Playbook vs. Textbook: Examining Academic Transitioning of NCAA Division I-FBS Football Student-Athletes. Issue 3 (November 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hardin, Robin; Pate, Joshua R
• Is Part Of: Journal for the study of sports & athletes in education. Volume 7:Issue 3(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 229
• Page End: 244
• Publication Date: 2013-11
• Subjects: Student-athletes -- NCAA -- academics -- transitions -- case study; Athletes -- Education (Higher) -- Periodicals; College sports -- United States -- Periodicals; College athletes -- Education -- Periodicals; Sports -- Periodicals; 796.04305
• DOI: 10.1179/1935739713Z.00000000014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1935-7397

Abstract

Abstract : The athletic transition of freshman student-athletes receives a plethora of media attention but there is also an academic transition that takes place. This research focuses on the academic transition of freshman football student-athletes at a Division I-Football Bowl Subdivision institution. Three themes were constructed from the interviews: (a) time management; (b) prioritization; and (c) guidance. Increased time demands devoted to football and academics presented a struggle in time management as well as deciding how to prioritize what needed to be accomplished. The student-athletes also acknowledged the immense amount of academic support they receive. The support staff may think this is what is desired, but the student-athletes responded they would like to be able to make decisions on their own and not be treated as though they are incapable of making decisions. Student-athletes should be taught time management, prioritization, and self-guidance skills and not have those tasks done for them.