Sports Offer Students Valuable Experience

High school students should participate in sports rather than clubs as a co curricular activity; student athletes learn time management skills and have increased fitness levels that improve students overall health and wellness.

The social pressures of high school create a sense of anxiety and stress for high school students across the country. The American Psychological Association (APA) generated their annual survey to determine the overall stress levels of American citizens. The survey found that 44 percent of students ages 8-17 reported stress caused from managing the pressures of school, both academically and in their social lives.

Students need distractions from the everyday stressors of school and sports are the most beneficial way to set aside the struggles. Sports provide a break in the grind of classes, homework, and studying.

For at least two hours each day after school, students release any lingering stress from the day by being around teammates and friends. With practices up to six days a week, students also learn time management skills that become valuable after high school.

Managing schoolwork, practices, games, and a personal life requires responsibility and maturity. Students that participate in sports learn these skills with the help of teammates and the experience of coaches. In addition with strict eligibility guidelines, sports act as a motivation for students to maintain a solid GPA and succeed in the classroom.

The physical demands of sports ensure that students are staying healthy and may prevent future health issues. Students that only participate in clubs do not consistently receive the recommended daily amount of physical activity.

This is especially important in today’s society where living a healthy lifestyle is widely valued. According to the Youth Risk Surveillance System 15.5 percent of all high school students have obesity.

The health benefits of sports are undeniably beneficial. Continuous daily exercise increases the quality of sleep for students. By falling asleep quicker and deeper, the hours of sleep are less valuable than the quality of sleep.

Sports increase concentration and keep students mentally sharp as they get older. Practice and games require consistent focus that benefit students outside of just sports.

Although being a member of a club offers an after school activity that interests some students, the lack of consistent benefits make participating in sports the better option. Sports require more commitment which teach students to be determined and committed to the work, school, friends, and family important to them.