The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) 2017 estimates for high school student involvement in sports teams (including those outside of school) are available for select states and localities at https://nccd.cdc.gov/youthonline/App/Results.aspx. The overall estimate for participation in sports teams is approximately 94 million students. This includes both boys and girls who play on school-sponsored teams and those who play only recreation-related games.
In addition, the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2013-2014 found that 42% of students participated in at least one sport during the past year. Of these students, 68% were boys and 32% were girls.
The most recent data from YRBS show that more than 95 million students across the United States were involved in school sports in 2017. This includes about 91 percent of public schools and 96 percent of private schools.
There are several factors that may influence how many students participate in sports at school including the size of the school, the type of school (i.e., urban, suburban, or rural), and the location of the school (i.e., north, south, east, or west).
It is not possible to determine from the information provided by the YRBS whether any particular student group is underrepresented on school sports teams.
Millions of teens in the United States participate in team sports each year. According to Gallup, more over half of all youths participate in middle or high school athletics.
The United States government publishes little statistics on sports participation and physical activity rates, and none on adolescents under the age of 18.
Only six out of ten youngsters aged five to fourteen participate in sports outside of school. Boys participate in sports at a higher rate (70%) than girls (56%) do.
In the United States alone, around 30 million children and adolescents participate in youth sports. This dramatic increase in sports involvement has resulted in some alarming figures. Every year, high school athletes cause an estimated 2 million injuries, 500,000 medical visits, and 30,000 hospitalizations. College athletes cause an estimated 10 to 20 million injuries per year.
Young athletes can suffer sports injuries at any time, but the most common times are during practices when they are learning new skills or playing games; and during competitions when their inexperience is likely to lead to mistakes. Although most injuries do not require surgery, certain conditions such as arthritis may develop over time if an injury hasn't healed properly.
Most injuries that occur while athletes are still developing their skills can be avoided by following safe practice guidelines. For example:
• Athletes should always listen to their coaches' instructions-both on the field during practice sessions and in the locker room after the game-because these people know how you can best improve your play.
• Young athletes should never be allowed to play through pain because this will only lead to more injuries.
• It's important for athletes of all ages to take time off from sports to allow their bodies to heal. Missed practices or games can jeopardize your chance of making the team or starting line up, which may discourage you from wanting to play again soon afterward.
For example, in 2017, 46 percent of tenth grade children whose parents did not complete high school participated in school athletics, compared to 72 percent of those whose parents had completed graduate school. For eighth and twelfth pupils, the inequalities are comparable (Appendix 1).
No, not in high school. Prior to the release of the 2018 data, high school sports participation has climbed for 30 years in a row. Consider that just 1.84 million high school pupils engaged in athletics in 1988. Since then, the figure has risen by more than 300 percent.
In 2017, for example, 46 percent of tenth-grade pupils whose parents did not finish high school participated in school athletics, compared to 72 percent of those whose parents had completed graduate school. For eighth and twelfth pupils, the inequalities are comparable (Appendix 1).
Trends in the proportion of students participating in school athletic teams to some extent during the school year vary by grade level. From 1991 through 2001, participation rates among eighth graders were stable, ranging between 67 and 69 percent.
What role may sports play in assisting high schools? In the previous 20 years, their participation has increased by 63 percent, compared to 31 percent for boys. Track and field is their most popular sport, with 475,265 players, followed by basketball, volleyball, fast pitch softball, soccer, cross country, tennis, swimming and diving, competitive spirit squads, and lacrosse.
High school athletes have the opportunity to learn leadership skills, work on their social skills, improve their self-esteem, and meet new friends. Many also report that playing sports has helped them stay out of trouble. Schools that support and promote sports activity tend to have more successful programs than those that do not.
Does athletic ability matter in college admissions? No, but it helps if you're good at something. The more unusual the better. There are thousands of students who want to go to college everyday, so don't worry about being unique. Just make sure you get into a good school first.
If you're not sure what fields are looking for in applicants, visit some games or events and take note of how much attention each player gets. That will give you an idea of what coaches like. You can also watch film of sporting events and look for clues such as interaction with fans, trainers, or officials. Find out what kind of people these athletes are after they exit the locker room following a game or event.
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