how can inter-scholastic sports activities impede academic progress?

Answer 1

In any number of ways: students are too tired to get their work done, or too amped up before a game or after to get work done, or they're spending too much time in practice and training to get work done, or they're in a sport where they have to watch their weight and don't have the mental focus because they're hungry to get work done. While sports are a good thing, and you learn a lot and stay healthy, you also need to remember that they are an EXTRA-curricular activity, and should not hamper your curricular activity.

Answer 2

Well, see the answers above.

But on the flip side, some students say that they get higher grades when they are participating in sports activities. Why? Because they don't end up wasting their time when they have any of it. They also have to learn and use time management skills. So sports activities may increase a student's academic progress as well.

Answer 3

Same way as any extracurricular activity - the more time they spend exercising, practicing or playing, the less time they can spend on studying or homework. Although if they have enough time to do that and have spare time on their hands, then inter-scholastic sports is a better way of spending it than running the streets.