Academics vs. Athletics

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

There is an ongoing battle among school districts throughout the country. Minimum grade requirements for student athletes is a polarizing topic that has garnered widespread support in favor of both lowering and raising the lowest acceptable GPA’s that would allow these athletes to participate in the sports they so passionately love to play. Each year these standards are revisited and supporters on both sides of the issue state their cases.

In the RED CORNER, you have the members of the school boards, who constantly seek ways to improve grades, graduation rates and test scores. Some view athletics as a privilege, not a right. These student athletes are lucky to be allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities and should be required to meet the academic requirements before any special concessions are made. Their attitude is simple in any forum: When you use the term “student athlete,” student comes first.

In the BLUE CORNER, you have coaches and advocates who feel that lowering the required minimum would allow a wider range of the student body to participate, exposing them to the many positive qualities athletics provide. Many argue that surrounding them with successful student athletes, coupled with increased support and leadership from the coaching staff would provide incentive and guidance to improve not only grades, but attitudes towards learning as well. These positive qualities cannot help students who are not eligible to participate in sports. Lowering the grade requirements would allow them to “reach” theses students, giving them the opportunity and resources to make the necessary improvements.

Like in any battle, both sides are attacking each other and both sides have weaknesses. Some say raising requirements will spur student athletes to perform at an elevated level, preparing them for the increased academic standards of college. The opposition counters that this will provide incentive for borderline students to fall by the wayside. While coaches literally have their jobs on the line and face constant pressure to field winning teams, making their player pool even shallower puts their livelihood in jeopardy. But in the same breath, what type of message does it send when you actively accept lesser standards?

So can there be compromise? Will one side win out?

In a 2007 article by Steven Leavling of the Free Press, he quotes Jack Roberts, the executive director the Michigan High School Athletic Association, saying, “There is now more sentiment, rather than less, for the minimum standard to be increased.” Will schools continue to press for higher academic achievements? Will pressure to perform on the field cloud the issue? One could say that if the athlete truly loves the sport, they will do whatever is necessary to ensure they have that opportunity.

Perhaps a system in which student athletes are required to show academic improvement over the course of their high school career would allow a little latitude when enforcing the requirements. Those involved must walk a fine line to ensure fairness and protect everyone involved.

But in its most simplistic form, it comes down to one question: Whose side are you on?