Athletic Privilege in High School: A Qualitative Study

Friday, April 1, 2011: 9:00 AM
Room 26A (Convention Center)
Jeff Eyanson, Azusa Pacific University, Lakewood, CA and Suzanne Malia Lawrence, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA

Background/Purpose In recent years, the amount of attention and media coverage given to high school student-athletes has increased exponentially. Consequently, the level and type of athletic privilege at high schools around the United States has increased as well. Athletic privilege is an under-researched area (Harrison et al., 2009; Lawrence et al., 2009) on all competition levels. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate high school teachers' (N = 40) perceptions of athletic privilege, types of privileges, and the groups of student-athletes who receive privileges.

Method The Athletic Privilege Survey (APS) was administered to the teaching staff at a large high school in Southern California. The APS is a qualitative survey specifically designed for this study.

Analysis/Results Four major themes emerged from the data: Grade Inflation, Work Extensions, Missing Class, and Extra Tutoring & Help.

Conclusions There is abuse of privileges by some student-athletes, which leads to resentment among both staff and the general student body. Athletic privilege is a reality on high school campuses, the same as college campuses. To properly support the student-athlete, the administration, faculty, and coaches must educate the athletes the responsibility involved with athletic privilege and to have the integrity not to abuse such privileges.

Handouts
  • AAPHERD 2011 LAWRENCE EYANSON.ppt (266.5 kB)