Should the 2.0 GPA requirement for athletes to partcipate in sports be raised or stay the same?

Bigger Requirement, Bigger Success

SIMEON LAM
Staff Writer

Did you know that there are over seven million high school athletes around the nation? How exactly do they balance such time-consuming activities? Of course, since most athletes prefer sports over academics, they are forced to earn decent grades. The California Interscholastic Federation Rule 205 states that participation in extracurriculars are limited to those who earn a grade point average of 2.0. From a distance, this requirement seems reasonable since policies are being enforced, but it is evident that this 2.0 requirement is too easy to maintain.
From a different perspective, that’s the same as a student averaging a C in all their classes. People who slack off and don’t get their homework done can be athletes just as easily as overachievers. It’s logical to say that this is an unfair issue to athletes who put academics first.
Now let’s imagine if the GPA requirement was raised to 3.0. Not surprisingly, most students would go berserk over this change, but is it really that ridiculous? A 3.0 GPA basically requires a B average in each student’s classes. Many would argue that some students are just not “smart enough”. This is just another excuse, because a level of aptitude is truly determined by one’s work ethic and dedication. If this change happened, it would prove whether they are worthy enough to be an athlete. It could also serve as motivation to student athletes to work harder and reveal that they can do better than the bare minimum. Similarly, students often underestimate their ability to accomplish a goal. But when they are tested, they discover their genuine potential. For many athletes, a 3.0 GPA is only a tiny bit away. Adding an open mindset and inputting hard work is all it takes to attain that. If all students believed in their ottential,it’s almost a promise that each and every one could be successful.

2.0: Best for Success

ANHAYTE GUAJARDO
Staff Writer

Many student athletes in high school are expected to meet or exceed requirements in order to participate in their school’s sport team. The strict rules that the different states enforce for their student athletes is sometimes called “no pass, no play.” The CIF (California Scholastic Federation) ruling in California states that students are required to maintain at least a 2.0 GPA out of a 4.0 in all enrolled classes in order to participate in a sports team, and although many schools want to impose a tougher standard, leaving the rule at 2.0 is more reasonable.
Every semester, one thing that most student athletes worry about is whether or not they will be able to maintain a C average in their classes to participate in their sport. Many talented athletes are already under extreme pressure and work hard. There are many kids who are talented at a certain sport, but must sit on the sidelines because of their low GPA. If the GPA requirement were to be raised, it will diminish the number of athletes on a sports team. If left the same, it would give more athletes a greater opportunity to participate in sports.
Being a high school athlete comes with its own expectations, with coaches wanting athletes to perform at their highest potential every day. Their teachers expect just as much from them, by completing all their work, studying and finishing all homework. With athletes combining both commitments and their personal life, a C average is a more realistic grade to maintain.
Leaving the requirement at a 2.0 GPA is a realistic and fair goal for all athletes. Realistic goals spur positive results, and the expectations won’t scare them off. If the standard GPA to participate stayed at a 2.0 minimum, it will encourage the athletes to work to their potential and become more successful.