Case
Sports more than academics

How can I deal with a student who places emphasis on sports rather than academics?

Solution #1
Most schools have a minimum GPA requirement that a student must maintain in order to participate in sports. If the student is learning and maintaining an above average grade, the emphasis on sports should not be an issue.

This is very true, but most of the time, just talking to the coach to talk to the student is very helpful as well. If the student is placing sports over academics, then they will most likely listen to the coach more than you.

Solution #2
I recommend encouraging the student to do a biography on their favorite sports player. In doing this, students will realize that along with athleticism, people need to become educated. In order to play in the NFL, people need to go to college and earn a degree.
Solution #3
As many people have already stated, many schools in various counties require students to have and maintain a certain GPA. If they begin to place more emphasis on sports, you should remind them of the consequences that can come along with that. In addition, I would have some assignments within the curriculum that allow students to research a topic and do a presentation. This will keep their emphasis on sports, as well as focusing on academics.

I like that you mentioned including doing an assignment about sports since its something they like. Great solution.

Solution #4
Try to incorporate sports into your academics. If they are doing a math lesson, use footballs as the subject. If the lesson is based on something they enjoy,then they will be more interested in learning.
Solution #5
I would have a one-on-one talk with the student. Ask them their athletic aspirations. If those aspirations include playing sports at the collegiate level, explain to them that they must meet academic requirements before a recruiting scout would even consider them. Also explain that college coaches want student-athletes; the better a student's academics, the more academic scholarships they will be eligible for. That will make it easier for the coach to offer an athletic scholarship. Include the parents on the meeting, so that they are also aware of the implications.
Solution #6
I would try and explain to the student that education is important and comes before sports. In order to participate in sports, your grades are looked at first. This is something that the student should know. Maybe have a project or something that the students can research. For example, doing a project on their favorite sports star and finding out how far that particular person went with school. Maybe also you could have a sports lesson that way the student is more engaged during that lesson.
Solution #7
If a students grades are poor because they are placing too much emphasis on sports I would remind the student of the importance of an education. I would also create lessons that incorporate sports or sports information into them. Obviously the student enjoys sports, maybe this will motivate the student to learn.
Solution #8
Speak with the coach! In most schools, students cannot play sports unless their grades are superior! Explan to the student he/she can be the best athlete in the world, but if there is no academics behind it, they will go nowhere. Colleges look for academic achievements before they look for athletics. Its a packaged deal.
Solution #9
I think a talk with the student is all that may be in order. To start the discussion off you could show some understanding to the fact the student is focusing on something they are passionate about, and that doing that is a good thing. A simple reminder of how important academics are can possibly refocus the student. If the student is not even trying then, you can demonstrate how easy it is to succeed if they would put forth the smallest amount of effort. If the student is trying, but failing, then this is an opportunity to offer additional help outside of the class session.
Solution #10
I would try to explain to the student how important an education is even to athletes. I would give examples to the student of well educated athletes. I would also try to incorporate sports into my lessons so the student would be interested in the subject matter.
Solution #11
I would want to stress to the student that I will hold them accountable for their work and that they need to earn the privilege through academics to be able to play whatever sport that they want to play. I will not show favoritism (give a grade they do not deserve, give them several chances, pass them when they didn't really pass) towards the athletes because it is not fair for the rest of the students who do not play sports. Athletes need to earn their way to play through academics.
Solution #12
If a students grades are poor because they are placing too much emphasis on sports I would remind the student of the importance of an education. I would also create lessons that incorporate sports or sports information into them. Obviously the student enjoys sports, maybe this will motivate the student to learn.
Solution #13
Like others have stated it is important the student keeps the minimum GPA so they can stay in sports. If their grade starts to drop it is important to encourage them to take more time to study and do homework or go to tutoring until they get their grades up. If the student just does not want to pay attention in class I think it is a great idea to add sports to the curriculum to help the student understand the concept better.
Solution #14
As long as those sports are not affecting his grades or performance then he is allowed to care about sports more. However, if these activities are lowering his grade and even making him perform underwhelmingly I would have a talk with him and discuss his future and his goals.
Solution #15
As long as those sports are not affecting his grades or performance then he is allowed to care about sports more. However, if these activities are lowering his grade and even making him perform underwhelmingly I would have a talk with him and discuss his future and his goals.
Solution #16
Most schools if not all have a minimum GPA requirement for students who are involved in sports. As a teacher, I would try to ensure that this would be implemented because it requires students to also focus on their schooling to do the activities they want to do.
Solution #17
Introduce the students to possible careers in the field of sports other than athlete. These may include careers in sports medicine, recreation management, coaching or physical therapy. If this student can realize that there are ways to combine academics and athletics he or she may be more motivated in school.