A national survey reveals participation in high school athletic down not only in Ohio, but nationwide.
The data revealed participation in high school sports declined during the 2018-19 school year for the first time in 30 years.
The data also reveals a decline in the two most popular sports – basketball and football -- played a large role in the decrease with participation in football declining by 30,829 between the school year ending in 2017 and beginning in 2018.
“The state of sports it’s not in a decline they’re just going other places,” Ohio High School Athletic Association’s executive director Jerry Snodgrass said.
Snodgrass said students now have more options with more club sports being offered at various times of the year.
“We are getting away from the traditional baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball and just seeking other areas," he said. "I don’t think they are really any less active I just think there are more opportunities in the different worlds to be involved in.”