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Essay on High School Athletics
Historians have similarly prompted a reinterpretation of the role of college athletics on contemporary campuses. Current observers worry about the disproportionate influence of athletics on curriculum, finances, and image, yet their critiques often miss the element of how sports acquired such a key role in college life. Historical analyses from scholars like Thelin and Toma and Cross assert that changes in current athletics policies must start by recognizing the contribution of sports, athletes, and coaches to the collegiate enterprise. Historical analysis reminds us, for example, that for many taxpayers, the fortunes of the state university team epitomize education's real "success" as well as the status of public commitment to education.( Kinney, D. (1993)) Athletics has provided an unusual connection between higher education and the democratic polity that cannot be ignored, either historically or in the present.
Much existing research documents the benefits gained by students when they participate in high school extracurricular activities. However, we know little about the patterns of participation (i.e., who is more likely to participate in which activities?). A finding in this research was that extracurricular activities are not equitably participated in by various subgroups of the high school population. To some degree, members of various racial and ethnic minority groups have greater likelihood(s) of participating in all types of extracurricular activities studied (athletics, cheerleading, fine arts, academic organizations, newspaper/yearbook, student government/service organizations, and vocational activities).
Girls have an increased likelihood of participating in all the activities except athletics, which are dominated by boys. Finally, evidence also supports the hypothesis that the high school extracurriculum is one arena in which students of higher socioeconomic standing and greater academic ability have a distinct advantage. Given the differential rates of participation, and specifically the increased rates by various minorities, restricting access to or eliminating specific activities may make student access, and the resulting benefits from participation......
