There are all sorts of movies based on high school sports teams. Many of them potray most of the athlete's as being well-liked, popular, and successful on the field. What they don't show is the other side of being a student athlete, which is balancing your school work.
Sports definately benefit athletes in a physical aspect but they also benefit the students in the classroom and socially. Being on a team allows students to identify with a group of people and build a bond with them. I was a student athlete in high school and I know that the girls who were part of my team became like family, during the season and offseason. You end up spending so much time with them, practicing everyday after school, traveling to games, and having team get togethers that you build such a bond that it lasts even after the seasons over.
Sports allow students to become more disciplined. The rigourous schedules of practices, workouts, and games forces students to have better time management so they are able to stay on top of their school work. Other students who do not have a strict schedule to go by often put off assignments knowing they will have time to do it. Statistics show that kids who are involved in sports while in high school are more likely to experience academic success and graduate from high school. Also students motor skills, strategic thinking, and even math skills are improved by playing sports. Students develop strategic thinking as they figure out plays and the best way to get around a player or score a goal. Math skills are used as they calculate scores and stats.
They also develop discpline in having respect for their bodies. It has been researched that students athletes are less likey to do drugs, or drink alcohol becuase they know the consequences are much more for them. They face all the same penalties as non-athletes and on top of that they have to deal with letting down their teammates, and most likely being suspended or kicked off the team.
I believe that playing sports is very beneficial to students. Not only is it great for their bodies, it also builds their self-confidence and it can be a great release of stress. So many doors open up for students athletes, espceially those who excel in a sport. College recruits can offer full scholarships to honorable schools if they want you to come play for them.
