The inclusion of some kind of academic standard within athletic eligibility codes is expected because the privilege of extracurricular participation comes after meeting minimum performance standards in the curricular offerings of the school.  The criticism is rarely for the existence of academic standards; more often it is that the standards are too low.

But there are few issues that create more controversy within a school district than when the idea is floated to establish a minimum grade-point average for athletic eligibility.

Some people passionately and persuasively argue that it is necessary for accomplishing the purpose of educational athletics that students achieve average or better than average classroom performance to gain the privilege of participation in school-sponsored sports.

Others argue with equal zeal and wisdom that these high standards discriminate against those who may need the program most and who, in earning C or D grades, may have given superior academic effort than students who obtained A grades with little or no effort.

That school districts passionately debate this topic brings me some comfort, for it is proof of the foundation and continuing mission of interscholastic athletics:  school sports exist to help schools reach, motivate and prepare students for positive participation in our democratic society.

The difference between school sports and sports programs for the same age group sponsored by non-school organizations is that we raise such issues so frequently and have this debate so passionately.