Scrapbook Item 3: Nothing is Going to be Fun or Free Anymore

Link to this article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703864204576313572363698678.html

In class on September 29, 2011, we talked about the costs to play high school sports now in the 21st century. Costs have started to be put on high school athletics ever since budget cuts have started to be made with economy getting worse and worse. In Coakley's text on pages 491 and 492, it talks about high school budgets and how they impact the interaction of sports for students. Although many high school programs use to get sponsorships in the past, it was dwindled greatly since the economy began to go south. Many programs still get the sponsorships from boosters and small, local corporations but it is not enough to support which is why districts are starting to make students pay for the activities they want to participate in.

High school used to be the time to figure out what you enjoyed, that way it would help shape you for college and you could continue doing those activities as you grew. With prices going on not just athletics but other club activities as well, it makes it hard for students to want to participate in so many groups. Athletes may not have the money to participate which is why they have to rely on others. Football and basketball though are main sports, especially if they have winning records, usually do not have to worry so much about the different funding. Even though Title IX is in effect, Coakley makes a good point on page 492 that even though boosters and companies are still donating, they can ignore girls teams if they feel necessary and only give the money to the teams they truly support. In the article as well, it talks about different high schools and how the cost for classes and organizations is adding up more and more that impacts the education a student might receive before attending college.

Although the budget cuts need to happen to give money to other areas that really need it, the costs on all the different activities for a high school student is a little much. It is different if it is on certain activities but on everything a student participates in, especially classes, takes it to a new extreme. Students are not going to be as well-rounded when applying to colleges now because they can't afford it, which isn't necessarily their fault and should not impact them so much when they are trying to enjoy their teenage years and get an education.
If an athlete wants to participate in sports, they should be able to because it helps them develop as a person. Adults should be willing to help students out instead of putting fees on them with their activities because they are just bringing them back instead of moving forward in their advancement towards a bright future.