NFHS parent survey shows overwhelming support for education-based athletics

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in The NFHS Report and authored by NFHS Executive Director Davis Whitfield. It has been edited according to Coach & A.D. style.

Throughout its history, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) has touted the benefits of education-based sports and other activity programs. For more than 100 years, students have been able to participate in sports and other after-school activities within the school setting — an opportunity not available in most countries in the world.

And if parents of today’s student participants have their way, these participation opportunities will be around for the next 100 years because of the impact these programs have on their children — now and for their future careers.

The NFHS is excited to share the results of its National Parent Benchmark Study, which was created to understand how families experience education-based athletics and activities, what parents believe students gain from participation, and why these opportunities matter within the school setting.

Clearly, the results of this survey indicate that parents view their children’s participation in after-school activities equally as important as the classroom experience. Specifically, the study revealed that:

• 93% rated their child’s experience as good or excellent, and 96% would encourage their child to participate again.
• 93% said participation helped their child develop teamwork and communication skills.
• Compared with before participation, 82% reported a stronger connection to school, 75% greater motivation to do well in school, and 80% improved overall well-being.
• More than two-thirds of parents (68%) said the school-based experience provides something unique that cannot easily be replaced outside school.
• 93% support continued investment in school-based athletics and activities.

Another key finding from the NFHS parent survey was that families do not see education-based athletics and activities as extras. When asked to identify the greatest benefit, parents identified teamwork and relationships. Parents noted that participation in sports and activities is linked to academic and attendance expectations, adult guidance, student conduct and the broader educational mission.

When parents describe the value of participation of athletics/activities within the school setting, they rarely focus only on wins, awards or performances. They point to a sense of belonging, friendships, trusted adults, structure, confidence, accountability, motivation and connection to school. They describe students finding a place where they are known.

In addition to teamwork and relationships, parents noted other developmental values from sports/activities participation such as building confidence, developing discipline, building leadership skills, feeling connected at school, encouraging healthy lifestyles, building skills for life after high school and managing stress.

An overwhelming majority (91%) of the respondents supported the environment, culture and education-based model of school sports and activities. Unlike nonschool options for sports participation, education-based sports operate within school expectations, routines and responsibilities. These may include academic standing, attendance, adult guidance, student conduct and the broader goal of keeping students engaged.

More than 90% of the parents said their student feels safe and welcomed in the school environment and that the environment is supportive of students. Parents said the experience emphasizes growth and development, not just outcomes or results.

Across the full sample, 68% of parents say their child’s experience in high school athletics/activities provides something unique that cannot easily be replaced outside of school. If participation opportunities are reduced, underfunded or moved outside of schools, families may lose something they do not believe can be fully replicated elsewhere.

Parents are pointing to a model that combines participation with school connection, shared identity, academic and attendance expectations, adult guidance, peer relationships and student development.

That combination is what parents see as difficult to replace. The value lies not only in the team, club, performance, competition or activity, but in the fact that it takes place through school within a structure centered on students.

The NFHS National Parent Benchmark Study was conducted as a national online survey of parents and guardians of current high school students participating in school-based athletics and activities. The final sample included 2,500 parents and guardians of current high school participants across the United States. Sixty percent reported that their focal student participated in both athletics and activities, while 21% reported athletics only and 19% reported activities only.

The NFHS parent survey does not directly measure student outcomes or establish that participation caused the outcomes parents report. It captures the parent perspective, which is important because parents are key decision-makers, supporters, advocates and observers of the student experience.

These findings from parents should help decision-makers in high schools nationwide realize that athletics and activities should not be treated as expendable when budget issues arise. The parent perspective gives the NFHS and state associations a stronger evidence base to defend, protect and invest in education-based athletics and activities within our nation’s schools.

Davis Whitfield is executive director of the NFHS, based in Indianapolis. He was chief operating officer of the NFHS for 11 years prior to his promotion to executive director in August. Prior to joining the NFHS in 2015, Whitfield was commissioner of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) for five years. He began his career in sports administration in 1995 at Campbell University where he was assistant athletic director for operations and facilities. He then served in the athletic department at Wake Forest University, including two years as director of operations and facilities management and two years as assistant athletic director for operations and facilities. Prior to joining the NHSAA, Whitfield was on the administrative staff of the Atlantic Coast Conference, including as associate commissioner.

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