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Don't you hate that term? I cringe every time I hear it. It seems to imply that kids who can't do well in the class room turn to sports or that kids who are very bright can't possibly be good athletes.
This parent does not have athletes for children. Otherwise, she'd recognize that athletics and academics do go hand-in-hand. Okay, there are kids who make it on pure athletism alone and some of them go on to play in the NBA or Major League Baseball, but really, they are few and far between. Good athletes are thinking athletes. And I would never describe a thinking athlete as a "dumb jock." Actually sports can sharpen study skills, particularly as the athlete gets older and becomes more involved in his/her sport. Younger kids are asked to memorize rules and learn simple plays. Older kids are given more complicated plays and put into positions. When kids begin playing competitively on varsity sports, they bring home play books, learn to watch and break down game films. The more intertwined academics and athletics become, the more the young athlete needs to learn to balance his/her life. Most non-athletic activities meet once or twice a week. While their sport is in session, athletes dedicate four or five days a week in practice and/or game time. Some athletes, like swimmers and gymnasts, train year-round. My own daughter, the dancer (who regular readers know I consider to be an athlete) spends a full day at school, goes directly from school to the dance studio where she puts in at least another three hours, sometimes more, then comes home to do her homework. She has had to learn time management and she has to keep her grades up. If her grades slip, she is kicked out of the dance program she's in. Much like sports, which require a certain grade point average. The topic has gotten my curiousity up. One friend sent me some web sites that discuss the relationship between academics and athletics, and after I look at them, I'll share them with you. Go To Page: 1 |
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