Let them play

I actually would like to discuss an important topic today.  I recently read an article about local high school football programs having to deal with economic issues and how it impacts their programs, especially their off seasons and camps.  What sparked my interest the most on this article was a few people who posted on the article that schools should just cut all sports and extra curricular activities and focus on their real job which is to teach reading, writing, and math.  Perhaps I am a bit biased as I have coached high school sports, but the comments were quite upsetting.

Now I don't think that sports (or even extra curricular activities) should ever be the top priority of schools, and often times that has been case (especially with football in places like Texas). I do however feel that sports play an important and critical role in the education process.  To me its not always about winning or the sport itself, although I do like to win, but its about the lessons that can be taught.  I am a firm believer that every high school student should be required to be involved in some activity at the school, it doesn't have to be a sport, it could simply be a club that interests them.  For one thing I think they give students a better connection to their school and creates a better sense of community.  What better way to keep students engaged in school and the learning process than having something that they get to participate in that they really enjoy.

Now I have never been a boss or an employer but I can imagine that if you asked them what the necessary attributes that they would like all their employees to have it wouldn't just be that they can read, write, and do math.  How about leadership?  How about the ability to work with their co-workers, perhaps self-confidence, a good work ethic?  These are all things that can taught or at least developed through sports and extra curricular activities. One of the most memorable moments I have had in my coaching career was when an athlete who was graduating gave me a letter that thanked me for helping her to become more confident.  She went on to say that thanks to her time on the cross country team she felt that she could achieve anything that she was willing to work towards.  Not only did I get to watch her develop as an excellent athlete, but she blossomed as an individual.  When she stepped on to the track, she was a quiet, shy, and a little timid.  Four years later she walked off the track confident, outgoing, and a leader.  How different would her life be if she didn't get the opportunity to participate in sports in high school?

Another former athlete of mine demonstrated one of the most intense work ethics I have ever seen went on to create her own company and brand name and is unbelievable successful.  I can assure you that the amount of time and dedication that she put into her sport translated directly to the amount of time and dedication she puts into her company and is why she is so successful today. 

My point is not to brag about my former athletes, although I am happy to do it, its simply to say that the importance of sports cannot be taken for granted.  In the initial comment that I read regarding removing school activities the person mentioned that they were tired of their tax dollars being spent on other people's kids entertainment.  I don't plan on being political on my blog, but our society is in a sad state if tax dollars being invested in the development of our children is a problem. 

I don't know what you think, but I say let them play.