CNBC reports 27% of US public schools by 2020 will NOT have athletic teams.

Recently, CNBC reported in 5 years 27% of public schools will NOT be able to field teams as they enter the 2020 school year.  

The report states based on the current educational trend(s), schools budget, which have been cut approximately 3.5 billion dollars between 2009-2011, will not be able to support teams after the 2020 year.  These "budget cuts" will prevent student / athletes from benefiting for the lessons that sports provide.

Many studies that focus on the effects of sports focus on the five "C's" - competence, confidence, connections, character and caring - which are considered critical components of positive youth development.  In addition, participation in sports provide discipline of training, learning teamwork, development of leadership qualities, learning to fail which provides lifelong skills for life beyond sport.

The irony of cutting sports out of school budgets is most "EXPERTS" agree that sports provide participants with life skills such as goal setting and time management, not to mention the development of a sense of morality and the appreciation of diversity.  In addition, student athletes exhibit:

• higher grades;
• greater self esteem;
• stronger peer relationships;
• better parent involvement;
• avoidance of risky behavior;
• greater sense of community.

So the question should be asked, "Does the educational system really care about student's life outcome or are they just focused on the standardized exams?"

Before you, as the reader answer, please consider Carli Lloyd's in regards to youth sports, "For me. youth sports laid the foundation of my professional career". As a two time gold medal Olympian, Carli goes on to say, "Sports give such a wide range of things that can help in the long term."

Although on surface, this report is strictly about sports however after further review this trend can have long term effects on society as a whole.  Participation in sports, like most other extra curricular
programs, provide parents with a safe haven for their students to be involved in during the most critical times of the day.  Historically, hours between 3-7pm are the "high hours" for NON positive behavior.

So what happens NEXT?


CNBC article