Abstract
Currently, there is debate regarding the role of organized sports and whether or not sport involvement is a protective factor against drug and alcohol use and whether or not it is a predictor of future academic success. The findings in this study indicated that of the youth participants, 46 reported that sports involvement helped them stay away from drug and alcohol use. Of the adult participants, 37 reported a belief that sports involvement prevents youth drug and alcohol use. Adult participants agreed that youth grades are positively influenced by sports involvement. The data found would support advocating for youth sports involvement. In a clinical setting, data would support consideration of individualized intervention prevention and treatment approaches when working with at- risk youth.