High School Sports: Why They Matter
High school is a time to make friends, get good grades, participate in activities, and prepare for the future. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts, some schools opted out of high school sports, believing the money would be better spent on academics. I understand that academics come first, but sacrificing high school sports diminishes each child’s high school experience, her ability to perform at optimal academic levels and become a well-rounded adult.
The importance of sports in high school can be found in elementary school
During a child’s elementary school years, children often lose their recess privileges as a result of misbehavior. This consequence can have the opposite effect to that desired. Recess is the place where children let out their aggression and release frustration and anger, allowing them to better cope with the aspects of school that they don’t enjoy.
High school sports promote bonding and encouragement
What many administrators, teachers, and parents don’t realize is that high school sports offer teens the same outlet. Participating in high school sports is important for developing motor skills, maintaining a healthy exercise program, and providing a release of anger when academic stressors become overwhelming. When youngsters participate in high school sports, they release endorphins that help decrease depression and increase energy. Most, if not all, high schools require at least a C average to participate in these sports, which puts responsibility on the child. High school sports increase the bond between children and their parents when parents help with skills and attend games to cheer on their children.
High School Sports Boost General Morale and Support
High school sports offer a necessary release for all students. High School Sports allows the entire school to come together, either playing or watching, to cheer on their school. If your child is having a hard time making friends, encourage him to join a high school activity or go to a game and cheer on his school. It boosts school morale when students gather to cheer on their team. While it offers a welcome distraction from the stressors of school, teens’ negative perception of school as a prison-like place is replaced with increased school pride. This heightened interest in school typically results in greater enjoyment in academics, resulting in better grades and overall test scores.
Adults Remember Fundly High School Sports
When adults look back on their time in school, many don’t remember their teachers, classes, or grades, but they do remember the high school sports they participated in or watched. They often look back on these memories fondly and hope that their children will have similar experiences. Encourage your teen’s high school to keep high school sports so every teen can have a better overall high school experience.