High-school athletics is a fundamental part of the American teenage experience. Benefits abound for kids who spend their time playing sports in high school, and with high participation rates worldwide, volleyball is a sport that boys and girls play in large numbers. High schools do have a choice as to which sports they offer, and a majority chooses to offer volleyball.
Individual Development
Kids who participate in after-school activities like volleyball are more likely to experience later success in life when compared with students who don't participate. According to a 1989 study by the Women's Sport Foundation referenced by the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the National Federation of State High School Associations, athletes do better in the classroom, are less likely to drop out and stay involved in their communities after graduation. That leads to a higher likelihood of lifelong learning and professional success. Volleyball, specifically, is a team game and teaches players how to be part of a team and how to work alongside others.
Physical Fitness
Schools should encourage students to live active and healthy lifestyles. Volleyball promotes activity and health. According to the Fitness Health Zone website, 45 minutes of volleyball burns about 585 calories. Burning calories consistently significantly reduces students' chances of getting diabetes or becoming overweight. Furthermore, playing a sport like volleyball requires quickness and a low body weight. Players are much more likely to engage in healthy eating habits if they play volleyball.
School and Community Pride
Volleyball is a spectator-friendly sport that draws students, players' families and community members to watch matches. A good volleyball team can serve as a bragging point for a school and furthermore, a successful volleyball team enhances a school's reputation in the public eye. Younger children not in high school will strive to be better players and possibly better citizens if they know that their local high school is successful in volleyball. Volleyball teams that are not successful in the standings are still a source of community pride, as all players serve as ambassadors.
Low Cost
School athletic budgets are very slim and some institutions look to save money by cutting sports. Volleyball is a low-cost option, as there is relatively little equipment to pay for contrasted with other sports. A high school will pay for uniforms, some balls, a net system and officials for games. Further, teams can play more than one volleyball match in a day, unlike football and basketball, so schools can travel less and still play a large number of games against other schools.
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