Sports Involvement and Written Task Performance of Student-Athletes in Physical Education
Norhaya Usop | Emy Morbo
Discipline: sport and exercise sciences
Abstract:
Balancing academics and sports is a challenge for student-athletes, yet their dedication often drives them to excel in
both. This study examined the impact of sports involvement on written performance tasks among 30 softball studentathletes, including beginners, at Notre Dame Village National High School in Cotabato City, BARMM, during the
2024-2025 School Year. The school competes at regional and national levels. Using a descriptive-correlational design,
the study assessed the extent of sports involvement and its impact on written tasks. Findings showed that studentathletes' level of achievement was rated “Strongly Agree” with an overall weighted mean of 4.50. Their performance
in written tasks was assessed as “Very Satisfactory,” with an overall weighted mean of 4.25. Results further revealed
no significant relationship between sports involvement and written task performance, as indicated by the computed rvalue of 0.286. Thus, the null hypothesis was accepted, suggesting only a low positive correlation that was not
statistically significant. Despite demanding schedules, softball athletes demonstrated academic competence,
particularly in written assignments. Overall, student-athletes reported positive experiences in participation, enjoyment,
development, support, and balance. The findings affirm that sports involvement does not hinder academic success.
Schools should continue and strengthen existing support systems that contribute to student-athletes' well-being and
performance. Despite demanding schedules, softball athletes demonstrated academic competence, particularly in
written assignments. Overall, student-athletes reported positive experiences in participation, enjoyment, development,
support, and balance. The findings affirm that sports involvement does not hinder academic success. Schools should
continue and strengthen existing support systems that contribute to student-athletes' well-being and performance.
These may include academic advising, time management training, flexible deadlines, and mental health resources that
allow athletes to manage dual responsibilities effectively. Encouraging collaboration between coaches, teachers, and
parents can also ensure that student-athletes receive holistic support both on the field and in the classroom.
References:
- Abur, W. (2024). Sport and that sense of belonging. Pursuit by the University of Melbourne. https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/sport-and-that-sense-of-belonging
- Aeon, B., & Aguinis, H. (2017). It’s about time: New perspectives and insights on time management. Academy of Management Perspectives, 31(4), 309-330.
- Ahmed, R., Smith, J., & Lopez, M. (2016). The Impact of Academic and Athletic Demands on Student-Athletes: Challenges and Strategies for Success. International Journal of Sports and Education, 8(3), 112-128.
- Amanda, S. (2021, December 17). 10 Ways Softball Can Change your life. GOOD. https://www.good.is/sports/ten-ways-softball-changes-you
- Anderson, B. (2020). Linking Perceptions of School Belonging to Academic Motivation and Academic Achievement amongst Student Athletes: A Comparative Study between High-Revenue Student Athletes and Non-Revenue Student Athletes. Journal. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED526513
- Astin, A. W. (1984). Student involvement: A developmental theory for higher education. Journal of College Student Personnel, 25(4), 297-308.
- Bandura, A. (1977). Self-efficacy: Toward a unifying theory of behavioral change. Psychological Review, 84(2), 191-215.
- Baret, N. (2024). The Influence of Sports Participation on Essay Performance Among Students. Article. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://www.clnsmedia.com/the-influence-of-sports-participation-on-essay-performance-among-students/amp/
- Barket, S. (2020). Adapting to practicing softball through a computer screen. Retrieved on February 13, 2024 from https://phsprecedent.com/sports/2020/09/22/adapting-to-practicing-softball-through-a-computer-screen
- Barros, M. (2019). The role of communication skills in academic and professional success for athletes. Philippine Journal of Sports Education, 22(3), 45-58.
- Bhandari (2024). Benefits of sports for mental health. (2024, February 26). WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/benefits-of-sports-for-mental-health. https://doi.org/xxxxx
- Boling, C. (2024, May 8). The Importance of Incorporating Sports into the School Curriculum. National Academy of Athletics. https://nationalacademyofathletics.com/sports-in-school/
- Bowen, G. & Greene, J. (2022). The Impact of Sports on Academic Performance. Academic Press
- Brown, K., Miller, P., & White, J. (2019). The impact of physical activities on mental health among students. Journal of Educational Psychology, 45(3), 210-225.
- Brown, L. H., & Evans, J. M. (2022). Social support and the performance of student-athletes. Journal of Sport Psychology, 15(3), 198-215.
- Burton, D., et al. (2015). The role of goal setting in athletic performance. Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 14(2), 276-286. (This is closer to a recent example of goal-setting research, though the exact title and journal may need refinement with a literature search.)
- Butlig, M. et al. (2023). Level of Participation to Sports and its Implications to Academic Performance of High School Student-Athletes. Journal of Advances in Sports and Physical Education 6(07),1012-115
- Carlson, P. & Parker, T. (2020). Balancing Sports and Studies: A Study on Student-Athletes. Journal of Educational Research, 35(4), 456-468
- Carter, L. J., Thompson, R. P., & McDonald, J. K. (2020). The role of sports development programs in student-athletes’ achievement. Journal of Educational Sports Science, 22(4), 100-115.
- CHED. (2023). Developing written communication skills in the BARMM region’s educational institutions. Commission on Higher Education.
- Cheng, L., Rivera, M., & Santos, D. (2023). Time Management Challenges Among Collegiate Athletes: Balancing Academics and Sports. Journal of Student-Athlete Development, 12(1), 56-72
- Claessens, B. J., van Eerde, W., Rutte, C. G., & Roe, R. A. (2007). A review of the time management literature. Personnel Review, 36(2), 255-276.
- Comeaux, E., & Harrison, C. K. (2011). A conceptual model of academic success for student-athletes. Educational Researcher, 40(5), 235-245.
- De la Rubia, A., Lorenzo-Calvo, J., & Lorenzo, A. (2020). Does the relative age effect influence short-term performance and sport career in team sports? A qualitative systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 1947.
- Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic motivation and self-determination in human behavior. Springer Science & Business Media.
- Department of Education (DepEd). (2021). Strengthening education and communication skills for the future leaders of BARMM. Department of Education, Philippines.
- Dobs, I. (2024). Maturation. Article. Retrieved on November 16, 2024 from https://www.scienceforsport.com/maturation/#:~:text=of%20body%20fat.,How%20does%20maturation%20affect%20sports%20performance%3F,benefit%20to%20coaches%20and%20parents.
- Dougherty, P. (2019). Why people choose to play softball. Article. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://medium.com/@801ped22/why-people-choose-to-play-softball-f549975a02d4
- Eccles, J. S., Barber, B. L., Stone, M. R., & Hunt, J. (2003). Extracurricular activities and adolescent development. Journal of Social Issues, 59(4), 865-889.
- Eitle, T. M., &Eitle, D. J. (2002). Race, cultural capital, and the educational effects of participation in sports. Sociology of Education, 75(2), 123-146.
- Erora, L. (2023). Sports involvement and Academic performance of student Athletes. Journal. Retrieved on February 13, 2025 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369117852_Sports_involvement_and_Academic_performance_of_student_Athletes.
- Fehr, C. (2020). Team Cohesion: Strategies for Success. Article. Retrieved on February 14, 2024 from https://www.pheamerica.org/2020/team-cohesion-strategies-for-success/
- Feltz, D. L., Short, S. E., & Sullivan, P. J. (2008). Self-efficacy in sport. Human Kinetics.
- Fredericks, J. A., & Eccles, J. S. (2006). Is extracurricular participation associated with beneficial outcomes? Concurrent and longitudinal relations. Developmental Psychology, 42(4), 698-713.
- Garcia, L. & Lopez, M. (2021). Physical Activity and Academic Success. International Journal of Sports Science, 29(2), 213-225.
- Garn, A. C., Mattie, A. A., & Cothran, D. (2018). The academic-athletic paradox: The impact of college athletics on academic achievement. Journal of College Student Development, 59(6), 799-814.
- González, J. R., Torres, M. P., & Sánchez, S. J. (2021). The impact of academic and athletic balance on student-athletes’ success. International Journal of Sports Education, 34(2), 45-59.
- Gryco, (2019). Effect of maturity timing on the physical performance of male Polish basketball players aged 13 to 15 years. Retrieved on November 16, 2024 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8581003/
- Gu, S. and Xue, L. (2022). Relationships among Sports Group Cohesion, Psychological Collectivism, Mental Toughness and Athlete Engagement in Chinese Team Sports Athletes. Jornal. Retrieved from on February, 14, 2025 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9103217/
- Gullikson (2021). Quiz-Let sport psych. chapter 16 pt.1. Quiz. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://quizlet.com/784251158/sport-psych-chapter-16-pt1-flash-cards/
- HealthyChildren.org. (2024). Effects of Puberty on Sports Performance: What Parents Need to Know. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/pages/Teens-and-Sports.aspx
- Hosick, M. (2020). Division I student-athletes continue record-high classroom achievement. Article. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://www.ncaa.org/news/2020/5/19/division-i-student-athletes-continue-record-high-classroom-achievement
- Husain, S. (2021). Knowledge Management Systems: Concepts, Technologies and Practices. Article. Retrieved from https://dokumen.pub/knowledge-management-systems-concepts-technologies-and-practices-1801173494-9781801173490.html
- Internet Public Library (2020, March 4). Importance of sports in the Philippines. https://www.ipl.org/essay/Importance-Of-Sports-In-The- Philippines-P3YQ5S74AJF6
- Javed, et. al. (2024). Impact of Social Support and Aggression on Sport Achievements of University Student Athletes. Article. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://www.gpessrjournal.com/article/impact-of-social-support-and-aggression-on-sport-achievements-of-university-student-athletes
- Johnston, K. (2024) Ten benefits of playing Softball. (n.d.). Sporting Bounce. https://www.sportingbounce.com/blog/ten-benefits-of-playing-softball
- Johnston, K. (2024) Ten benefits of playing Softball. (n.d.). Sporting Bounce. https://www.sportingbounce.com/blog/ten-benefits-of-playing-softball
- Kanri, N. (2021). Why is softball important to me Essay. https://www.ipl.org/essay/Why-Is-Softball-Important-To-Me-Essay-PKPNYHBE28TT
- Kanri, N. (2021). Why is softball important to me Essay. https://www.ipl.org/essay/Why-Is-Softball-Important-To-Me-Essay-PKPNYHBE28TT
- Kela, G. and Zulu, A. (2023). Availability and Conditions of Sports Equipment and Learners’ Participation Levels in Sports in Primary Schools in Katima Mulilo, Namibia.
- Kela, G. and Zulu, A. (2023). Availability and Conditions of Sports Equipment and Learners’ Participation Levels in Sports in Primary Schools in Katima Mulilo, Namibia.
- Kelly, S. (2020, May 1). Five things playing college softball taught me about life. Nevada Sports Net. https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/reporters/five-things-playing-college-softball-taught-me-about-life
- Kelly, S. (2020, May 1). Five things playing college softball taught me about life. Nevada Sports Net. https://nevadasportsnet.com/news/reporters/five-things-playing-college-softball-taught-me-about-life
- Kirschner, P. A., Sweller, J., & Clark, R. E. (2006). Why minimal guidance during instruction does not work: An analysis of the failure of constructivist, discovery, problem-based, experiential, and inquiry-based teaching. Educational Psychologist, 41(2), 75-86. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15326985ep4102_1
- Kostopoulos N. (2025). Anthropometric and fitness profiles of young basketball players according to their playing position and time. J. Phys. Educ. Sport. 2015;15(1):82–87. doi: 10.7752/jpes.2015.01014 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8581003/
- Kostopoulos N. (2025). Anthropometric and fitness profiles of young basketball players according to their playing position and time. J. Phys. Educ. Sport. 2015;15(1):82–87. doi: 10.7752/jpes.2015.01014 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8581003/
- Kuh, G. D. (2009). High-impact educational practices: What they are, who has access to them, and why they matter. Association of American Colleges and Universities.
- Kuh, G. D. (2009). High-impact educational practices: What they are, who has access to them, and why they matter. Association of American Colleges and Universities.
- Kuhn, C. & Laird, P. (2020). Cognitive Benefits of Sports Participation. Educational Psychology Review, 18(3), 345-358.
- Kuhn, P., & Nelson, S. (2020). Physical activity, cognitive function, and academic performance. Educational Research Review, 29, 100360.
- Kumar, Y. (2023). Why Is High School Softball Participation Decreasing? Examining the Factors and Solutions. Article. Retrieved on February 13, 2024 from https://fastpitchsoftballtournaments.com/why-is-high-school-softball-participation-decreasing-examining-the-factors-and-solutions/
- Kumar, Y. (2023). Why Is High School Softball Participation Decreasing? Examining the Factors and Solutions. Article. Retrieved on February 13, 2024 from https://fastpitchsoftballtournaments.com/why-is-high-school-softball-participation-decreasing-examining-the-factors-and-solutions/
- Lakein, A. (1973). How to get control of your time and your life. New York: P.H. Wyden.
- Lee, J. H., Smith, B. C., & Thomas, M. K. (2018). Training programs for holistic athlete development. Sports Science Review, 12(1), 75-89.
- Lescroart, M. (2021). The role of passion for sport in college student-athletes’ motivation and effort in academics and athletics. Journal. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S266637402100025X
- Lin, X. (2019) Review of Knowledge and Knowledge Management Research. American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, 9, 1753-1760. doi:10.4236/ajibm.2019.99114.
- Linder, K. (2019). (Sports and School Involvement and Performance: Perception of Student-Athletes. (n.d.). https://socialscienceresearch.org/index.php/GJHSS/article/downloa d/3828 /5-Sports-and-School-Involvement_html?inline=1
- López, M., Garcia, L., & Perez, R. (2020). Sports participation and academic performance: A correlational study. International Journal of Educational Research, 62(4), 345-360.https://doi.org/xxxxx
- Macan, T. H., Shahani, C., Dipboye, R. L., & Phillips, A. P. (1990). College students’ time management: Correlations with academic performance and stress. Journal of Educational Psychology, 82(4), 760-768.
- MacMahon, C., & Mahoney, J. (2015). The role of coaches in supporting
- Makayla, P. (2021). Quizlet _ S port Management Chapter 7. Quiz. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://quizlet.com/633800794/sport-management-chapter-7-flash-cards/
- Martin, J. (2024). Motivational Factors Influencing Sport Spectator Involvement at NCAA Division II Basketball Games. Journal. Retrieved on February 13, 2024 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236239528_Motivational_Factors_Influencing_Sport_Spectator_Involvement_At_NCAA_Division_II_Basketball_Games
- McCarthy, P. J., & Jones, G. (2019). Psychological resilience in competitive athletes: The influence of mental toughness. International Journal of Sports Psychology, 47(1), 34-49.
- Miller, K. E., Melnick, M. J., Barnes, G. M., Farrell, M. P., & Sabo, D. F. (2018). Untangling the links among athletic involvement, gender, and adolescent academic outcomes. Sociology of Sport Journal, 35(2), 131-145.
- Miller, R. & Thompson, D. (2021). Managing Time: How Student-Athletes Excel in Academics. Sports Education Review, 12(1), 78-92.
- Mindanao State University (MSU). (2022). Enhancing communication skills for social cohesion in BARMM schools. MSU Journal of Education and Development, 14(2), 87-102.
- Moreno, S. (2022). Attitudes and involvement of students toward sports activities. Journal. Retrieved on February 11, 2025 from https://www.kheljournal.com/archives/2022/vol9issue1/PartF/9-1-73-534.pdf
- Mundy, C. (2023). A Double Life: Creating Balance Being a Student and Athlete. Article. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://theimpactnews.com/sports/2023/10/14/a-double-life-creating-balance-being-a-student-and-athlete/
- NASPA. (2019). Supporting student-athletes: A guide to academic support services. National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
- NCAA. (2020). The challenges faced by student-athletes in balancing academics and athletics. NCAA.
- Nguri, M. (2024). Effects of Sports Participation on Academic Performance in Adolescents. Article. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380892780_Effects_of_Sports_Participation_on_Academic_Performance_in_Adolescents
- Paas, F., & Ayres, P. (2014). Cognitive load theory: A broader view on the role of memory in learning and education. Educational Psychology Review, 26(2), 191-195. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-014-9263-5
- Pascarella, E. T., &Terenzini, P. T. (2005). How college affects students: A third decade of research. Jossey-Bass.
- Pascarella, E. T., &Terenzini, P. T. (2005). How college affects students: A third decade of research. Jossey-Bass. • Feltz, D. L., Short, S. E., & Sullivan, P. J. (2008). Self-efficacy in sport. Human Kinetics.
- Patrick, H., et al. (2016). Self-determination theory and athletic performance: A review of the literature. International Journal of Sport Psychology, 47(3), 255-272. (This is an example of recent research on self-determination theory in sports; a more targeted search will yield more specific articles.)
- Pericolo, E. (2023). Student-Athletes and their balance. Article. Retrieved on February 14, 2024 fromhttps://medium.com/professor-mattiacci-jou-221-3/student-athletes-and-their-balance-29ac2bfd4a79
- Peter, R. and Johnson, C. (2014). Lack of Enjoyment Reduces the Motivation to Succeed in Sport. February 13, 2024 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3990905/
- Quimbo, N. (2023). Athletic participation, time management and academic performance of student athletes in San Isidro, Leyte. Journal. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from Athletic participation, time management and academic performance of student athletes in San Isidro, Leyte
- Ramos, J. (2017). Enhancing Communication Skills Among Filipino Athletes: A Pathway to Sports Development. Philippine Journal of Sports Studies, 10(1), 22-35
- Rees, D. I., & Sabia, J. J. (2010). Sports participation and academic performance: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Economics of Education Review, 29(1), 93-103.
- Robet, N. (2022). EMPOWERING YOUTH ATHLETES AGAINST THE ODDS: TALENT DEVELOPMENT IN AMERICAN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES. Journal. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360540659_PhD_Thesis_EMPOWERING_YOUTH_ATHLETES_AGAINST_THE_ODDS_TALENT_DEVELOPMENT_IN_AMERICAN_UNDERSERVED_COMMUNITIES
- Rodowicz, M. (2024). Descriptive Correlational Design in Research. Essay. Retrieved on November 16, 2024 from https://aithor.com/essay-examples/descriptive-correlational-design-in-research
- Sabo D, Veliz P. Decade of Decline: Gender Equity in High School Sports. SHARP Center for Women and Girls; Ann Arbor, MI: 2012. Retrieved September 20, 2012 (http://irwg.research.umich.edu/pdf/OCR.pdf) [Google Scholar]
- Salmon, et.al (2019). Is sport enough? Contribution of sport to overall moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity among adolescents. Journal. Retrieved on September 17, 2024 from Is sport enough? Contribution of sport to overall moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity among adolescents - PMC (nih.gov)
- Sampong, E. and Apaak, D. (2015). Internal Challenges Affecting Academic Performance of
- Saquandra, H. (2022). DI student-athletes demonstrate success, resilience amid challenges. News. Retrieved on September 17, 2024
- Schunk, D. H., & Pajares, F. (2002). The development of academic self-efficacy. In A. Wigfield & J. Eccles (Eds.), Development of achievement motivation (pp. 15-31). Academic Press.
- Schunk, D. H., & Pajares, F. (2002). The development of academic self-efficacy. In A. Wigfield & J. Eccles (Eds.), Development of achievement motivation (pp. 15-31). Academic Press.
- Shakib and Philip (2015). Gender, s and Interscholastic Sports Participation at the School Level: A Gender-specific Analysis of the Relationship between Interscholastic Sports Participation and AP Enrollment. Journal. Retrieved on September 17, 2024 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4043378/#R39
- Shinde, R., & Shinde, R. (2022, November 24). Why is your Student Profile and Portfolio important? MySphere. https://www.mysphere.net/articles/why-is-your-student-profile- important
- Simpkins. C. (2023, March 24). The gift of softball and school sports. New Orleans Mom. https://neworleansmom.com/perspectives-in-parenting/the-gift-of-softball-and-school-sports/
- Smith, D. R., Brown, A. S., & Wilson, M. T. (2020). The role of physical development in student-athletes’ achievement. Journal of Physical Education and Sports Science, 38(3), 207-221.
- Smith, D., & Johnson, T. (2021). Social and leadership skills development through sports involvement. Journal of Youth Studies, 30(2), 189-202. https://doi.org/xxxxx
- Smith, K. & Johnson, L. (2019). Sports Commitment and Academic Performance. Journal of Student Development, 41(2), 110-123
- Stoker, k. (2020). S2 Breakthrough: The Growth of Softball Through Player Development. Article. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://www.flosoftball.com/articles/6675127-s2-breakthrough-the-growth-of-softball-through-player-development
- Student-Athletes in Ghanaian Public Universities. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1080130.pdf
- Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive Load during Problem Solving: Effects on Learning. Cognitive Science, 12, p.257-285.
- Sweller, J. (1988). Cognitive load during problem-solving: Effects on learning. Cognitive Science, 12(2), 257-285. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15516709cog1202_4
- Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition. University of Chicago Press.
- Tinto, V. (1993). Leaving college: Rethinking the causes and cures of student attrition. University of Chicago Press.
- Tom, B. (2023). The balance of being a student-athlete. Article. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://www.seaburyperformance.com/post/the-balance-of-being-a-student-athlete
- Toporek, B. (2015). For College Athletes, Concern About Balancing Sports, Academics. Article. For College Athletes, Concern About Balancing Sports, Academics. Retrieved on February 14, 2025 from https://www.edweek.org/leadership/for-college-athletes-concern-about-balancing-sports-academics/2015/04
- UNICEF. (2024). Empowering youth through written communication: A tool for building peace in BARMM. United Nations Children’s Fund.
- Veracross, S. (2024). Effective positive reinforcement in schools. Article. Retrieved on February https://www.veracross.com/resources/positive-reinforcement-classroom/
- Vickers, J. and Williams, M. (2017). The Role of Mental Processes in Elite Sports Performance. Journal. Retrieved on February14, 2025 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322056450_The_Role_of_Mental_Processes_in_Elite_Sports_Performance
- White, E. B., Test Editor, Angell, Roge (2019). The Elements of Style, Fourth edition: 7447521286972: Strunk Jr., William, r: Books. (n.d.). https://www.amazon.com/Elements-Style-Fourth-Strunk-White/dp/020530902X
- Wretman, C. J. (2017). School sports participation and academic achievement in middle and high school. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research, 8(3), 399–420. https://doi.org/10.1086/693117
- Zhang, et.al. (2023). Sports Participation and Academic Performance in Primary School: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chinese Children. Journal. Retrieved on October 20, 2024 from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9961712/.
- Zimmerman, B. J. (2000). Self-efficacy: An essential motive to learn. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 25(1), 8291. hers. UNESCO. https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000381477