What process in school sports contributes to distinctions between athletes and non-athlete students?

The selection-in process plays a significant role in creating distinctions between athletes and non-athlete students. This process involves the criteria used by schools to identify and select individuals for athletic teams. Factors influencing this process can include talent assessments, physical skill evaluations, and tryouts, which ultimately determine who qualifies to join teams. As a result, students who are selected as athletes often receive designated recognition, access to resources, and opportunities that non-athlete students may not experience.

This separation can foster a culture within schools where athletes are given prominent status, which may also influence social dynamics among students. The emphasis placed on athletic achievement can lead to differences in how students perceive themselves and each other, contributing to a defined athlete identity within the school environment. Other factors, while impactful, do not directly create distinctions in the same way; for instance, coaching strategies or increased funding primarily affect the quality of training and facilities rather than the selection of individuals themselves.