Spectrum

The American system of amateur athletics is mostly school based: elementary, middle schools, high schools, colleges and universities. Yet, that system is failing both the student-athlete and the general public, according to Dr. David Ridpath, the Kahandas Nandola Professor of Sports Administration at Ohio University. With a school based system, too many students are “cut” from competitive athletics at an early age and therefore, do not receive the benefits of physical activity throughout their school life, according to Dr. Ridpath. He also complains that stellar student athletes too often get special benefits to keep them eligible to play – especially at the college and university levels. This, according to Dr. Ridpath, deprives the student-athlete of a broad and useful education. He claims to have known student athletes that have been illiterate when they left their university athletic programs prior to graduation. Dr. Ridpath also challenges that notion that major athletic success at a college or univers