title: School sport participation under two school sport policies: comparisons by race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  School-based extracurricular sport remains an effective strategy to increase physical activity. However, school sport is often limited to a small number of elite athletes. Few schools provide more inclusive sport programs that offer a wider array of activities regardless of ability.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to examine school sport participation in middle schools (ages 11-14) with contrasting school sport delivery strategies (intramural vs. interscholastic).
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were obtained through an online survey administered to students at four public middle schools (grades 6-8) in a southeastern US city (n = 2,582).
  
  
  RESULTS
  More students participated in school sports at intramural schools. Boys were more likely to participate in after-school sports at intramural schools. Low-income and Black children, two groups at greater risk of physical inactivity and other negative outcomes, had greater participation in intramural programs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  After-school intramural sports in middle school is a promising strategy for increasing sport participation.
authors.affiliation: Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management, NC State University, Campus Box 8004, Raleigh, NC 27695-8004, USA. mkanters@ncsu.edu
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Kanters
authors.forename: Jason N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Bocarro
authors.forename: Michael B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Jonathan M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Casper
authors.forename: Myron F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Floyd
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D057766:Policy; D044469:Racial Groups / Q000523:psychology*; D012574:Schools; D012923:Social Class; D015144:Southeastern United States; D013177:Sports / Q000523:psychology*