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 than desired. Recess is the place where children let out their aggression and release frustration and anger, which allows them to better cope with the aspects of school that they do not 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 motor skill development, maintaining a healthy exercise program, and provides a release from anger when academic stressors become overwhelming. When young people 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 brings responsibility to the child. High school sports increase the bond between children and their parents as 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 whole school to come together, either playing or watching, to cheer on their school. If your child has a hard time making friends, encourage him to join a high school activity or go to a game and cheer on his school. Boosts school morale when students come together to cheer on their team. While offering 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 increased interest in school generally 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 that every teen can have a better overall high school experience.