Sports can teach important lessons in a well-rounded education. But participating in sports is not more important than education.

Sports are extracurricular activities and are not typically required to graduate. It’s a privilege to participate in high school sports earned, both on the playing field and in the classroom.

The eligibility policy at Lisbon High School is in writing and reinforced verbally by administrators and coaches. The suggestion to lower standards to passing five out of six classes should not merit serious discussion. Students are required to pass six classes (the minimum course load) out of a maximum of eight, meaning a student could fail two classes and still play sports. Furthermore, lowering the current standard establishes an acceptable performance level that could leave some athletes without enough credits to graduate.

Mr. Healy, as principal of an academic institution, should be irritated by discussion of lower standards; but I doubt that he, as a retired Marine, was attempting to disrespect the soldier referenced at the recent meeting of hockey parents. It is disappointing if the member in attendance from the school board (a committee unwilling to examine a policy that prevents hiring cafeteria workers without a GED) would discuss, let alone support, a lowering of standards.

If the same efforts were used to help students meet academic requirements instead of seeking paths around them, we would be teaching the right lesson: the rewards of preparation and hard work are great in the classroom and on the playing field.

Tim Carville, Lisbon Falls

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