COLLEGE ATHLETICS

College Athletics: The Changing Role of Athletics at Colleges and Universities

LaCrystal H. Green

Kaplan University

Abstract

Competitive sport teams have long been a part of educational institutions. America is addicted to sports.College athletics and the debate over the role they play in colleges is something that is unique to American culture.The 1920s was an economic boom era; a time of care-free living, extravagant lifestyles, and the Chicago Mob. The 1920s may also be regarded as the 'Golden Age of College Athletics' as people wanted new forms of entertainment and athletics met their need. Opponents of college athletics point out the negatives associated with such programs including excessive injuries, intrusive recruiters, abusive coaches, parent fanaticism, and grade manipulation on the basis of "no pass/no play. Proponents of college athletics argue that students do not suffer because of time given to athletics at college as academic missions of a college can be maintained parallelto college athletics. It is about maintaining a balance between studies and play. In the early ages, college athletics served as a criterion for recruitment and fundraising mechanism. Today, college athletics are seen as an activity that prepares students for the challenges of the practical world and enhances both their physical and intellectual capabilities.

Table of Contents

Introduction1

Background of the study1

Discussion2

Conclusion5

References6

College Athletics: The changing role of athletics at colleges and universities

Introduction

Competitive sport teams have long been a part of educational institutions. More specifically, America is addicted to sports. Students in America are better at football than they are at studies. Athletics provides them life lessons like ethics, morals and values. The matter as to whether sports should be part of college education and whether or not college athleticsshould be given theimportance that it receives has been a long debate. Schools justify the development of college athletic teams as they help develop positive attitudes in students that remain with them for life. It is a source of academic values in that it promotes school spirit (Hoch, 2009).

Background of the study

The chosen topic is important in the history of college education as it has been a debated topic for a very long time. There are proponents and opponents of college athletics in almost all the colleges. The college administration needs to come to a consensus about whether or not athletics should make part of college as this will determine the budget spending on creation of sports facilities within the college premises. Some people are in favor of college athletics whereas others argue that academic achievement should get priority over success in sports. The opponents of college athletics point out the negatives associated with such programs including excessive injuries, intrusive recruiters, abusive coaches, parent fanaticism, and grade manipulation on the basis of "no pass/no play”.

Proponents of college athletics argue that students do not suffer because of time given to athletics at college, as academic mission of a college can be maintained parallel to college athletics. It is about maintaining a balance between studies and play.Competition and the display of physical endurance in college athletic programs ...