don’t tell what could all come with that. They also don’t mention that other activities, like clubs, could help children be exposed to many different peer groups. In closing, students in middle and high school should not be held up to the sport standards in America.

Some may argue that playing sports in high school will take time away from academics. Sports can consume a lot of time and energy at the expense of school work and some feel that this can cost

High Schools should influence students to participate in sports because they can help students' futures, prepare them for life after high school, and help pupils to stay healthy and out of risky behavior. Youth partaking in organized school sports first dates back to New York City in 1903 (Cox). It began with 300 players and quickly spread around the U.S. and to the rest of the world. Previously, in around the 1700s, children would get together and play games and “sports” just among themselves, but the New York City's Public School Athletic League for Boys was the first time these games became organized by adults.

Competitive sports provide a community which kids can work with and beat other teams with. “Playing a sport helps children develop social skills which would benefit them even when they grow older. Playing sports teaches them about teamwork and cooperating with others. They learn to interact with people from different ages” (Mahaseth). When these kids grow up, they can use these skills to be able to cooperate and talk with their colleagues.

The first reason that you should get rid of school sports is the health risks that playing can impose. The rate of concussions for people age 14-19 have tripled in the last decade, rising from 7,000 to 22,000 ER visits per year. A concussion is a serious head injury, a concussion left untreated can lead to brain damage, liver problems, and depression. A concussion leaves a child more susceptible to other injuries and can cost up to $30,000 for 6 months of treatment. Sports impose the threat of severe injuries upon its players, do you want to see your students suffer because of a game?

Research from Livestrong has shown that kids who partake in sports and,that are active have a minimle chance of becoming obese. Further more, children have a less of a risk with getting diabetes, than kids who do not participate in athletics. Research done by Livestrong suggests that When kids participate in sports teams, they are encouraged to eat more healthy. In short, kids who play and are in sports teams are more healthy, and get more exercise than kids who are not in teams. Playing sports its not only “A game,” it teaches children important life lessons, and also lesson criminal activity.