Facts About Students Getting Bad Grades Involved in Sports

Many studies indicate that there is no definite correlation between student athletics and bad grades.

For some time there has been speculation as to whether poor academic performance could be linked to participation in student athletics. Some research shows the opposite--that sports actually help. Other research shows that sports have little to no effect on grades.

Improving Academic Performance?

Researcher Kimiko Fujita studied 6th to 8th graders at the Walnut Creek Christian Academy in the mid-2000s. It was found that sports as well as other activities like community service seemed to raise grade averages, where other activities like music were detrimental.

Minorities in Athletics

A 1989 study delivered by the Women's Sports Foundation argued that there was no link between poor grades and sports activities. They classified their students into 18 different ethnic, racial and gender categories. The study claimed that grades actually rose amongst athletes from three specific groups: rural white males, Hispanic females and suburban black males.

Organization

Some student athletes argue that playing sports while in school enhances their organizational skills. Due to the tight scheduling and various commitments involved, student-athletes may be more proactive in completing assignments on time. Their management of away games, practice and study is an opportunity for juggling responsibilities more effectively.

References

• New York Times: Athletics Doesn't Raise Grades
• The Effects of Extra-Curricular Activity
• Basketball Players Juggle Academics and Athletics