The sports entrance exam in the United States was implemented in the early 20th century. Specifically, the first standardized sports entrance exams were introduced in the 1920s at various colleges and universities. These exams were designed to assess the athletic abilities of prospective students, ensuring that they possessed the necessary physical fitness and skills to participate in intercollegiate sports.

The rationale behind the implementation of sports entrance exams was multifaceted. Firstly, colleges and universities sought to maintain a level of competitive balance in their athletic programs. By requiring prospective athletes to meet certain physical standards, institutions aimed to prevent the recruitment of students who might not be able to contribute effectively to their teams. This helped to ensure fair competition and maintain the integrity of intercollegiate sports.

Secondly, the sports entrance exams were a means of promoting physical fitness and well-being among students. In the early 20th century, there was a growing emphasis on the importance of physical education and the benefits of regular exercise. By requiring students to undergo athletic assessments, colleges and universities encouraged a culture of fitness and healthy living on campus.

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reveals that the number of colleges and universities requiring sports entrance exams has fluctuated over the years. In the 1920s, it was common for institutions to have such requirements. However, by the 1950s, the number of colleges and universities requiring sports entrance exams had significantly decreased. This decline can be attributed to several factors, including changes in the perception of intercollegiate sports and the evolving role of physical education in higher education.

Despite the decline in the use of sports entrance exams, many colleges and universities still maintain their own athletic recruitment processes that assess the physical abilities of prospective athletes. These processes may include personal interviews, physical fitness tests, and other evaluations designed to gauge an individual's potential to succeed in intercollegiate sports.

In conclusion, the sports entrance exam was implemented in the early 20th century in the United States as a means to maintain competitive balance in intercollegiate sports and promote physical fitness among students. While the number of institutions requiring such exams has decreased over time, the concept of assessing the athletic abilities of prospective students remains a significant aspect of college and university athletic recruitment.