the end of middle school sports?

Contrary to popular belief....

Middle school is the last best chance.

The influences on kids in middle school have a greater impact than at any other time in a kids life. The athletic fields of the middle schools have saved more at risk kids than any other area of education. Within a 2nd year of no sports in middle school, the negative consequences will be realized far, far beyond any of the fields of play.
JMHO

 

My editorial on the matter

Fortunately, the B of E members arent jumping on Dr. Gormans plan here, so maybe MS sports can survive


See my full editorial at

www.southcharlottesportsreport.com

 

Not The End of The World

For at least 15 years, Winston-Salem Forsyth County schools have not had baseball, softball, football or wrestling in middle schools. At one time those sports existed, but the funds were redirected and spent on "educational" items.

With that said, over the years WS/FCS has fielded some extremely talented teams in the sports that were not offered in middle school. In football, Mount Tabor always goes deep into the playoffs as does West Forsyth, Parkland and Glenn most years. In baseball, West Forsyth, Glenn and North Forsyth always are playing deep into May and sometimes into June. Parkland has won a couple state titles in wrestling.

In softball, not too long ago West Forsyth made it to the state finals a couple years in a row and made it to the 3rd round last year. Glenn also usually goes deep into the playoffs and more recently Reagan's softball team has been successful in the playoffs.

My point in all this is high schools can have great success without middle school sports. I have heard horror stories of middle school coaching as there doesn't seem to be too many qualified coaches on that level. Without middle school sports or with the lack of quality coaching, you need to have very good coaches in high school as well as in travel ball/AAU/POP Warner. In our area, for the most part, we have both.

I would also add I don't think WS/FCS has a disproportionate high number of overweight or "at risk" students as compared to other school systems in the state. I don't know this as fact, but many schools here seem to perform as good or better than most in NC.

 

Our Middle School does not have a school sponsored softball or baseball team. But we do have "Club" sports for the middle schoolers. Just about everything is paid for by the parents. The parents provide the transportation. The High School Softball Athletic boosters pay for the umpires. The team can play any other middle school.

It is like the rec league, you take anyone who comes out for the team. At this level, it is about developing skills and keeping girls interested to go to the next level.

 

With the direction this economic crisis is going, dont be surprised if it is not limited to only middle school sports. Look for more "participant" fees as the schools struggle to make ends meet.

 

I dont mind the participation fees, no school should be expected to cover the cost of the sports. The CMS cost actually isnt a huge amount, a large percentage is paid for by the parents.

My point is don't wipe it out all together. If you feel like you have to cut it, Give each schools booster club the option of running the programs. A short drive to Union County can provide plenty of direction on how to make that work.

 

I haven't posted on here lately but browse through nearly every day.

This thread caught my eye and I couldn't help myself. I believe that the bigger picture is the philosophy of the "well-rounded" student. Arts, music and etc are already being cut in a lot of districts.

Cutting out sports is next in line as most agree but if we were to stay with the above philosophy then what exactly are they accomplishing?

Higher EOG scores? More discipline in the classroom? Saving a few bucks on gas/officials?

The last is the only thing this accomplishes. Students need social interaction at school. So many things are being taken away that they are becoming robotic instead of self-thinking, problem solving human beings that they are.

Athletics bring about many different attributes to each. Children's lives can be improved, changed and even thrown into a 180 degree positive direction.

Problem solving, communication, respecting/working with adults, better discipline, responsibility, accountability, self-worth, setting self/team goals, skill/self-improvement and the list goes on and on.

Each of these are great characteristics for every student to pursue and sport helps develop that. I'm not saying that they can't get these qualities else-where but they can get ALL of these through participation in sport.

PE is another topic of discussion that more than likely will be taken out of school. The only ones that can't wait for that to happen is Little Debbie and the french fry/pizza company that supplies school lunch.

Keep PE and athletics in school! Pay for play, we can work with. No opportunities for kids? Unacceptable!

www.keepgyminschool.com

where is keepathleticsinms.com???