American Schools have pushed sports to the forefront of importance contrary to other western countries that make academics more important. This difference has both benefits and drawbacks.

“One thing I like over there is there was not the pressure from parents and coaches; they would encourage but not press. I like how they do it in England or Europe. But the one thing that changed is things are not as competitive over there anymore.” said Great Britain Native, Gail Obeney.

Some Americans would agree with Obeney that our over-emphasis on sports has had a negative effect. According to Active.com, for instance,  in Youth Baseball, statistics say that fifteen percent of the youth baseball players complain of pain, tenderness, and limited motion in their arms due to overuse.

According to the Sports Journal, 1 in every 100 pre-adolescent children are currently taking steroids. This study polled 873 high school football players from 27 different high schools as to their involvement with steroids. Six percent of the players admitted to having taken steroids - that is 52 kids. Of these 52 admitted steroid users, 15% of them indicated that they had first taken steroids while under the age of 10 years.

Junior Matt Lupkes said, “I don’t think the injuries are coming from kids starting too young and being pushed too hard, but because the game today has gotten different than they were before. It’s a whole bunch of new technology and equipment that are making kids better.”

 Juniors James Case and Rachel Morford said, “It would be better being part of the school so you can have bragging rights, have more school spirit. Sports do teach you a lot. Otherwise, if you didn’t have money to be in a club, you wouldn’t be able to play sports.”

Morford states having sports in the American Society is emphasized way too much because if you play a sport, you’re automatically recognized. If you are really smart, you’re going to have to do something above and beyond just to become noticed. Lupkes agrees that when you play a sport and you’re noticed, that’s how most people make their living.

“In Europe or England, you go to university pure on academics.  I like that because you can’t play sports forever; it is a short-lived profession. You need that back up from education.  Over here, I think there is too much pressure and emphasis. And I don’t like how here if you don’t play sports, you can’t mix with certain people.”

But, no matter who you talk to, there are no easy answers to this problem. So, the controversy will continue.