School, sport, engagement and violence

Another week and once again more violence in our schools. I can't help but think that maybe if these kids, the kids who reach out for belonging in gangs and other not so positive associations, had something to belong to at school they could turn their lives around. It doesn't take much to give kids hope and a sense of direction.

We all know that sport can have a powerful influence on the lives of people, especially our kids. What if every student had an opportunity to play a sport or get involved in an activity where they could belong? Students engaged in their schools are much less likely to stray and more likely to develop positive relationships and set personal goals that don't include running with a gang.

School boards that experience this type of violence need to take a look at how their school day is structured and open up their gymnasiums and other area's such as the arts at lunch or at someother point in the day to allow 'other' kids to become involved in school life. How many kids who play on school teams get mixed up in violence and vandalism? I don't really know - but I'm pretty sure that the number is small. If this correlation does exist why don't we do something about it?


School violence has unfortunately become a major topic of discussion in the past few years. Many excellent school and community leaders have idea's to help solve this problem. One of the easier solutions would be to take a serious look at how we can engage more students in sports and other positive activities.

Intramurals in the new school year

With so much going on in September it may be difficult to think about starting up your intramural program. But if school teams can get off the ground, so can the intramural program.

By putting students in a leadership role, the intramural supervisor/co-ordinator can lighten their load substantially. Your athletic council, student council, intramural leadership team or PLF 4C class can do everything for the program other than provide supervision.

At this point the students should be marketing the program by creating intramural posters, making PA announcements and making a 5 minute presentations to classes. Creating interest and a 'buzz' for the program is essential. In addition, the students can organize and supervise student sign up sheets and working with the teacher to make a schedule and to decide what games and activities will be offered.

Give the students the ball and let them run with it. Almost every quality intramural I have seen has strong student leadership.

We don't have to do everything - sit back and let the students lead. Everyone will benefit.