Positive Effects of Participation in High School Sports on Academic Achievement

Abstract

A review of the literature was conducted to examine the potential positive effects that participation in high school sports has on academic achievement. Specifically the review explored athletes' grades during season as compared to off-season, how the amount of participation is correlated with academic achievement, and differences in the academic achievement of athletically inclined versus less athletically inclined players. Research suggests that a correlation exists between being in season, the amount of participation and how athletically inclined a player is and the participant's academic achievement. Variables studied within academic achievement include grades, attendance, self confidence ratings and likelihood of attending college. Although correlations were found, none of the studies used experimental designs with random assignment and most of the studies did not look at why there might be a correlation.