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Do Policies Matter?
Policies for after-school programs that outline 
the percentage of time to be dedicated to physical activity are being 
implemented. Because of variation in the scope and content of these 
policies and the lack of surveillance of their implementation, their out-
comes, beneficial effects, and feasibility are largely unknown.
Conclusion
School sports and active after-school programs offer the potential to 
increase physical activity among youth. More research is needed to define 
specific factors that increase the effectiveness of such programs and ways in 
which they can be tailored and implemented in varied school settings across 
the United States. Consideration of equity in sports and after-school pro-
grams is especially important as the quality and scope of these opportunities 
vary tremendously by district.