From interscholastic sports to music, drama and debate, activities enrich a student’s high school
experience.
The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and its membership believe that interscholastic sports and fine arts activities promote citizenship and sportsmanship. They instill a sense of pride in community, teach lifelong lessons of teamwork and self-discipline and facilitate the physical and emotional development of our nation’s youth.
Participation in high school athletics and activities are a much better indicator of overall college performance than other yardsticks.
- Educational Testing Service and College Board Study
The one yardstick to predict “success” in later life (self satisfaction and participation in a variety of community activities two years after college) is achievement in school activities. Not useful as predictors are high school or college grades, or high ACT scores.
- American College Testing Service (ACT)
Nearly seven of ten Americans say high school sports teach students lessons about life they can’t learn in a classroom. Nine in ten believe sports contribute to health and fitness.
- USA Today
Extracurricular participation is a school’s best predictor of an adult’s success.
- “Fulfilling Lives - Paths to Maturity and Success,” by Douglas H. Health, based on a 40-year survey
Ninety-five percent of Fortune 500 executives participated in school activities (only 47% were National Honor Society members).
- Fortune Magazine
High school athletes have higher grades and lower dropout rates and attend college more than nonathletes.
-
Women’s Sports Foundation Survey
Student-athletes have a higher grade-point average than the average student and are absent from school less. -
Minnesota State High School League
Students who do not participate in sports average a 2.39 GPA. Those who participate in one sport average a 2.61 GPA and those in two sports average a GPA of 2.82 GPA.
- Iowa High School Athletic Association
Ninety-six percent of dropouts in 14 school districts in seven regions of the nation were NOT participating in activities programs. -
National Federation of State High School Associations
“High activity” students {those involved in four or more activities} average 3.05 GPA, while “low activity” students averaged 2.54 GPA.
- Indiana University study
Athletes do better in the classroom, are more involved in school activity programs, and stay involved in the community after graduation. High school athletic participation has a positive educational and social impact on many minority and female students. Based on an analysis of data collected from the U.S. Department of Education’ s High School and Beyond Study, girls receive as many benefits from sports as boys, the “dumb jock” stereotype is a myth, sports involvement was significantly related to lower dropout rates in some school settings, and minority athletes are more socially involved than nonathletes. -
Women’s Sport Foundation
Sports and physical activity are viable alternatives to smoking for young women. “They (sports and physical activity) can give young women the very benefits they perceive in smoking: independence, status with their peers, a chance to make friends, relaxation, weight management, and a more positive sense of self.”
- Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity
Student-athletes are 40% less likely to smoke than nonathletes. -
American Medical Association
“With high school activities, what you see is not necessarily what you get. The public sees who wins or loses, and not much beyond that. What they get is so much greater that what they see.” -
Al Burr, Retired High School Principal
SURVEY OF HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
Ninety-five percent believe participation in high school activities teaches valuable lessons to students that cannot be learned in the regular classroom routine.
Ninety-five percent agreed activity programs contribute to the development of “school spirit” among the student body.
Seventy-six percent believe the demand made on students’ time by activities is not excessive.
Seventy-two percent said there is strong support for school activity programs from parents and the community.
Ninety-nine percent agreed participation in high school activities promotes citizenship.
Source for article material: National Federation of State High School Associations
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