The KUSF and the NCAA: a comparative study of national collegiate sport organizations' academic policies

Abstract

The purpose of this comparative study was to investigate and compare the academic policies of the Korean University Sport Federation (KUSF) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). A qualitative, multiple case study design was utilized for this study. Specifically, in-depth interviews were completed with current South Korean (N = 3) and US (N = 3) college women's tennis players to understand their experiences and perceptions linked to the KUSF's and NCAA’s academic policies. A total of three distinct themes emerged with US student-athletes: (a) academic advisor involvement, (b) academic regulations, and (c) study hall. One theme emerged with South Korean student-athletes: absence of academic support. The results of this study provide practical insights to administrators of South Korean intercollegiate athletics regarding their academic policies.