Grades vs. Sports
We’re having a bit of a war going on in our house. The debate seems to be whether or not to allow a child to remain in sports when their grades are suffering.
Last night’s wrestling meet had been changed at the last minute into a three-way competition which resulted in a much later event then normal. When we arrived home, the one child had a mountain of homework to finish and didn’t get in bed until 11:00. This is especially hard because they have to get up at 6:00 AM for school.
I was far from pleased!
Today is the last day of this grading period and I’m already hearing whispers of concern and the avalanche of excuses are already underway. “But mom, I was sick and missed too many days of school and haven’t gotten it all made up yet.” Yadda, yadda, yadda.
I know as much as anyone that sports is not what gets you through life. Especially in a small town. My belief is grades before sports ALWAYS and no exceptions. While I’ve been known to be a bit lenient on a D+ here and there, I cannot tolerate an F in anything! Especially core classes.
I’ve always told the kids that I could put a hat on the dog, send them to school and the dog could earn an F - when an F is the result of no work whatsoever, I can’t see allowing it to be rewarded by letting the child continue in sports - regardless of how “healthy” it might be to get the exercise.
What are your rules when it comes to grades and sports? Am I being too difficult?
I do wish the schools would maintain the policy they had in my day — anything below a C and you’re off the team. It would sure make this discussion null and void.
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7 opinions for Grades vs. Sports
Mary Jo
Feb 15, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Since I don’t have kids myself, I wasn’t aware that there wasn’t a C average required for sports participation.
That seems a pretty minimal standard — so your excusal of the occasion D seems VERY generous.
I think if we let kids slide now, even if they are successful enough at sports to play at higher levels, we send them on with the wrong message. There just on any shortcuts to learning and succeeding.
kadi
Feb 15, 2008 at 7:08 pm
We had to maintain a C grade average in our high school, in order to be considered active in sports. Otherwise, we were put on probation, which meant no participation until the grade was brought back up to standards.
But anything less than a B in our house, was grounds for removal from sports. I think you are doing the right thing. Sports careers are just not that attainable. As my beloved late grandfather always said, “The more you learn, the more you earn!”
Maria
Feb 15, 2008 at 8:45 pm
My high school had a minimum gpa and grade requirement, and my mom was even more strict. I couldn’t get less than a B and continue athletics! I think that my son will be held to a similar standard. I don’t believe in “dumbing down” education or making exceptions for athletes. My husband and I were both division 1 (NCAA) athletes, and letting the grades slide while young would have made it impossible for us to earn our athletic scholarships, and while my husband is a professional athlete, he also graduated with a BS degree. He beat the odds in becoming an athlete, but realizes that there is life after he retires.
kadi
Feb 15, 2008 at 11:00 pm
Good for your husband, Maria! What a great example he has set for your own kids.
Gayla McCord
Feb 18, 2008 at 9:20 am
Kudos to Maria’s husband! I wish there were more athlete’s that would lead by positive example these days. It seems all the kids see is the bad stuff on the news. I’d LOVE for my kids to see solid, responsible athletes who have prepared for life after sports.
Maria
Feb 18, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Thanks kadi and Gayla. I have to tell you though… I did tell him that I would not marry him if he didn’t graduate. LOL! I’d say if you want solid role models, outside of the NBA is the place to look (generally speaking), but I would point out one exceptional NBA player that is a friend of ours (and his wife too)– Michael Ruffin. He currently plays for Milwaukee. He has his degree in Chemical Engineering (no kidding!!!), plays in the NBA, does a ton of charity work, and has four beautiful children (one adopted)! Sorry for the tangent.
R Lin
Feb 19, 2008 at 8:51 pm
I think a lot of schools still require good grades for participation in sports. My son is only in 6th grade and the coaches get weekly reports on his grades. If he has unsatisfactory grades (I believe this is anything under a C, but I’m not sure because it hasn’t come up…yet) he is suspended from sports until he brings them up. This is his school’s policy. Maybe you could be active in instituting a similar policy in your district. I’d go to the PTA or school board about it because they are doing the children a disservice if they allow them to make sports a priority that interferes with their education.
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