School vs Sports

[Kolin]

Whenever talking about school, coaches and teachers tend bring up the phrase "student athlete," noting that student comes first. However, is there any leniency to be given to students who participate in athletics? Students understand that sports are a privilege but are there any situations where sports come first?

Here is an example. A schools football team make their first playoff appearance in the schools history. The game is being hosted in a town an hour away. Everyone in the school is excited for the team and its players. The day of the game, the teachers remember the phrase "student athlete" and have no trouble assigning a book report for homework or announcing that the class has a test tomorrow so study up! The teacher has just put those students in a tough situation. Now everyone has to choose between playing in the most important game in the schools history or staying home to study, but you also have to think about the kids that aren't on the team. They can't go support their school because of their grade.

Is there any reason teachers can't make exceptions or go easy on athletes a few times during the seasons? these athletes work hard and deserve some recognition for their time... Something besides more work.