STUDENT ATHLETES, COACHES, AND COUNSELORS PERCEPTIONS OF - ACADEMIC VERSUS SPORTS SUPPORT FOR MALE AFRICAN AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ATHLETES
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Authors
Haney, Rhonda
Issue Date
2001
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study investigated the type and extent of support male African American student-athletes were given in academics and sports. Thirty-five high school seniors and eight counselors were surveyed. Four coaches were interviewed. Three research questions were addressed in this study. RQ 1: Are male African American high school student-athletes given the same support in academics as they are in sports? Results showed that student-athletes felt they were given significantly more sports support than academic support. RQ2: How are male African American high school student-athletes being prepared to attend a 4-year college? Students said coaches provided the main source of academic support for athletes. Most coaches allowed some practice time for student-athletes to focus on academics. Some coaches also provided tutors. RQ3: If African American high school student-athletes are less prepared academically, then what are the reasons for this inequality? Counselors said that compared to other ethnic groups African American students were performing below average in math, English, and science. Coaches said that most African American students were not prepared well in elementary and junior high school. As a result they arrive at high school without the proper academic tools to help them succeed. Methodology included both quantitative and qualitative analyses. Descriptives were given for students' ratings. Paired Sample t-tests were run to compare student's ratings of academic to sports support, on a number of different sources of support, with some significant differences found. Interview data was analyzed for themes and patterns. Results were discussed and implications were given.