Athens, OH-Ohio University Press has just published Alternative Models of Sports Development in America: Solutions to a Crisis in Education and Public Health by sports law expert B. David Ridpath.
“In the United States, the entanglement of sports and education-under increasing fire-has led to multi-milion-dollar high school football stadiums, college coaches whose salaries are many times those of their institutions’ presidents, psychological and educational tolls on student-athletes, and high-profile academic scandals,” according to the publisher.
“Institutions large and small face persistent quandaries: which do they value more, academic integrity or athletic success? Which takes precedence: prioritizing elite teams and athletes, or making it possible for all students to participate in sports? How do we create opportunities for academic-not just athletic-development for players?”
Ridpath, who has studied both the US system and the European club model, “offers clear steps toward creating a new status quo. He lays out four possible alternative models that draw various elements from academic, athletic, and European approaches. His proposals will help increase access of all young people to the benefits of sports and exercise, allow athletes to also thrive as students, and improve competitiveness.”
ESPN reporter and author Tom Farrey, executive director of the Aspen Interest Sports and Society Program, said, “The day will come when we fundamentally reimagine the role of sports in schools-the health, social and economic needs of the 21st century demand it. Dave Ridpath gets the conversation started with this fascinating exploration of what’s possible.”
Alternative Models of Sports Development in America is part of Ohio University Press’s new sports management book series. Based in Athens, Ohio, the press publishes 50 scholarly, literary, and general-interest trade books per year.
