POSITION PAPER

The Impact of Sport on Academic Performance:

Enhancing or Distracting from Students
Achievement?

SUBMITTED BY:
DARANTINAO, DAISY B.
11 – PASCAL

SUBMITTED TO:
MRS. MA. GLADYS F. APILADO
Introduction

The issue of whether participation in sports enhances or detracts from academic

performance has been a topic of ongoing debate among educators, parents, and students. This

question is not just a matter of individual interest, but has broader implications for our

educational strategies, parental perspectives, and societal understanding of the role of sports in

education. This paper will argue that, contrary to some views, participation in sports can indeed

have a beneficial effect on academic performance, and will delve deeper into the complexities of

this issue.

The rise in adolescent and adult obesity has been well documented in literature as a

widespread epidemic over the last two decades. According to the World Health Organization

(36), globally, around 31% of adults aged 51 and older were not sufficiently active in 2008.

Approximately 3.2 million deaths occur each year that are attributable to insufficient physical

activity. These staggering statistics are most concerning since physical activity significantly

declines through childhood and adolescence (12). Childhood obesity is one of the most serious

public health issues of the 21st century (35). The positive influence of sports and physical

activity are widely recognized as directly combatting and preventing obesity and its related

health issues (12). Specifically, a lack of sports and physical activity has been linked to

increasing physical and psychological ailments such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, high

blood pressure, high cholesterol, low self-esteem, and poor mental health including anxiety and

depression (2) which tend to surface in adolescence and worsen throughout one’s life.

The relationship between sports participation and student academic excellence has been a

topic of interest and research for many years. While it was once believed that sports could

distract from academic pursuits, recent studies and observations have shown that the impact is

quite the opposite. This article explores how involvement in sports can positively influence

students’ academic performance and overall educational experience.

Body

The Positive Impact of Sports on Academic Performance A growing body of research has

demonstrated a direct correlation between participation in sports and improved academic

performance. For instance, a study published in the International Journal of Academic Research

in Business and Social Sciences found that participation in sports improves the grade point

average (GPA), class test results, the ability of students to succeed academically, and mental or

cognitive development Adam Kemp Fitness.

Participating in athletics can have both positive and negative effects on academic

performance. Some studies suggest that student-athletes may experience improved time

management skills and motivation to succeed academically. However, research findings also

indicate that the impact of athletics on academic performance is not always positive. Factors

such as the type of sport, high school GPA, race, gender, and university ranking can influence

academic performance. Additionally, a study found that while athletes initially had higher grades

compared to non-participants, this advantage decreased over time, suggesting that athletics may

not be linked to improved academic achievement. Another study found no significant differences

in academic performance between student-athletes and other students, indicating that confidence

may not significantly influence academic performance. Overall, the effects of student athletics on

academic performance are complex and can vary depending on various factors.

Participation in sports can foster the development of numerous vital skills such as time

management, goal setting, focus, and concentration. These skills are not just important on the

sports field but are equally applicable in the classroom. Regular physical activity has been linked

to improved cognitive functions like memory and executive control, which play a significant role

in learning and academic achievement.

Students involved in sports learn to manage their time effectively, balancing training,

competitions, and academic responsibilities. When they need help with the latter, they contact

Trust My Paper – a writing service that can easily pick up their slack. This necessity to prioritize

and organize can cultivate exceptional time management skills. Athletes often develop routines

and schedules to accommodate their sporting commitments, which can translate into disciplined
study habits. The ability to juggle multiple responsibilities effectiely is a vital skill that

contributes to academic success and is valuable in future professional life. Time management

skills fostered through sports enable students to utilize their study time more efficiently, leading

to improved academic performance.

The life of a student athlete ebbs and flows. Study demands vary across the semester

depending on assignments, study commitments, and exams. Sporting demands also vary across

the semester and year; in addition to regular training throughout the year the intensity of training

peaks for major sporting competitions. Balancing school and sport naturally trigger a need for

trade-offs, and finding an optimal balance between study and sport is a process of trial and error

– there is no one-size fits all approach. It takes time to work out what your responsibilities and

expectations are at sport and school (and paid work too if you do that). Understanding how much

you can realistically commit to ensures that your wellbeing is not negatively affected.

Moreover, sports participation can significantly boost a student’s self-esteem and

confidence. This increased self-confidence can translate into a more positive attitude towards

academic tasks and challenges. Students who participate in sports often display higher levels of

motivation and engagement in their academic works

Counterarguments and Rebuttals

Despite the positive evidence, critics argue that the time and energy dedicated to sports

can detract from academic pursuits. They argue that the hours spent in training and competition

could be better spent studying or completing academic tasks. However, this argument overlooks

the fact that the discipline and perseverance developed through sports can be directly applied to

academic tasks. Athletes learn to stay committed and resilient in the face of challenges and

setbacks, traits that are invaluable when navigating the academic terrain.

Another counterargument is that sports participation may lead to physical injuries that

could interfere with a student's ability to perform academically. While it's true that the risk of
injury is inherent in sports, it is also a part of life. Schools and sports organizations have

measures in place to ensure the safety of student-athletes. Moreover, the physical health benefits

of sports, such as improved energy levels, cardiovascular health, and immunity, can enhance a

student's ability to engage in learning activities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the evidence strongly suggests that participation in sports can have a

positive impact on academic performance. While it is important to recognize the potential

challenges and risks associated with sports participation, the benefits in terms of skill

development, cognitive enhancement, and overall well-being are significant.

Therefore, it is crucial that educators and parents encourage students to participate in

sports while also emphasizing the importance of academic achievement. The debate should not

be about choosing between sports and academics, but rather about finding a balance that allows

students to excel in both areas.

It is about fostering well-rounded individuals who are equipped with the skills,

knowledge, and resilience to succeed in all aspects of life. This position paper recommends that

schools continue to support sports programs and integrate them effectively with academic

curricula. By doing so, we can ensure that our students are not just academically competent, but

also physically active, emotionally balanced, and socially adept.

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What are the effects of student athletics on academic performance? | 5 Answers from Research

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Academy, U. S. (2017, December 28). Effects of early sport participation on self-esteem and

happiness. The Sport Journal. https://thesportjournal.org/article/effects-of-early-sport-

participation-on-self-esteem-and-happiness/

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sports-on-academic-excellence-in-students/

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