Standards for
extracurricular
activities should
be set higher

The Whiteville school board may be on the cusp of adopting higher standards for students who participate in extracurricular activities, including sports.

While that may not be met with open arms by some, it’s the right thing to do. Essentially, what the rule says is this: “Work on your grades and academics first, then worry about extracurricular activities.”

While the proposed rule would apply to all extracurricular activities, it would probably affect sports teams the most. Some would argue that sports is the one activity where kids who aren’t good students can excel.

The glory, however, is fleeting. Rushing for 1,000 yards or having a .300 batting average isn’t going to get many kids a job when high school is ended.

A 2.0 average, which is the proposed minimum, is a C. The state athletic association requires only that students pass a majority of their courses. That means that a student with one F and three Ds (for a .75 GPA) can play sports. That’s not good enough. If expectations for their grades are low, then that’s where they’ll be.

The 2.0 offers incentives to do better in school. Reading, writing and arithmetic are at the core of an education, but it’s extracurricular activities like sports and art, that make high school a rich experience.

By setting the bar higher, most students will work harder to attain better grades because there is a tangible reward. It’s human nature.
The 1,000-yard rushing-mark and hitting .300 are challenges in sports that are met with hard work and dedication.

Shouldn’t we expect the same hard work and dedication for academic success?
We hope a majority of the school board says the answer is “Yes.”