High School Sports Are What....?

For the 25th succeeding year, more high school students are playing sports. According to the annual High School Athletics Participation Survey, more than 7.8 million played sports during the 2013-2014 school year, an increase of about 82,081 compared to the previous year. It is estimated that 55.5% of all high school students play a sport. It is beneficial to students to play high school sports because not only do high school sports help keep grades up and keep students active but they are a great opportunity for a sports scholarship to college.

Since coaches are on top of students and their grades and do not allow students to participate in games and attend parties and things of this such, students stick to their studies. “It’s hard to balance sports and academics. But when the season ends grades tend to drop.” says KCRA news. Grades likely drop when the season is over because students have nothing to motivate them with keeping their grades up.

Playing sports is also a way to keep students active. Keeping students active helps keep them in shape. Decreasing obesity levels, and increasing growth levels. “Not only are high school sports justified on educational grounds, but researchers have shown that participation in them and other extracurricular activity have positive effects on adolescents. For example, a multi year study conducted in Michigan has shown that children who participate in sports have increased educational aspirations, closer ties to school and increased occupational aspirations in youth.” This quote is from an article called “Are High School Sports Good For Kids?” By Daniel Gould, Ph.D. He is explaining to us through this quote that sports help children in the process of changing from a child to adult.

Additionally, high school sports are a better shot in college scholarships. Studies have shown that approximately 2% of students attend college due to a sports scholarship. Unfortunately, attending college