Partaking in sports offers a range of benefits for students, from improving physical fitness to fostering discipline and teamwork. However, the challenge of balancing athletics with academics is significant, particularly when it comes to managing study time and completing assignments. The demands of practices, games, and travel can substantially reduce the time available for schoolwork, potentially impacting academic performance.
A major effect of sports participation is the limited time students have for their studies. Practice sessions often held several times a week, can last for hours, leaving little room for homework or test preparation. As a result, students may rush through assignments, which can lead to lower-quality work. While Longfellow has introduced measures to help, like encouraging the use of agendas, the workload remains a challenge for many.
“I think it’s really hard [to find time] when I have to study for a test because none of my friends who are in my classes are there [to help me],”Eighth-grader Julianne C, a gymnast for 8 years, said. “So I don’t get to fit in time to study [because of gymnastics].”
For students who need extra time to grasp concepts or those who already struggle with certain subjects, the time commitment of sports can make things even harder.
Students not involved in sports often find managing their time easier. “I normally do my school work and study for any tests I have, then I spend time with my friends,” eighth-grader Luke L. said.
The pressure to excel in both sports and academics can be stressful, leaving students feeling overwhelmed as they try to keep up with demanding practice schedules and rigorous coursework. This stress can lead to anxiety, burnout, and difficulty staying focused on both athletic and academic goals.
Eighth-grader Maggie B, a Lacrosse player for 2 years, described the impact of stress on her life. “I feel stressed all the time, especially before I have a test,” she said.
To address these challenges, it is essential for students, parents, and schools to emphasize the importance of time management and maintaining a healthy balance between sports and academics. While sports enrich the educational experience, it’s crucial to recognize and reduce the time constraints they impose on academics to ensure students succeed in both areas. To help manage this common issue for students at Longfellow middle school, LMS has provided agendas to all students as a strategy to track and organize their time.
Time management is a key component in getting work done in a timely manner. By finding moments in the day where there is time to work, missing or late assignments can be reduced drastically.
