Mental Health Check

Statistic Brain reports that nearly 37,000,000 kids between the ages of 5-18 play organized sports (www.statisticbrain.com). However, by age 13 an estimated 70% quit playing, and by age 15 the number reaches 80%. When student-athletes are asked why they quit the sport, the overwhelming response is that "it’s not fun anymore."

The teen years are ripe with opportunity for depression, drugs, and thoughts of harming oneself as a means of coping with life. Check in with your student-athlete for signs that stress, fear of competition, or pressure to win are not the real reasons for giving up the sport. Brainstorm what will replace the physical activity, mental stimulation, and sense of belonging sports participation provides.

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, making the beginning of the school year a good time to do a spot check on your student-athlete’s mental health. Visit www.itsok2ask.com for more info on youth suicide prevention.

High School Seniors: FAFSA Fun October 1

An important part of your student-athlete receiving an athletic scholarship (or any financial aid) is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning October 1, 2017. Money is offered on a first-come, first-served basis at many colleges and universities, so be sure to begin the application process on or as close to October 1 as possible online at FAFSA.ed.gov.

LIC Tip: Regardless of your family’s economic situation, submit a FAFSA application! Most scholarship money and other financial aid is awarded through this form.

Prior to October 1, make sure that you have all necessary documentation:
• Your Social Security number
• Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a US citizen)
• Your most recent federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.
• Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
• Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
• An FSA ID to sign electronically (students and parents have separate FSA IDs)

Dependent students (23 and under) will need most of the above information for their parent(s).

Need guidance? Many community colleges, independent colleges, and universities will provide a free FAFSA help session on a special day and time. Check local colleges for details. In North Carolina, campuses across the state will offer assistance from 9:00am -12:00pm on October 28. Visit www.cfnc.org for more info.

LIC Tip: To be eligible for financial aid through FAFSA, males 18 years of age and over MUST register with Selective Service.