College Athletes and Class Attendance Policies

Many college athletes miss classes because of practice, competition and from exhaustion.

For those reasons supporters argues for exemption of athletes from class attendance policies.

Others argue that college athletes are given scholarship to attend college to play sports. On the contrary, the focus of colleges is educating students. So the question is, should colleges athletes be exempt from the class attendance requirements? The answer is no and here is why. First, the education of athletes takes priority over recreational activities. Second, it is unfair for athletes to receive preferential treatment and third, exempting athletes from the policy do not allow them to develop time management skills. For these reasons college athlete must not be exempt from regular class attendance-policies.

Educating the college athletes is a crucial part of the college experience. College athletes receive scholarship and believe they are in college to play and win games. As a result, some people has lost sight of the value of education. Student athletes are student first and athlete second. In spite of their extraordinary athletic abilities these skills cannot overshadow the focus of college which is providing an education for the students. Placing emphasis on the athlete’s academic achievement will prepare them for tomorrow’s future. Granted that education expands knowledge, promotes critical thinking, increase potential and teaches discipline. The

Misconception of critics that athletes should focus on winning games are dissatisfaction to their development. Frequently, they fail to acknowledge that athletes must keep up a GPA (Grade

Point Average) average required by the college to stay eligible for the team. Failure to keep ...

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... balance.

When building teamwork athletes must understand the value of a building a well-rounded person. Failure to keep up a balance may lead to academic failure.

In light of the evidence it is clear to see that student’s athletes owe it to themselves to learn. The controversy over student athletes not attending classes remains an issue that many people have opinion on. Debatable or not, colleges must fulfill their mission by helping student athletes fulfill their academic and athletic goals. Be as it is, college may prepare athletes for a professional sporting career that is a short-lived however, a solid education is a lifelong achievement. Athletes who keep up their grades do not get cut from teams. Many former athletes cannot find employment because they did not attend classes and not academically ready. Student athletes must attend regular classes.