More Than Just a Game

Laura Berch

Professor Nora Kabaji  

English 100

Academic Essay

13 July 2017

More Than Just a Game

        Playing school based sports benefit students academically, emotionally, and physically. It is devastating to see that so many schools no longer have the sports they once had. Seems more and more schools are cutting the sports out and reducing the hours of physical education. Most do not realize just how important sports are and students are losing out on something that is crucial to lead a healthy life. Success of any student depends on the mental and physical energy. Having the opportunity to participate in a team sport provides students with valuable skills that will them beyond the field. There are many benefits that sports have to students, the following are just three that cover all the aspect of one’s health.

People may think sports would divert students from the schoolwork, however that is not true. Many students who are in sports do better academically, that has to do with the increased cognitive ability that comes from playing sports. Cognitive abilities are brain-based skills that has to do with how a person understands the world and acts in it. Sports require skill sets that are relevant to class work such repetition, memorization, and learning in itself. Playing a sport forces the student to organize their time so that they can go to practice, participate in sport events, and finish homework. Students who stay active have better concentration in the classroom. may think sports would divert students from their school work. Participating on a team can also help a student improve problem solving skills, which can increase their academic performance. Focus, a better understanding, and the ability to strategize are all capabilities that improve when playing on a sports team. Exercise also increases heart rate which then pumps more oxygen to the brain and releases growth of brain cells. Students have a better chance to be more responsible with turning in assignments on time and studying when need, due to being disciplined if a practice or game was missed or late. Doing so can come with some big consequences.  Not making a practice or skipping out on a game can come with big consequences. Most schools have a policy which makes it where the student is required to maintain a minimum GPA or would not be able to participate in any of the school sports. In return, it gives the students motivation to do well in school.

Not only does it benefit students academically, emotionally as well. Sports boosts one’s self-esteem by discovering things that they are good at. Playing a school sport gives students the opportunity to be a part of a team and play a part in the community. It also reduces the frequency of students developing anxiety and problems with anger. It teaches a sense of both individual and group responsibility. Participating in any sport also improves the ability to handle pressure and learn how to deal with difficult situations. In addition, sports teach self-discipline, teamwork, and dedication that are essential going into a professional setting. Sports build a student’s self confidence that builds better social interactions that build stronger relations. Students are less likely to miss school than the students who don’t play. Participation in sports builds character learning to work with others on the team. Playing sports is a way students can let go of stress and loosen up. Which can also help keep students from falling into the wrong crowd, making bad decisions, and less likely to use drugs. Students who play sports have a reduced chance of being depressed and have a more positive outlook on themselves and their body image compared to students who do not. They will be able to make friends on the team who can be a support system. Communication is a skill that is the center of any team’s success, without doing so leads to failing. Many students develop leadership skills that they discover they never knew they had. Sports encourage the feelings of belonging, accomplishment and enjoyment with the positive that the act of unwinding and spending time with friends on the field, track or court can simply make one feel happy.