What Role for Middle School Sports?

School Administrator, Nov, 1998 by C. KENNETH McEWIN, Thomas S. Dickinson

Unfortunately, this common circumstance can lead to decisions that do not reflect what is known about appropriate middle-level sports programs. Some coaches exhibit behaviors and attitudes more typical of those who run collegiate and professional sports. These negative behaviors, attitudes and actions toward young adolescents should not be tolerated.

In addition, the number of lawsuits filed against coaches, school districts, school administrators and others in child-serving organizations has increased significantly in recent years. Although not limited to middle-level sports, the rise in litigation has powerful implications for this level considering the significant number of injuries experienced each year by those in this age group while participating in sports. The size of monetary awards in cases involving permanent disability or death now reach the $10 to $15 million range.

Addressing Needs

In spite of these sundry concerns, interscholastic sports programs continue to operate at the middle level in most school districts. Thus, school leaders should take steps to ensure these programs are as safe as possible and are based on what is known about the psychological and physical needs of young adolescents.

The following recommendations may prove useful in exploring the important and sometimes emotional issues regarding middle-level sports. These suggestions are intended to stimulate thinking rather than provide concrete solutions.

* Improve adult supervision of all middle-level interscholastic sports activities.

Quality supervision of middle-level sports programs is essential if safe and developmentally responsive programs and practices are to exist. This means that middle-level sports should receive the same level of supervision as high school programs and no middle school should be permitted to field a team unless qualified coaches are present and held accountable for the effectiveness and developmental appropriateness of the program. This responsibility extends to principals, athletic directors and central-office personnel.

* Tighten restrictions on the qualifications of middle-level coaches and provide close supervision and performance evaluations.

This recommendation implies that middle schools that cannot find qualified coaches should not be permitted to compete. This would likely be an unpopular decision, but the option of using unqualified coaches sacrifices the well being of young adolescents--an option that should not be allowed.

* Institute a districtwide plan to review all programs and practices at the middle school level.

The individuals responsible for this review should be representative of the major stakeholders. The recommendations generated by this group should follow a thorough investigation of the knowledge base rather than simply reflecting personal preferences. Those involved in the review should commit to the best interests of young adolescents as the first priority. The end product should be a series of data-driven decisions, such as which sports should be played at what grade levels and what steps are going to be taken to ensure the middle-level interscholastic sports are safe and developmentally responsive.