WELCOME TO KENTERPRO:
PERCEIVED FACTORS AFFECTING THE PERFORMANCE OF PRIVATE PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN SPORTS IN PANKSHIN LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1       Background to the Study

Sport in Nigeria has grown from a humble beginning as an entertainment and recreational pastime to a prominent phenomenon whose influences are felt in all facets of lives of citizenry. It has become an important aspect of the Nigeria culture due to its popularity among the citizenry. It is as important as the basic necessities of life, like food, clothing and shelter. This importance and power of sports have been highly recognized by the Nigeria state and had used it to pursue its foreign policy and diplomatic agenda as well as foster national unity and socio-cultural integration. According to Bailey (2013) Sports have become a major business and attraction for the Nigerian public. The print, radio, television, internet, and cinema media have contributed to the explosive popularity of professional sports. It is not surprising, therefore, that the popularity of professional sports has been reflected in the sports programs of Nigerian secondary schools.  In further recognizing the power of sports especially for Nigerian children in promoting their physical, mental and socio-economic development, the Nigerian state introduced sports in schools. That is, considering the role of sports in the all-around development of the child and youths, the Nigerian Government came up with a policy aimed at ensuring that sport is offered as a compulsory subject at the Nursery, Primary and Secondary school levels of the formal education system (Akinboye, 2014).

Children’s engagement in sports competition is known to contribute to the developmental outcomes for a healthy lifestyle, where children learn about physical, social and cognitive skills. More broadly, engagement in physical activity is also recognized to contribute a range of positive outcomes, specifically; physical and mental health, social wellbeing, cognitive and academic performance (Bailey, 2013). For young people to achieve such outcomes it is recognized that physical education (PE) in schools is an ideal vehicle to promote physical activity due to its availability to all young people. Whilst teachers also have the opportunity to integrate this into the overall education process (Telford, 2012). Interaction with peers is important for young individuals, approval and acceptance by peers affects self-esteem, academic performance, moral development and social behavior (McHale, Vinden, Bruett, Richton, Shaw & South, 2015). It is known that, within a sport group, specific ways of interpersonal contacts and communications are being formed and developed, characteristic norms and rules of behavior, ways of awarding, sanctioning, cooperation, competitiveness, positions within a group and other psychosocial traits and interactions that can contribute to better academic performance of sport participating pupils. When children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day, multiple health benefits accrue (Мilojević, 2014).

Sports can play an essential role in the development of children in various ways. Regular physical activity builds healthy bones and muscles, improves muscular strength and endurance, reduces the risk for developing chronic disease risk factors, improves self-esteem, and reduces stress and anxiety (Мilojević, 2014). Sports provide children with the opportunity to engage in physical activities, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy body. Children who engage in sports regularly are less likely to develop obesity, diabetes, and other health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. According to Larry (2016) Exercise has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Children who engage in sports regularly are more likely to have higher self-esteem, confidence, and a positive self-image. Mohammad, Jamil, Umar & Uzma (2012) added that Sports help children develop social skills, such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. Children who play team sports learn how to work with others towards a common goal and understand the importance of each team member’s contribution to the success of the team. Participating in sports requires discipline, dedication, and responsibility. Children who engage in sports learn the value of hard work, commitment, and perseverance, which can translate to other areas of their lives. Beyond these known health effects, physical activity may also have beneficial influences on academic performance. Children and adolescents engage in different types of physical activity, depending on age and access to programs and equipment in their schools and communities. Secondary school pupils typically engage in free play, running and chasing games, jumping rope, and age-appropriate sports. While sports are an essential part of the curriculum for primary school pupils, it appears that the performance levels of pupils from private primary schools are not up to par. This issue is of concern as it can have a negative impact on the overall development of these pupils, as sports play a crucial role in building physical fitness, team spirit, and confidence. The study therefore seeks to investigate the perceived factors affecting the performance of private primary school pupils in sports in Pankshin Local Government Area.

1.2       Statement of the Problem

The performance of private primary school pupils in sports in Pankshin Local Government Area has been a matter of concern to stakeholders in the education sector. Despite the efforts made by private primary schools to enhance sports activities, the performance of pupils in sports remains relatively low compared to other areas. The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived factors affecting the performance of private primary school pupils in sports in Pankshin Local Government Area. The study will examine the role of school facilities, teacher competence, parental support, and the attitude of pupils towards sports as possible factors influencing sports performance. Understanding these factors will provide insight into how private primary schools can improve sports performance among their pupils, leading to overall improvement in physical fitness, well-being, and academic performance.

1.3       Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this Study is to investigate the perceived factors affecting the performance of private primary school pupils in sports in Pankshin Local Government Area. The specific objectives of the study is to:

1. Examine the relevance of Sports to primary school pupils in Pankshin Local Government Area
2. Identify the factors affecting the performance of private primary school pupils in Sports in Pankshin Local Government Area
3. Assess the attitudes of the pupils and the teachers towards sporting activities.
4. Examine the perception of the school authorities towards Sports
5. Proffer ways of promoting Sport participation among private primary school pupils in Pankshin Local Government Area

1.4       Research Questions

1. What are the relevance of Sports to private primary school pupils in Pankshin Local Government Area?
2. What are the factors affecting the performance of private primary school pupils in Sports in Pankshin Local Government Area?
3. What are the attitudes of the pupils and the teachers towards sporting activities in Pankshin Local Government Area?
4. What are the perception of the school authorities towards Sports in Pankshin Local Government Area?
5. What are the ways of promoting Sport participation among private primary school pupils in Pankshin Local Government Area?

1.5       Scope of the Study

This study will be focused on investigating the factors affecting the performance of primary school pupils in Sports. The study will be confined to Private Primary Schools in Pankshin Local Government Area of Plateau State

1.6       Significance of the Study

The study on perceived factors affecting performance of private primary school pupils in sports in Pankshin Local Government Area has significant implications for various stakeholders, including pupils, parents, teachers, schools, sports organizations and researchers.

The study can benefit the pupils by identifying the factors that affect their sports performance. By understanding these factors, pupils can take necessary steps to improve their performance, such as improving their diet, training regimen, and time management. Furthermore, pupils can use this information to choose the right school that supports their sporting interests and offers the necessary facilities and training opportunities.

Parents can benefit from this study by understanding the factors that affect their child’s sports performance. By doing so, they can provide appropriate support, such as providing a balanced diet, encouraging regular exercise, and ensuring that their child attends a school with adequate sporting facilities.

The study can help teachers identify the factors that affect their pupils’ sports performance. Teachers can then tailor their teaching approach and provide additional support to help pupils improve their sports performance. This may involve organizing extra training sessions or offering nutritional advice.

The study can provide schools with valuable insights into the factors that affect their pupils’ sports performance. Schools can use this information to improve their sporting facilities and training programs to better support their pupils’ sporting interests. This may also help schools to attract and retain pupils who are passionate about sports.

The study can be beneficial to sports organizations by identifying the factors that affect the performance of private primary school pupils in sports. Sports organizations can use this information to design appropriate training programs and provide resources that can help improve the performance of young athletes.

 The study can be valuable to researchers in the field of sports education by providing insights into the factors that affect the performance of private primary school pupils in sports. This information can be used to develop more effective training programs, interventions, and policies that can improve sports performance among young athletes.

1.7       Operational Definition of Terms

Pupils: Refers to primary school pupils in private schools within Pankshin Local Government Area.

Sports: Refers to physical activities that involve a level of skill and are usually competitive in nature. These activities can be individual or team-based and can include games, athletics, and other physical activities.

Performance: Refers to the level of achievement or success of an individual in a particular activity or task. It can be measured in various ways, such as scores, grades, rankings, or feedback from coaches or teachers.

Sport performance: Refers to the level of achievement or success of individuals in sports activities. It includes various aspects such as skill, technique, tactics, physical fitness, and mental preparation.

Sports participation: Refers to the involvement of individuals in sports activities. It can include both formal and informal participation, such as playing in organized leagues, participating in school sports programs, or engaging in recreational activities.

Physical and Health Education: Refers to the education and instruction provided to individuals to develop their physical fitness, health, and well-being through physical activities and exercises.

Physical fitness: Refers to the ability of individuals to carry out daily activities and physical tasks with ease and without undue fatigue. It is often measured through various physical tests and assessments.

Sports competition: Refers to the organized and structured events in which individuals or teams compete against each other in sports activities. These competitions can be local, regional, national, or international in scope.