Sep 27, 2012

Participation in HS Sports on the Increase


Thoughts on HS participation figures by Jackie
A few weeks ago the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) released the findings from their 2011-12 High School Athletics Participation survey. The results may surprise you. Overall participation increased for the 23rd year in a row, in no small part due to the increase in girls’ participating in high school activities. Surprisingly there was a decrease in boy’s participation, for the first time in 19 years. The decrease in boys made me wonder why. My initial thought is that it’s due to pay to play fees, however that wouldn’t account for the increase in girl’s participation.  Or perhaps more boys are playing club sports rather than high school, believing it will offer them a different level of competition.  Regardless of the reason, let’s hope that number goes back up this year.

One figure from the survey was particularly encouraging: 55% of high school students participate in extracurricular activities. The research is out there. Students who participate in activity programs tend to have higher grade point averages, better attendance records, lower dropout rates and fewer discipline problems. We also know that activities foster success in later life. Participation in high school activities is often a predictor of later success, in college, a career, becoming a contributing member of society.   

As parents, corporate partners, coaches, athletic directors, etc, we need to do our part to make sure the participation numbers keep raising. If you are a corporate decision maker, suggest to your advertising director that your employer invest in high school activities. If you are a parent, encourage your child to participation in an activity, and support the businesses that support your school. If you are a coach or athletic director, continue to encourage participation. You are the front line when it comes to our high school student-athletes. You have a tough job out there, but you’re doing a great job, keep it up.   


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