Predictors of Sports Development Among Secondary School Student-Athletes: Key Factors Influencing Athletic Growth and Performance

Abstract

Sport is a structured and institutionalized activity that involves vigorous physical exertion. In the course of conducting sports activities in schools, identified predictors such as the teacher-coach, administration, equipment, and facilities play a major role in developing not only academic achievers but sports winners as well, among secondary students. The objective of the study is to identify the predictors of sports development among secondary school student-athletes and assess their level of importance in shaping sports participation and performance. The research used both quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the results and formulate a Sports Development Program for adoption in secondary schools. The study found that the teacher-coach plays a significant role in the development of sports among students, with the equipment and facilities providing a framework for gaining skills and knowledge about sport. Support from the administration on financial matters and other concerns also contributes to a competitive athlete. The study also found that the teacher-coach leads in framing the student-athlete through the use of modern equipment. Therefore, safe and clean facilities will greatly contribute to athletes’ development. Strong support from the administration on financial concerns, as well as on issues like training, seminars, and the provision of state-of-the-art equipment is possible to produce a highly competitive student-athletes. It can be concluded that the identified predictors were extremely important in the development of student athletes in sports. Addressing the challenges related to these factors is essential for sustained athletic growth and performance. The formulated Sports Development Program aims to address the challenges faced by the predictors and promote the use of modern equipment in secondary schools.