There is great debate within communities over how to balance competition with physical activity for students at the middle school level. Many middle schools are failing in their efforts to provide well-rounded sports activity programs. Due to financial issues, safety concerns, limited facilities and difficulty finding coaches, school districts are faced with tough choices.
Many U.S. schools for students ages 10-14 no longer use the term "junior high". The 1950s brought a shift from the words "junior high" to terms like "intermediate school" or "middle school". This was an effort to acknowledge that the middle school years should be a bridge between the elementary and high school years, not simply an imitation of a high school. Recognizing that middle-schoolers are at a different developmental stage than high school students, it follows that their athletic opportunities should reflect that difference.
Benefits of Sports and Physical Activity Programs for Adolescents
Most middle schools offer physical education within their curriculum. Research has shown that students need more than this basic level of activity. Specifically, middle school students benefit from physical activity with:
- healthier bones and joints
- healthier weight levels and decreased fat cells
- lower blood pressure
- decreased rates of depression
- a routine that establishes interest in physical activity for a lifetime
Children in this age group, roughly ages10-14, face many physical issues. Due to rapid growth of bones, traits such as awkwardness, poor coordination and clumsiness are common at this age. They also face many social issues as peer interaction becomes more important, while at the same time they are still dependent upon parents and other adults for support. Middle school students often struggle with low self-esteem and feel self-conscious both physically and emotionally.
What Does an Ideal Middle School Sports Program Look Like?
The National Association for Sport and Physical Education recommends that all middle schools should provide high-quality programs for middle school students and should make them accessible and available to all.
The National Middle School Association has the position that athletic programs at the middle school level should:
- provide activities of interest to this age group
- provide competitive and recreational opportunities for all students
- promote intramural programs, open gym times and activity clubs
- not cut students who are willing to make a commitment to the team
- strive to offer physical activities that are fun and engaging for students
Heated discussions have arisen among parents about the need for middle school athletic programs to be competitive in order to feed trained athletes into the high school program. Some parents worry about the safety of an inexperienced student playing on the same team with an experienced athlete. School officials able to create developmentally appropriate athletic programs in middle schools, will have activities in place that are inclusive, safe and enjoyable to benefit all students.
References:
National Association for Sport and Physical Education
National Middle School Association.org
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