[pepsionice]

For roughly 120 years...American leadership didn’t have any connection to sports. For another 40 years after that, it had almost no contribution to our leadership in the country. I’m not exactly sure if this is a good argument or not. Plus I gaze over to sports in Europe...which exists but not within schools...and everyone is happy over the relationship of local towns and villages, without school involvement, to major-league sports.

[runninglips]

I agree, taxpayer money needs to be specifically authorized by voters, or none should go to schools for sports after building of facilities. There can be private clubs that can be organized at school, but there are more important things than paying for coaches, equipment and insurance.

[9YearLurker]

Sport has long been part of schools and colleges in England—and considered integral to the formation of leaders. The modern Division I version over here is a completely different beast, however.

[MacMattico]

How do you know sports have had no relationship to leadership? Sports have been played for thousands of years, certain skills, including leadership are learned —I sight myself as an example. Now, if you mean school sports have had no connection to leadership I don't believe that either. School sports have allowed children that can't afford to play privately excel with a given sports talent, this in turn has boosted their self confidence and given them the ability to be a leader on the field as well as to come out of their shell in the community, academically (you have to keep your grades up to play) etc. I've seen this in many children. We talk about childhood obesity and then want to cut sports. Huh? I myself came from a large family and played sports in the neighborhood, nothing organized, couldn't afford it. My father talked me into trying out for basketball, telling me what a great experience he had in HS. I was to shy, questioned my ability, and didn't want to be embarrassed. But I tried out— and didn't make the team! But the I got serious, took my basketball and walked to the park everyday and shot hoops and learned defense with my dad at my side. Following year I made the team, became a captain by varsity, my grades improved because I was busy and had to manage my time, had to stay in shape, no drugs or alcohol, confidence soared, ended up 8 th in my graduating class, with an academic not sports scholarship. There are just so many intangibles you learn from sports! I also played soccer and softball, so I kept busy, also in band. Got up at 6:00 got home from school at 5:30, even later on game day. Some of the best experiences of my life! I am a female and have girls that play sports. We all grew up strong because of sports! And as to comparing us to Europe, other then Soccer I'll bet on the USA in any other sport vs any European country in the Olympics!