International Journal of Education and Social Science (IJESS)

This study investigated how athletic participation in a public high school influenced students’ academic achievement and school conduct. Disciplinary referrals are increasingly on the rise in American schools and are a cause of concern for teachers, administrators, parents, and community members. School personnel currently devote significant effort toward implementing programs designed to curb discipline problems in the classroom. The method in this study analyzed grade point average and discipline referral data for high school students in a southeastern high school over a 3-year time period. Results from the study showed a significant difference between athletes and non-athletes in regard to disciplinary referrals and grade point averages. Results showed that athletes had significantly higher grade point averages and fewer discipline referrals when compared to nonathletes. Implications of the study suggest that athletic involvement in high school affects the student in a number of positive ways and ultimately produces stronger achievement and prosocial behavior.