Celebrate National High School Activities Week

By Treva Dayton

October 14-20, 2007

The crowd at the volleyball game rises to their feet in applause, but it isn't for either of the two well-coached and eager-to-play teams on the court. Instead, fans and players are responding to the "thank you" to the game officials just read over the public-address system. It's October 16 and National Officials Day -- one of a weeklong, themed celebration of high schools activities, the people who make them possible and the personal life habits and skills such activities help develop among those who participate.

"It is always nice to hear that you are doing a good job," said Sandra Welch, volleyball president for Texas Association of Sports Officials. "Being recognized and appreciated really matters."

National High School Activities Week was created in 1980 by the NFHS as a means to promote the value of interscholastic activity programs across the country, and in 1983, President Reagan and the U.S. Congress officially set aside one week to recognize the importance of these activities. For almost three decades, schools across the nation have participated in highlighting their athletic and fine arts programs and recognizing their dedicated coaches, sponsors and directors, fans and officials.

Sunday, October 14 is designated as National Be a Sport Day. Because sportsmanship, ethics and fair play are the bases for sound educational athletics and fine arts programs, this theme is often emphasized throughout the week as the bedrock of successful programs that help prepare young people for the future and encourage a sense of teamwork within schools and communities.

In addition to days designated to recognize athletic and fine arts participants, fans, officials, coaches and advisors, Wednesday is National Health Awareness Day, a time to promote educational and prevention efforts to encourage healthy lifestyles. The week concludes with National Community Service/Participation Day, and provides an ideal opportunity to organize a service project that allows young people to give back to their community.

This annual fall event does not celebrate the record of any individual team or the success of a fine arts group, but rather the overall importance and value of interscholastic activities programs. Ken Pickering, assistant executive director of the South Dakota High School Activities Association, says, "The intent of the Activities Week promotion is to inform the public that high school activities are not only fun to attend, not just a frill or a luxury, but a critical extension of the classroom and an important part of a young person's educational experience."

The NFHS provides a kit each year to its member state high school associations to help campuses and communities celebrate National High School Activities Week. The materials include ideas for activities for each day; testimonials from students, teachers, coaches and administrators on the value of participation; ad slicks and public-service announcements. It also includes "The Case for High School Activities," a document created by the NFHS that contains research and statistics on the importance of activities programs.

"We have fundamental, empirical evidence that interscholastic activities provide a successful way in which to create healthy and successful citizens," said Robert Kanaby, National Federation of State High School Associations executive director. "Through National High School Activities Week, we have an opportunity to reflect on our participation as well as the participation of our children. Our nation must continue to support these programs and the life skills they provide America's youth."

Treva Dayton is the academic director of the Texas University Interscholastic League.

Sunday, October 14 -- National Be A Sport Day: to encourage awareness and discussion about the importance of sportsmanship, ethics and integrity to the conduct of interscholastic programs.

Monday, October 15 -- National Fine Arts Activities Day: to focus on the students, coaches and sponsors involved in fine arts programs.

Tuesday, October 16 -- National Officials Day: to salute the approximately 500,000 individuals who serve as contest officials and judges.

Wednesday, October 17 -- National Youth Health Awareness Day: to promote education and prevention efforts that encourage healthy lifestyles.

Thursday, October 18 -- National Coaches/Sponsors/Advisors Day: to recognize the contributions of high school coaches, sponsors and advisors.

Friday, October 19 -- National Fan Appreciation Day: to thank the spectators who support activity programs throughout the year.

Saturday, October 20 -- National Community Service/Participation Day: to give back to your community and show your appreciation for their support of your programs.