Current Event 9/28/14

Waivers Keep Worcester Student Athletes in the Game

Telegram & Gazette---> Front Page


In Worcester, Massachusetts the School Committee voted on September 18 to pass a one time waiver allowing student athletes who weren't making the grades to be able to play again. Daizy Santiago a Junior at Burncoat High School who plays volleyball is one of these students. Volleyball is important to Daizy and with her fourth quarter grade last year being a 68.78 rendered her from playing this year. The previous year students needed an average of between 65-69 to be allowed to participate. This year it changed and students needed an average of 70. It's hoped that if a student receives this one time waiver they will get their act together and bring their grades up.


I strongly disagree with this rule being passed. I am a student athlete at Burncoat High School and was aware of this situation/ problem. My mom is the treasurer for the Booster Club. At their last meeting parents came in very upset about their children not being able to play sports due to grades.  Sports are a privilege. If you really want to participate in athletics, you need to bring your grades up. Sports should be the motivation to bring  grades up. In the article, Daizy's mom said that they weren't notified with the change of rules of needing a 70 average in order to participate in school athletics. That is false because there was notification of the change. I disagree with the whole article, I understand what Daizy's mom was saying with some kids have a hard life and it can affect their academics but that's still not the full excuse. No matter what if you don't have the grades you shouldn't play, people can't keep bending the rules it's not fair.