Athletic Departments Research Articles

Exercises for fitness in physical education classes at the Department of Athletics

Fitness is, first of all, a healthy way of life. Fitness is a person's response to the growth of life. The desire to be in shape is a natural desire, especially relevant now that illness and bad habits have become a real luxury. Fitness - a chance to change the quality of life without radicalism and excessive effort; the most perfect training system to date, which has absorbed all the most effective methods of "body education" (Medina EN 2000). There is no single and final definition of fitness. There is still a discrepancy even in the spelling of the word "fitness".
 The English language often uses the expression "To be fit", which can be translated as "to be in shape". In the textbook (Hawley ET, Franks BD 2000) "Health Fitness" you can read the following definition of different categories of fitness: general fitness - is the pursuit of optimal quality of life, including social, mental, spiritual and physical components. The term "positive health" is also used.
 Physical culture, being one of the facets of general culture, largely determines human behavior at work, in education, in everyday life, in communication. The development of physical culture and sports is one of the most important components of a strong social policy that can ensure the real implementation of humanistic ideals, values and norms, open a wide space for identifying people's abilities, meeting their interests and needs.
 Nowadays, sport has become more and more part of people's lives. Deep study of human physiology makes theoretical justifications in sports. Trainings are thought over so that they most organically fit into the general vital activity of a human body. Classes began not only to be guided by the principle of "do no harm", but also seeks to bring the greatest benefit to man. Probably, it is possible to notice that one of theoretically the most substantiated kinds of sports now becomes fitness. It should also be noted that fitness is a sport that, in addition to physical satisfaction, brings moral satisfaction.
 Nowadays, sport has become more and more part of people's lives. Deep study of human physiology makes theoretical justifications in sports. Trainings are thought over so that they most organically fit into the general vital activity of a human body. Classes began not only to be guided by the principle of "do no harm", but also seeks to bring the greatest benefit to man. Probably, it is possible to notice that one of theoretically the most substantiated kinds of sports now becomes fitness. It should also be noted that fitness is a sport that, in addition to physical satisfaction, brings moral satisfaction.

Social work in sport: Playmakers in the athletic arena

Summary An emerging area of social work practice is within sport and athletics. Due to the complex nature of sport and the diverse needs of sport participants, social workers are optimally positioned to be critical change agents. However, there is a lack of empirical research dedicated to exploring this unique area of practice. The current study explores the unique values, knowledge, and skills social workers use when working in sport, as well as describes the roles that social workers fulfill. Findings Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 social workers who work in youth sport, collegiate athletics, and professional sports. Their occupations ranged from psychotherapists to athletic counselors to coaches. Findings from the thematic analysis provide insight to the values, knowledge, and skills used in sport that social workers developed from their formal education. For instance, social workers, through their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion, are trained to take a strength-based, person-centered approach when working with individuals and teams. Applications Findings highlight the dynamic and diverse roles social workers fulfill as change agents who aim to enhance human wellbeing within a variety of sport systems and settings. Social workers not only work in collegiate athletic departments, but they also provide needed services to youth who are socially vulnerable through sport-based programming and strength-based coaching. The current study helps to not only advance the field of social work, but also advocates for social workers in sport settings. Ultimately, social work professionals are optimally positioned to be playmakers in the athletic arena.

An analysis of the rate of academic clustering and the types of majors chosen by divisions I, II, and III intercollegiate athletes

ABSTRACT While research has consistently shown that Division I athletes, especially those in revenue-producing sports, demonstrate a propensity to cluster into a limited number of academic majors [Fountain, J. J., & Finley, P. S. (2009). Academic majors of upperclassmen football players in the Atlantic coast Conference: An analysis of academic clustering comparing white and minority players. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 2, 1–13, Fountain, J. J., & Finley, P. S. (2011). Academic clustering: A longitudinal analysis of a Division I football program. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 4, 24–41; Sanders, J. P., & Hildenbrand, K. (2010). Major concerns? A longitudinal analysis of student-athletes’ academic majors in comparative perspective. Journal of Intercollegiate Sport, 3, 213–233. https://doi.org/10.1123/jis.3.2.213], there has been little research conducted pertaining to the academic choices of Division II and III athletes. This study compared the rate of academic clustering and the types of academic majors chosen by athletes from Divisions I, II, and III institutions. Academic majors of 3015 athletes participating in eight different intercollegiate sports across 39 institutions were obtained through athletics department websites. Results indicate that academic clustering was less frequent among Division III teams. Further, Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences with respect to the types of majors chosen based on level of competition, gender, and type of sport. Results are discussed in terms of NCAA policies designed to foster academic success and the NCAA's 2015 comprehensive GOALS study.

There is no nil in NIL: examining the social media value of student-athletes’ names, images, and likeness

ABSTRACT This research contributes to our understanding of the name, image, and likeness (NIL) value of student-athletes’ social media profiles. In Study 1, we scraped data from the Twitter (N f = 3,880; N b = 757) and Instagram (N f = 2,223; N b = 647) profiles of male collegiate-level football and basketball athletes. In Study 2, we scraped data from the Twitter (N = 1,058; posts = 20,978) and Instagram (N = 1,410; posts = 16,453) profiles of all student-athletes of four (two top-tier and two mid-tier) representative universities. Applying influencer marketing industry standard rates, the current research shows that student-athletes possess NIL value. Results further indicate student-athletes’ NIL value has a relationship with, but is not solely generated at, the institution level. Thus, this research contributes to student-athlete personal branding knowledge, and informs discussion around policy and industry practice related to student-athletes, university athletics departments, athletic conferences, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

Examining intercollegiate athletic department employees’ workplace behaviors using latent profile analysis

ABSTRACT Research examining workplace behaviors has increased over the last 20 years; however, much of this research within the sport context has looked at these issues using a variable-centered approach (e.g., examining work–life interface of mothers). This type of research is useful in describing how work behaviors manifest within specific populations. It does not, however, tell us about how the interaction of multiple variables impacts outcomes. Using social role theory as the guiding framework, the purpose of the study was to examine the presence of naturally occurring groups across a range of workplace behaviors within intercollegiate athletic department employees (N = 4,672) using latent profile analysis. Results indicate naturally occurring groups are present, and contrary to prior research, women were overrepresented in groups with lower levels of conflict (i.e., work–family and family–work) and underrepresented in groups with the higher levels of conflict, whereas men tended to be overrepresented in groups with higher levels of conflict and underrepresented in groups with lower levels of conflict. Further, both men and women with children were overrepresented in the profiles with higher levels of conflict. This work has important theoretical and practical implications for workplace behavior and organizational leadership.

An Examination of Relationship Selling Effectiveness in NCAA Division I Ticket Sales

Abstract: College athletics departments are making more money than ever and spending it even faster (Fulks, 2017). As athletics departments look to increase their individual schools’ revenue year-to-year, ticket sales stands out as one of the only revenue streams without a long term contract. The current study examined the effect of relationship selling on several purchase behaviors in Division I college football. A study of over 90 FBS schools concluded the factor of customer disclosure predicted all football-related purchase behaviors, while interaction intensity was found as a non-predictor or even negative predictor. Cooperative intentions predicted some but not all behaviors. Cross-selling behaviors were uniquely predicted by agent disclosure , which did not predict any other outcomes, suggesting that while relationship selling may have a positive effect on the bottom line, not all factors are positive. Additionally, findings suggest positive selling relationships appear differently, cross-selling the customer to another sport.

Proper background checks reduce risks for everyone involved in hiring process

When you need to fill an opening in your busy athletics department, you're likely focused on getting that seemingly ideal new candidate on board as quickly as possible to lighten the load for your overworked staff.

Sexual minorities in intercollegiate athletics: religion, team culture and acceptance

The role of religious identity has been explored as an important element of self-identity for many individuals. Organized religions are also often recognized as unwelcoming environments for sexual minorities and religious identity can be a source of severe internalized conflict for those that identify as sexual minorities. The purpose of this study was to examine how sexual minority intercollegiate athletic participants are viewed within the intersection of their religious and sexual identities utilizing the social categorization framework. Through phenomenological methodology and semi-structured interviews, 20 individuals (11 student-athletes, three coaches, six support staff members) of various sexual identities within an athletic department agreed to participate in this study. The data revealed three themes: religion, team culture, and acceptance. Ultimately, the present study seeks to assist in promoting queer-inclusive climates for student-athletes.

A - 06 Collegiate Student-Athlete Experiences with COVID-19 and Attitudes About Returning to Sport

ObjectiveWhen COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, collegiate athletic departments faced the difficult decision to postpone or cancel sport activities. Aside from concerns of virus transmission, disruptions in sport impacted student-athletes broadly. This study aimed to investigate athletes’ experiences during the pandemic toward developing a better understanding of athletes’ attitudes about the virus and returning to sport.MethodsParticipants included 245 varsity student-athletes across NCAA sports and divisions who voluntarily completed an online survey between August and October 2020.ResultsA positive COVID-19 result during the pandemic was reported by 1 in 4 athletes. Mental health, cancelled seasons, and academic progress were rated the top three COVID-related concerns. Declines in physical fitness were reported by 50% of participants and change in weight was reported by 45%. While agreement that their athletic department was taking COVID-19 seriously was endorsed by 78% of athletes, 26% believed the proposed safety procedures lacked feasibility. Concern about speaking up if the procedures were not followed was endorsed by 79% of athletes. Of the participants, 88% agreed that they have a social responsibility to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Only 44% worried about being exposed to the virus during sport participation. Comfort returning to sport immediately was endorsed by 70% of student-athletes. Just over half said they would get vaccinated if the vaccine became available.ConclusionsStudent-athletes have been affected by the pandemic in several ways. It is evident that athletes are concerned about the pandemic’s impact on mental and physical health and are eager to return to sport.

Statements Versus Reality: How Multiple Stakeholders Perpetuate Racial Inequality in Intercollegiate Athletic Leadership

The lack of racial diversity, equity, and inclusion in leadership positions is an ongoing issue in intercollegiate athletics. The purpose of this study was to analyze the mission, vision, and diversity, equity, and inclusion statements of Power 5 athletic departments and their affiliated universities regarding racial diversity and inclusion to better understand how these two stakeholders work in unison or isolation when creating racially diverse environments. The authors utilized an innovative lens, which merges critical race theory with institutional theory to center race and racism while evaluating how these institutional logics interact in practice. The data show that Power 5 institutions maintain a lack of racial diversity through cultures and mission statements that omit diverse values, create symbolic statements, or lack meaning in creating a diverse reality.

Stakeholder status in the identification, prioritization and management of college athletic donors

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine how athletic fundraising managers perceive status and seek to use status to identify, prioritize and manage stakeholders within college athletics.Design/methodology/approachTo test this purpose, the researchers use the Gioia methodology to interview 19 college athletic department fundraising officers within National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) institutions. Following interviews, the data were analyzed by the researchers and structured within a first-order and second-order concept designation.FindingsInterviews show that status is an effective concept for explaining how athletic fundraisers identify and prioritize donors. Officers relied on economic (capacity) and social (passion and interest) factors to rank order donors. The results also show that athletic departments use status to manage stakeholders by rewarding their giving and escalating their commitment. Status is used in four strategies to manage the donor hierarchy: benefits, recognition, membership and access. Each strategy highlighted exclusivity and rank order.Originality/valueThere is a need to empirically test the application of status within the stakeholder theory context. These findings also contribute to the evolution of stakeholder management beyond the use of social identity theory or stakeholder salience. It helps our understanding of the evolving relationship between fundraiser and donor by recognizing the importance of capacity, passion and interests when identifying and prioritizing donors. Further, status-markers such as exclusive benefits, recognition, membership and access can be used to manage donors toward the organization's goals.

Know how to manage personnel issues in the aftermath of COVID‐19

College athletics departments, like so many employers, have learned how to adapt and continue to operate in a world dominated by COVID‐19. Initially, departments dealt with the cancellation of tournaments, championships, and seasons in the spring of 2020, which required focused effort, coordination, and immediate action.

학교운동부지도자 무기 계약직 전환 인식과 처우개선 방안

The purpose of this research was to suggest the perception and improvement measures for the non-fixed term transition of the school athletic leaders. The seven school athletic leaders in areas that have been changed to non-fixed term with sufficient information suitable for the purpose of the study by research methods were subjected to the purposeful sampling and data collection through an in-depth interview was mainly done. The collected in-depth interview data was repeatedly read to analyze areas where meanings are classified and categorized, and taxonomic analysis to systematically find the attributes according to meanings. The results of these methods and procedures are as follows. First, the perception of the transition of non-fixed term of the school athletic leaders has been partially resolved from the stress of the renewal contract, and they have been able to guide students steadily away from the pressure of the grades, and the manager''s power tripping, such as unreasonable administrative pressure, exercise of authority using hierarchy, disparaging remarks, and defamation of character, were gradually improved through communication. Negative aspects included a drop in pay. The salary has been lowered by about 500,000 won from 2.1 million won to 1.64 million won in basic salary, and only because it has become a full-time worker, it controls and restricts the methods of preserving salaries such as development funds and beneficiary burdens. As a result, they feel a sense of loss and skepticism, and even have difficulty maintaining a living. This means that the school athletic department is not trying to secure transparency in its operation, but rather it can proceed negatively. Second, improvements should raise the reduced salary that fall short of the minimum wage, improve the difference in basic salary according to the types, and re-implement the beneficiary burden that had been implemented before full-time employment by means of subsidizing benefits through school accounting in accordance with the legal procedures. Similarly, they voiced that afterschool activities that had been carried out before full-time jobs should be actively utilized through communication and agreement, not unilateral control and restriction. Another improvement was hoped to improve insufficient treatment by introducing the salary step system and certification allowance, as did teachers and education officials currently working with school athletic leaders. In conclusion, although the transition of school athletic leaders to full-time positions is being made nationwide, there are still many problems to be supplemented such as improvement of treatment and change of perception. Through communication and understanding between each other, we hope that measures will be established systematically to improve practical treatment. Recently, sports officials have voiced concerns that the school athletic department will shrink if they follow the recommendations made by the Sports Innovation Committee. We hope that realistic policy measures will be established and implemented so that elite and leisure sports can be harmonized and developed by listening to the voice of the field.

대학운동부 운영규정 분석 및 개선방안 연구

This study analyzes the operational regulations of the University Sports Department and proposes improvements. To achieve this goal, the study analyzed the management regulations of the University Athletic Department and the management regulations of sport-specialty student for 117 member universities of the University Sports Council. First, in the case of the university athletic department operating regulations, the independent university athletic department operating regulations need to be established, the deliberation standards of the university athletic department''s operating regulations and the operating edicts need to be systematized, and admission/selection system of the university athlete needs to be reseted. Second, in the case of the sport-specialty student management regulations, the sport-specialty student management regulations need to be made one, and a rearrange of the athlete registration regulations of sports department on sport-specialty student requires, and new management articles for sport-specialty student are required. In particular, new rules for the management of sport-specialty student need to include the articles on qualification restriction and discipline of violations of sports human rights, welfare improvements for sport-specialty student, sports human rights education on athletes and coaches, and increased status and professionalism for coaches.

Reciprocal and non-reciprocal employee–organization relationship: The mediating roles of felt obligation and workplace familism among collegiate coaches

This study examined coaches’ perceived organizational support (POS) on their affective commitment and turnover intention and the role played by felt obligation (a reciprocal exchange) and workplace familism (a non-reciprocal exchange) on these work-related outcomes. Based on the stratified random sampling, a total of 333 full-time head coaches employed in athletic departments affiliated with the NCAA responded to a web-based survey. Results indicated that POS was positively associated with workplace familism and felt obligation, but it did not directly predict affective commitment. POS, felt obligation, and workplace familism collectively predicted 78.1% of the variances in affective commitment. Workplace familism and affective commitment were negatively associated with turnover intention, while felt obligation was not directly associated with turnover intention. The mediated effect of felt obligation and workplace familism reveals that both types of reciprocal and non-reciprocal exchanges matter for coaches. Although, when compared, the influence of workplace familism was stronger than felt obligation. The findings of this study provide a better understanding of how POS affects positive work-related outcomes in the context of collegiate athletics and offer practical implications for athletic programs to develop the senses of felt-obligation and work familism, which lead to better employee-organization relationship.

The experiences of social workers in NCAA Division I athletic departments

ABSTRACT There has been increased attention to mental health programing in collegiate athletics. Social workers are one type of professional that can provide mental health care in the collegiate athletics, but there is limited research on social work practice in a sport setting. Thus, the purpose of this research was to explore the experiences of licensed social workers in a college sport setting. The thematic analysis of interviews with nine social workers produced four themes: (a) in-milieu work; (b) athletic performance; (c) misconceptions; and (d) indirect career path. The findings suggest that in-milieu style work helped social workers build positive relationships with other staff members. However, there was also a misunderstanding of the social workers’ role and no direct career path. Furthermore, the social workers discussed doing some type of performance enhancement work. These results have implications both for programing decisions by athletic departments and also for the social work profession.

#Gramming Gender: The Cognizance of Equality on Instagram Accounts of Prominent NCAA Athletic Departments

Under the federally mandated Title IX, NCAA athletic departments are directed to offer balanced promotional and informational coverage between men’s and women’s sports. This study examines how gender is represented in photographs on the Instagram accounts of prominent NCAA athletic departments. Findings indicate mixed results: female athletes, when showcased, receive similar promotional efforts to their male peers; their athleticism is highlighted; and fan engagement metrics are as high as male sports. However, female athletic achievements are overwhelmingly underrepresented, suggesting equality is still deficient.

To Play or Not to Play: The 1942 College Football Discontinuance Controversy at Mississippi State College

Abstract This article examines the 1942 attempt by the trustees to discontinue the Athletics Department, especially the football program, at Mississippi State College. Sources include archival records of the correspondence between college officials, as well as student publications, newspapers, trustee board minutes, and state legislature records. The trustees expressed doubts that football could remain financially self-sustaining during World War II. The paper argues that Mississippi State’s president and Athletic Department employees convinced the trustees that college football should be played during 1942 since it could remain self-sustaining and would make positive contributions to the war effort. This debate in college sport history provides an example of how college administrators successfully retained institutional autonomy by justifying college sport through its educational value when faced with the ethical dilemma of whether to maintain athletics during World War II.

Cultural and environmental associations with body image, diet and well-being in NCAA DI female distance runners: a qualitative analysis

ObjectiveWe aimed to describe current and former National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division One (DI) female distance runners’ experiences of perceived norms of body image and disordered eating in their...

There Is No Nil in NIL: Examining the Social Media Value of Student-Athletes’ Names, Images, and Likeness

This research contributes to our understanding of the name, image, and likeness (NIL) value of student-athletes’ social media profiles. In Study 1, we scraped data from the Twitter (Nf = 3,880; Nb =757) and Instagram (Nf = 2,223; Nb = 647) profiles of male collegiate-level football and basketball athletes. In Study 2, we scraped data from the Twitter (N =1,058; posts = 20,978) and Instagram (N = 1,410; posts = 16,453) profiles of all student-athletes of four (two top-tier and two mid-tier) representative universities. Applying influencer marketing industry standard rates, the current research shows that student-athletes possess NIL value. Results further indicate student-athletes’ NIL value has a relationship with, but is not solely generated at, the institution level. Thus, this research contributes to student-athlete personal branding knowledge and informs discussion around policy and industry practice related to student-athletes, university athletics departments, athletic conferences, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).