Many student athletes find it difficult to manage their time throughout the day. Those who choose to partake in sports affiliated with New Providence High School are granted a sports study. However, those who dedicate their time to a club sport are overlooked. 

According to NP Athletic Director Mr. Carangelo, the concept behind NPHS’s sports study is that “our athletes spend so much time after school that it may not leave them with the same amount of time to get through all of their studies” 

Allowing students to have a sports study is left to each individual school district.  NPHS interprets their rules differently from others.

Mr. Carangelo said: “When someone is going through a sports study, they are getting credit for physical education. The sport you are doing in the school happens to be fulfilling that PE requirement.” 

In order to receive a sports study, athletes must spend a minimum of 150 minutes per week actively participating in their sport. Giving students an opportunity to dedicate an entire hour to get homework done in school is extremely helpful. This cuts down the studying time they would have to do at home.  

But what about athletes who play for outside teams?  Is it fair for students who are putting in triple the time into their outside sport not to have similar access to Sports Study?

Maddie Donza spends a total of 12 hours a week doing her outside sport. Megan Lamanna spends roughly 20 hours a week. These numbers are tremendously higher than those who partake in sports affiliated with the high school.

Many who do club sports, unfortunately have to commute. This can range anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour drive both ways.

Lamanna said: “Having a study hall for club basketball would make a huge difference. It would contribute to my success in school and on the court. I would be more prepared and efficient during school and I wouldn’t be stressed at practice about the amount of work I have to finish when I get home.” 

Junior Donza, who participates in All Star Cheerleading, commutes half an hour each way, 4 times a week, and practice consumes at least 4 hours a day. She finds it very difficult to manage her time without a sports study. consumes at least 4 hours after her school day. This leaves her with limited time to get her studies finished. Her completed assignments may not reflect her best self due to cramming most of them in prior to practice. 

“During class, there is not much time to get assignments completed. Therefore I have to do all my assignments when I get home. Some nights I can’t start my homework until 10 pm because of how late my practice ran,” she said.  

Student athletes are not getting enough sleep.

Donza said, “Some nights I am up very late doing homework. If I had a study hall it would definitely decrease the amount of work I have and help me manage my time better.”

Most students choose to pursue an outside activity due them being at a higher level. Therefore they train for longer and their conditioning is much more intense. They should be granted a sports study due to their rigorous schedule. They are without a doubt fulfilling the hour of exercising that happens in PE.