COVID-19 AND THE IMPACT ON ADOLECENT SPORTS PARTICIPATION
Date of Award
Summer 6-25-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Coaching and Athletic Administration
Department
Kinesiology
Abstract
Abstract
COVID, shutdowns, social distancing, isolation, and the pandemic and the impacts that they had on youth and interscholastic sports participation. Friday night lights and the lure of community through sports, go to any small town or city and you will find a community that bleeds the color of the local sports teams. Starting in March of 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted interscholastic sports, altering patterns of participation, athlete development, and overall student well-being across the globe. This research proposal aims to investigate the short- and long-term impacts of the pandemic on sports participation rates across middle and high school levels in the United States. Specifically, it aims to analyze changes in participation rates, disparities among demographic groups, and the impact on student-athletes' physical health, mental wellness, and academic engagement. The study will analyze how public health measures, such as lockdowns and social distancing, influenced individual and community-level engagement in physical activities and sports. It will also explore disparities across age groups, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographic regions. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study will incorporate quantitative data from school athletic departments and national participation surveys, alongside qualitative interviews with student-athletes, coaches, and school administrators. It will help guide policy recommendations for school districts, athletic associations, and health officials to better support interscholastic athletics. This study not only addresses an urgent need for understanding the implications of COVID-19 on youth sports but also contributes to the development of resilient frameworks for maintaining safe and equitable athletic opportunities in schools during future disruptions.
Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, lockdown, social distancing