Home   /   STUDY SHOWS STUDENT-ATHLETES BENEFIT EDUCATIONALLY, SOCIALLY FROM ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

STUDY SHOWS STUDENT-ATHLETES BENEFIT EDUCATIONALLY, SOCIALLY FROM ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION

May 31, 2013 | Uncategorized

A recent study polled students, coaches and parents in Ontario to determine the benefits students gain by participating in school sport.  The study was completed by Rob Williamson, a Masters of Arts in Human Kinetics student at the University of Ottawa, and among other things it showed that school sport is an important contributor to Ontario’s education system.  The study also concluded that student-athletes scored higher in specific developmental areas than those students who do not participate in athletics.  

Detailed below are some of the findings of the study:
 

  • Student-athletes scored higher on 40 of 41 developmental assets compared to students who do not participate in school sport.  On 21 of the 40, the difference was statistically significant, meaning there were true differences between the two.
  • Parents who participated in high school sport themselves believe the experience helped them develop important life skills.


  • Coaches feel student-athletes are developing skills such as leadership, communication, goal setting, perseverance, teamwork, responsibility, and respect.


  • Student-athletes appear to be more engaged and enjoy school more as a result of participating in high school sport.


  • Sport is not the most important aspect of a student-athlete’s life, meaning that high school sport seems to be developing a balanced individual.


  • For coaches, the dual role of teacher and coach increases job satisfaction and contributes to building positive relationships with students.

To view the study and its findings in their entirety, please click here.

OFSAA is a federation of 18 regional school athletic associations throughout the province and is comprised of student-athletes, teacher-coaches, principals and sport administrators all committed to the philosophy of Education through School Sport. OFSAA provides provincial championships for student-athletes, as well as programming which enhances education in Ontario.  For more information visit www.ofsaa.on.ca <https://www.ofsaa.on.ca/> .

-30-

Contacts:
Robert Williamson, MA
[email protected]
613-406-4954

 
Tanya Forneris, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
School of Human Kinetics
University of Ottawa
[email protected]

Doug Gellatly
Executive Director
OFSAA
204-3 Concorde Gate
Toronto, ON M3C 5M6
P: 416-426-7438
[email protected]

Recent Posts

“June Madness” Coming The Week Of June 4th

“June Madness” Coming The Week Of June 4th

The grandest week on the OFSAA Championships and Festivals Calendar will soon be here! As we move into June, student-athletes and coaches approach the homestretch in preparing for the events occurring in the first full week of June. Each event has their own dedicated...

Ultimate Festival Photo Gallery

Ultimate Festival Photo Gallery

OFSAA would like to extend a special thank you to photographer Malcolm Bernstein. Please view his action photos, and photos of the medal-winning teams, at the link below. Give him a follow and DM him at @mgb4SPORTS. VIEW PHOTO GALLERY HERE

Registration is LIVE! Embracing Diversity (June 23 to 25)

Registration is LIVE! Embracing Diversity (June 23 to 25)

The Diversity in Sports Conference is dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in amateur sports. The OUA is excited to offer a variety of resources and strategies to help you create a more inclusive sports environment. Workshops and training...

Character Athlete Award Recipients (2023)

Character Athlete Award Recipients (2023)

OFSAA’s Character Athlete Award celebrates the efforts of the exceptional student-athletes in Ontario who best exemplify the characteristics that OFSAA is founded on. Nominations come to the OFSAA office detailing the exceptional character of student-athletes from...

OFSAA Bulletin

Spring Bulletin 2023