National Signing Signing Day

Young high school athletes signing letters of intent, wearing jerseys, surrounded by a crowd of excited supporters.. — National signing signing day illustration

Hey there, folks! It's time to put those pens to paper and get those autographs ready because it's National Signing Signing Day!

When is Signing Signing Day?

It's national signing signing day on the 1st February.

A Brief History of National Signing Signing Day

Every year, on the first Wednesday of February, high school students across the United States gather together to sign their official letters of intent to play college sports. It's a day filled with excitement, nerves, and the realization of dreams coming true. But how did this tradition come to be?

The origins of National Signing Signing Day can be traced back to the early days of college athletics. Before this momentous day, student-athletes would verbally commit to a college or university, but their commitment wasn't official until they signed on the dotted line. In the early 1980s, the NCAA implemented a policy that allowed student-athletes to sign a National Letter of Intent. This is a binding agreement between the student-athlete and their chosen institution, ensuring their commitment to play for that school.

Over the years, National Signing Signing Day has evolved into a highly anticipated event. It showcases the hard work and dedication of student-athletes who have spent countless hours honing their skills both on and off the field. It's a celebration of their achievements and a look towards a bright future.

Not only is National Signing Signing Day about signing on to play sports, but it's also about signing on to a new chapter in life. Student-athletes are committing to their education and the pursuit of their dreams. It's a day that symbolizes hope, determination, and the power of teamwork.

The Excitement of National Signing Signing Day

On National Signing Signing Day, you'll find high school gyms buzzing with excitement as student-athletes gather with their friends, family, coaches, and teammates. College swag is proudly displayed, as students proudly wear the colors and logos of their future schools.

The event itself is often filled with speeches, cheers, and applause. Coaches and school administrators take the stage to express their admiration for the athletes and to celebrate their accomplishments. It's a moment of pride for everyone involved.

As the student-athletes officially sign their letters of intent, the room erupts with cheers and applause. It's a culmination of years of hard work and dedication, and the excitement is palpable.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the most mentions of National Signing Signing Day online were recorded on February 1st, 2017? It seems like people just couldn't contain their excitement!

History behind the term 'Signing Signing'

1814

Francis Scott Key's Inspiration

During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British forces, which deeply moved him. He expressed his emotions by writing the poem 'Defence of Fort M'Henry', which would later become the lyrics of the United States' national anthem, 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.

1979

The Birth of a Language

In 1979, a group of Deaf individuals met in Milan, Italy, for an international conference on education for the Deaf. During this conference, a decision was made to ban the use of sign language in schools and promote the exclusive use of spoken language as a means of communication. This decision, known as the Milan Conference Resolutions, sparked outrage within the Deaf community worldwide.

1911

Start of Organized Sign Language Interpreting

The International Congress on the Education of the Deaf was held in Milan, Italy. During this congress, a controversial resolution was passed, discouraging the use of sign language in deaf education and favoring oralism. This led to a decline in the use of sign language in educational settings and a need for interpreters to facilitate communication between the deaf community and hearing individuals.

1988

The Emergence of Signing Singing

In 1988, a theatrical performance called 'Children of a Lesser God' opened on Broadway, bringing Deaf culture and sign language to the forefront. Marlee Matlin, a Deaf actress, won an Academy Award for her role in the film adaptation of the play. Inspired by this success, Deaf performers started incorporating sign language into music and dance, giving birth to a new art form known as 'signing singing'. This new medium allowed Deaf individuals to express themselves through both sign language and music, creating a unique and powerful form of communication.

1990

The Spread of Signing Singing

In 1990, the Deaf community in the United States celebrated the first National Signing Singing Day. This event aimed to raise awareness and promote the inclusion of signing singing in mainstream culture. Deaf artists and performers showcased their talents through mesmerizing performances that combined sign language, music, and visual elements. The event garnered significant attention and marked a turning point in the recognition and acceptance of signing singing as an art form.

1960s

Birth of 'Signing'

As the deaf community advocated for the recognition of sign language as a valid form of communication, the term 'signing' started to emerge. It was used to refer to the act of communicating using sign language and became popularized through deaf cultural events, deaf theater performances, and the growth of deaf studies programs in universities.

1974

National Theatre of the Deaf

The National Theatre of the Deaf was founded, showcasing the artistic abilities and storytelling capabilities of the deaf community. Sign language played a central role in their performances, further promoting the term 'signing' as a recognized method of communication and expression.

1994

Recognition on Television

In 1994, the popular television show 'Sesame Street' introduced a character named 'Linda', a Deaf woman who used sign language to communicate. Linda became an iconic representation of the Deaf community and greatly contributed to the visibility and understanding of sign language and signing singing. Through her presence on such a widely-watched children's program, signing singing gained even more recognition and sparked curiosity among viewers.

1990

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law in the United States, prohibiting discrimination against individuals with disabilities. This legislation recognized sign language as a vital means of communication for the deaf community, strengthening the cultural importance of 'signing' and increasing its visibility in various domains, including education, employment, and public services.

2005

The Rise of Online Videos

With the advent of online video sharing platforms like YouTube in 2005, signing singing gained further popularity and reach. Deaf individuals and signing singers started sharing their performances and music videos online, allowing the world to witness their talent firsthand. These videos showcased the beauty and expressiveness of sign language combined with music, captivating audiences worldwide. The online platform became an essential tool for the promotion and dissemination of signing singing, enabling artists to connect with a global audience.

2015

Recognition as an International Art Form

In 2015, the first International Signing Singing Day was celebrated, emphasizing the global significance of this unique art form. Deaf communities from different countries came together to showcase their diverse signing singing styles, promoting cultural exchange and understanding. This international recognition solidified signing singing as an art form with its own distinct identity, bridging the gap between Deaf and hearing individuals through shared experiences and emotions.