Chapter 7: Interscholastic and Intercollegiate Sport

Chapter Outline Interscholastic Sport Collegiate Sport Chapter Summary

Trends in Interscholastic Sport U.S. participation at all-time high in 2008- 2009, 55.2% of students (Texas has most) Most popular sports (by participant numbers) Boys: Football, track, basketball, baseball, soccer Girls: Track, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer Play for same reasons seen in youth sport (such as fun, skills, exercise)

Discussion What are the three participant groups identified in interscholastic sport in the landmark survey on American Youth and Sports Participation (Ewing and Seefeldt 1990)? If you participated in high school sport, which of the three were you in? What about your classmates? Reluctant participants: Of participants, 25% joined due to outside pressure. Image-conscious socializers: Of participants, 40% are motivated by rewards or approval. Competence-oriented athletes: These participants play for the love of the game and for self-achievement.

Figure 7.1

Interscholastic Sport and Community Community programs often feed high school teams. Most successful interscholastic programs have solid youth programs. More affluent areas have better facilities. High school teams become more selective due to the talent pool, increasing the competitive nature.

Positive Effects of Participation in High School Sport Better academic performance, attendance Development of moral, social, and long-term health Resistance to drug and alcohol abuse (continued)

Positive Effects of Participation in High School Sport (continued) Success in college Fewer behavioral problems Better self-image Development of leadership skills

Negative Effects of Participation in High School Sport Character development research is not clear. Statistics do not include students who cannot play due to low grades. Increases tendency to binge drink. Emphasis is on athletics rather than academics. Girls struggle with identity conflict between traditional values and new opportunities.

Negative Socioeconomic Effects of Participation in High School Sport Schools now implement fee system that reinforces elitism and decreases participation by 30% Better facilities and resources in higher socioeconomic areas Athletes are generally from more privileged backgrounds, giving them a head start Tensions (athletes vs. nonathletes)

Intercollegiate Sport Profile NCAA governs 1,288 schools NAIA governs 300 schools National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) governs 550 two-year schools 418,000 NCAA athletes in 23 sports 1981-1982: Men 167,055, women 64,390 2007-2008: Men 240,261, women 178,084 Basketball top sport for men and women

NCAA Divisions Division I Division II = 291 colleges FBS = 119 colleges FCS = 119 colleges I – non-football = 93 college Division II = 291 colleges Division III = 429 colleges

Discussion What is positive about intercollegiate sport? What is negative?

Positives About Intercollegiate Sport School pride Distraction from hard work Fame Free publicity from media Helps with future employment Helps with discipline and time management

Negatives About Intercollegiate Sport Athletic programs often lose money. Pressured to operate as big business. Athletes sometimes not academically ready. Lack of time affects athletes’ grades. Lack of time affects social life, circle of friends. (continued)

Negatives About Intercollegiate Sport (continued) Programs sometimes engage in illegal recruiting. Athletes isolated on campus. “Easy” majors are encouraged. Sport events can be big parties for students.

The Drake Group: 7 Suggested Reforms for College Sport Athletes must maintain 2.0 GPA. No freshman eligibility allowed. Sport may not conflict with class schedule. Reform one-year renewable scholarships. Eliminate term student-athlete. Remove special academic support. Publicly disclose course information.

Discussion How realistic are the Drake Group’s suggestions? What other approaches are being tried?