Author: Yoshihiko Yamamoto, Shizuoka University, Japan
Email: auyamayoshi@yahoo.co.jp
Published: March 2016
https://doi.org/10.22492/ije.4.1.08
Citation: Yamamoto, Y. (2016). Japanese University Athletes’ Dilemma: Study, Sport Performance, or Both. IAFOR Journal of Education, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.22492/ije.4.1.08
Abstract
The aims of this study were to investigate the Japanese university athletes’ dilemma of managing both study and sport performance effectively, and to try to find answers to how they can effectively manage both their study and sport club activities. Questionnaires were used in order to collect the data (1st year, 2nd year and 3rd year students). A total of 216 responses were collected. All participants of this study belonged to university sport clubs and they majored in sport and health science at a private university in Japan. The data were both quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The results of questionnaires found university athletes in this study showed two dilemmas. They were busy with their sport club activities and felt pressure to seriously participate in their club activities because they came to their university with a sport recommendation. In order to support university athletes, this study discusses three suggestions such as ensuring enough financial support for university athletes, promoting peer learning to university athletes, and collaborative work between university lecturers and sport club team coaches.
Keywords
university athletes, study and sport performance