Debate Topic: Eligibility For Sports/Extra-curricular

Most schools that have mandatory requirements allowing students to participate in sports and extra-curricular activities. The requirements for eligibility usually is a GPA of 2.0 or higher which is a C average. Additionally, a student is allowed to have an F in one class but no more than that. Upon research, it has come to my attention that this is a general trend among districts and most high schools. My personal experience at my school is that any failing grade is unacceptable and must be brought up by the quarter grading period. In my opinion, these are perfectly acceptable terms for participating in school activities. These rules help students stay on top of their grades and may elliviate some slacking in their classes. The terms for eligibility give the student's an incentive to do well, if they don't already have it. This may also get rid of any ideas the students may have to only come to school for the social aspect and raise awareness on how important grades can be in high school. I do believe that their can be a little leniency, because no one is perfect in every class, but student's should not be failing most of their classes and focusing solely on a sport or activity. This provides no learning and if anything, it will provide more stress for the student in the end. Schools who take the time to give student's the priviledge of sports and extra-curricular activities should not be taken advantage of due to a students poor academic performance either. The school does not have to allow these activities to take place, but it is a great opportunity for students to grow and learn in other ways and if they are doing poorly in their classes then they are obviously not grasping the purpose of the sport or activity. Eligibility rules should be implemented in all schools in order to ensure learing and focus in the class.