Breuna Stephens

INTERCOLLEGIATE SPORTTREATMENT OF THE STUDENT ATHLETE

WHAT DO WE KNOW?• Many student athletes are in sports programs in American colleges and universities that

does display the best image of how sports and academic life combine

• Some school however do not uphold the term student athlete to its highest standards focusing more on athletes then on education

• The fault does not go on the student but on the institutions misusing the athletes.

SO WHAT ARE THE FACTS?

• Student athletes focus most of their attention on theirs sport

• They miss more class and participate in fewer university activities then their student peers

• Basketball and Football players performance in class is less then there student peers on every measure of academic performance even with the academic supports services provided for them

• Many suffer from frequent or chronic injuries despite better access to good health care

• They feel pressure to practice and perform despite injuries

• These athletes report having little opportunity or time to participate in personal development activities on campus

VALUE OF STUDENT ATHLETES• Athletic programs are extremely valuable to universities. They bring in:

• Financial Gain

• Recognition

• The student athlete does not benefit from either of these perks.

SITUATIONS OR WAYS OF IMPROVING THE PROBLEM?• Maybe colleges should incorporate a bill of rights that every college and institution should

adhere too. This could include their right to:

• Transfer to another college without losing their eligibility to play.

• Consult with agents about their future.

• Adequate insurance to completely cover their injuries.

• If the student is not doing well in the classroom they should not be allowed to play no matter how much they benefit the team.

• Not adequately prepared for future career.

• Unfair to other students who are actually trying

• Get good grades without really trying.

• Student athletes get to continue to play because teachers just pass them along.

PROS AND CONS

PROs CONs

MY OPINION • I think certain universities uphold the word athlete more than the word student.

• Students should not be allowed to practice or play until they fully healed.

• Students should get the grade that they earned, athlete or not.

• Students should not be allowed to to play if their grades are not up to par.

REFERENCES • Knapp, T. J., Rasmussen, C., & Barnhart, R. K. (2001, 03 01). What college students say

about intercollegiate athletics: A survey of attitudes and beliefs. 04 February 2013.

• Schmidt, William E. Special to The New York Times. (1986, Jan 14). Bending the rules for student athletes. New York Times (1923-Current File). 04 February 2013.

• Siedentop, D., & Mars, H. V. D. (2012). Introductionto physical education, fitness and sport. (8th ed., pp. 284-285). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.