Determining the Relationship Between the Suspension Rates of Athletes and NonAthletes
Brian Patrick Layman
May 2002
The purpose of this study was to determine if any differences exist in the rates of
suspension between athletes and non-athletes enrolled in a public suburban/urban high
school. This was a descriptive study of the casual-comparative type examining the
suspension rates of athletes and non-athletes enrolled in a high school during the fall
2001 semester. A chi-square was used to analyze the data from all the suspensions which
took place during the semester. An examination of the data determined that there was a
significant difference (probability < .001) in the suspension rates. Athletes were
suspended less than non-athletes beyond a reasonable chance. Possible causes for these
findings are suggested, and areas for future research are proposed.