An Investigation into the Relationship Between Participation in High School Athletics and Academic Achievement

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a statistically significant difference between high school students' classroom academic achievement during a season of participation in a high school sport and a season on non-participation. Also, it was set up to determine if students are aware of any benefits or limitations on their academic performance while participating in a sport. Thirty high school students were randomly chosen from a list of students who participate in a fall sport and not in a winter sport. All of these students attended a suburban high school in Monroe County. Seventy four percent of the participants were male and 26% were female. The study began by gathering each student's first and second quarter five-week averages. The first quarter averages were collected while they participated in a sport and the second quarter averages were collected while they were not participating in a sport. Once the students' Grade Point Averages (G.P.A.'s) were determined for each five week report, a t-test was performed to determine if a statistically significant difference occurred in G.P.A.s between the two quarters. The study continued with a focus group of 19 students. They were given conversation starters to determine if there was awareness among students as to the effects of playing a sport on academic achievement. The results of the analysis of G .P .A.'s indicated no statistically significant difference exists in academic achievement between a season of participation in a sport and a season of non-participation. The results of the focus group indicated that most students were aware that sports and participation in extra curricular activities affect academics. Some feel the effects are beneficial while others see them as a hindrance on academics. Overall, the students were able to identify many lessons and benefits obtained from playing a sport. The findings suggest that academic achievement is nor directly affected by participation in sports, but it does suggest that adolescents can learn many important and beneficial life skills.