Changes Create Calendar Conundrum
April 2, 2015
By Jack Roberts
MHSAA Executive Director
Decades ago, schools developed policies and procedures for competitive athletics that educators knew were best for both schools and students.
Schools believed that for every sport a period of guided practices to prepare students for competition was important to minimize risks and maximize performance. Maximum numbers of competitions per day and per week reinforced these beliefs and tended to assure students also had time for their studies.
Schools believed that the season should not run on forever, and maximums were established on the total number of weeks and competitions.
Schools believed that at least a short break between sports was good for both the bodies and minds of students, and that an extended break in the summer was also good, providing opportunities to engage in other sports, or for summer employment, or for family time and travel.
On every count, schools were correct.
Unfortunately, over time, sports programs of non-school groups have moved into every month, week, day or half-day that schools have not programmed for students. Most of it is competition without preparation (lots of games, few practices). And parents far too often have been far too willing to pay any amount and drive any distance to facilitate their child’s interest or force their child’s play.
What do educators do when what their heads tell them is the best no longer resonates in the hearts of so many people their schools are to serve?
And that question is at the heart of this week's MHSAA benchmarks series examining out-of-season issues. Watch for more installments over the next four days.
The More Things Change ...
December 20, 2013
By Rob Kaminski
MHSAA benchmarks editor
As we begin another calendar year, let's take a brief look at how the mission of school sports has (or hasn’t) changed since 1955, when former MHSAA Executive Director Charles E. Forsythe presented this practicum to the University of Michigan.
The following is an excerpt:
Presented by Charles E. Forsythe
Practicum in Physical Education
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Tuesday, June 21, 1955
WHY DO WE HAVE INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS IN OUR SCHOOLS?
To meet the urge for competition which is a basic American tradition – let’s keep it.- To provide a “whole school” interest and activity, bring in students other than athletes, enlist many student organizations.
- To teach students habits of health, sanitation, and safety.
- Athletics teach new skills and opportunities to improve those we have; this is basic educationally.
- To provide opportunities for lasting friendships both with teammates and opponents.
- To provide opportunity to exemplify and observe good sportsmanship which is good citizenship.
- Athletics give students a chance to enjoy one of America’s greatest heritages, the right to play and compete.
- One of the best ways to teach that a penalty follows the violation of a rule is through athletics.
- There must be an early understanding by students that participation in athletics is a privilege which carries responsibilities with it. Awarding school letter to a student is the second-highest recognition his school can give him – his diploma at graduation is the highest.
- To consider interscholastic athletic squad as “advanced” classes for the teaching of special skills – similar to bands, orchestras, school play casts, members of debating teams, etc. There is no reason why a reasonable amount of attention should not be given to such groups – as well as to those in the middle and lower quartiles in our schools. Both leaders and followers must be taught.
PHOTOS: (Top) Fans filled the arena for this MHSAA boys basketball tournament game. (Middle) Charles Forsythe served as the first executive director of the MHSAA.