AUSTIN — State Board of Education members Friday postponed until January a final vote on a plan that would give high school athletes twice as much credit toward graduation.

Although a solid majority of board members still support the plan, Chairman Don McLeroy recommended that final action be delayed so that the panel could consider other possible changes in high school graduation requirements at the same time.

“There in no rush to do this,” said Mr. McLeroy, R-College Station, one of 10 members who supported the proposal in an initial vote on Wednesday. “I think it would be wise to revisit this again when we consider other graduation requirements at our January meeting.”

The five board members who voted against the proposal earlier this week welcomed the delay, saying that other areas besides sports should be looked at before the board approves changes.

Under the plan, student athletes would be allowed to receive up to four years of credit toward graduation for participation in sports — twice as much as currently allowed. Students now can get a maximum of 2 credits, with a credit equal to one year in course.

Board members approved the postponement by a vote of 10-5.