Dr. Ryan Flett, assistant professor, Athletic Coaching Education, was recently awarded a grant from The Association for Applied Sport Psychology. The AASP grant will provide funding for a pilot study examining the perspectives of school decision makers in Monongalia County, such as athletic directors and higher-administration, regarding the role that student-athletes can have in reducing bullying and facilitating a positive school environment.
Flett focused on positive youth development (PYD) through sport in underserved settings during his doctorate and hopes this study will be an effective pilot for an exciting line of research. Since beginning his work in the department of Coaching and Teaching Studies, his focus has shifted from youth development in underserved settings to PYD in the school setting.
According to Flett, the AASP has a strong reputation for supporting young researchers, applied projects and funding start-up research. “CPASS also provides very strong support for faculty’s pilot projects,” Flett added.
The goal, ultimately, is to develop action-research interventions with “teams” of student – athlete leaders in each county high school. By helping athletes to transfer what they learn through sport into positive life skills, they will become proactive leaders within their school community. It is a widely upheld belief that student athletes are especially influential in high school and middle schools. By teaching student-athletes how to set a proper example and develop interventions, bullying could ultimately be reduced throughout high schools.