After school sports have become an important part of teens’ lives today and almost every school offers its students a range of active and recreational sports to engage in.
However, as the demands of high school and college become more strenuous, student athletes are increasingly asking themselves the question: “Should I stay or should I go?” The decision to stay in or leave a school’s after school sports program is a tough one and many student athletes are faced with the difficult task of making the right decision for their future. Below is an enumeration of some of the common factors to consider when mulling over withdrawal from after school sports.
Reasons for Withdrawal
- Stress
Sports can be an enjoyable and satisfying activity, but it can also be a source of stress. High school and college athletes are faced with immense pressure from coaches, parents and peers. Balancing sports and academic demands can be a taxing task and can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. Studies have also shown that poor performance on the playing field can lead to emotional problems such as depression and anxiety. If you feel that you are unable to cope with the stress of playing sports, it might be better to withdraw from the team to maintain your mental and physical health.
- Time
Time is often a limiting factor when it comes to school athletes. Both practice and games can take up a large amount of time, which could be spent on academic pursuits or personal development. Moreover, long-distance travel to away games can also eat into valuable school time and could have a damaging effect on a student athlete’s academic performance.
- Injury
Injuries are an unavoidable consequence of participating in competitive sports, and as such, must be considered when playing. The risk of injury may be particularly high in contact sports such as football and wrestling. Accidents, no matter how minor, can have serious consequences and can halt the progress of an athlete’s career. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of playing sports to ensure that sports are played in a safe and sensible manner.
- Financial Considerations
Playing sports can be an expensive activity, especially for athletes who play in competitive leagues. The costs of equipment and travel can quickly add up and can become a financial burden for low income households. For student athletes on scholarships, there may also be financial incentives to consider before deciding to stay or go.
- Insufficient Support
Athletes need support from coaches, parents and peers in order to obtain success in sports. The quality of this support can be a deciding factor for student athletes when it comes to whether or not they stay in after school sports. Poor support from coaches, parents or peers can lead to frustration and a feeling of futility, and can lead to a deterioration in performance.
Withdrawing from after school sports can be a difficult decision. It can be a source of stress and frustration, but it can also be a way to further one’s academic and personal goal. Each student athlete must make a personal decision as to whether or not staying in after school sport is right for them. The factors outlined above should be carefully considered when deciding whether or not to stay or go. Ultimately, the decision to leave should be taken with careful thought and consideration.
