Participation In Intramural Sports Research Articles

Distinguishing Participants and Non-Participants in Campus Recreation: The Roles of Knowledge and Motivations

The purpose of this study was to explore how students’ knowledge of campus recreation opportunities and their general physical activity (PA) motivations were associated with participation or non-participation in intramural sports, drop-in sports, and the fitness center. Data were collected using a questionnaire from undergraduate students (N = 348) at a large university in Ontario, Canada. Data were analyzed using logistic regression. Knowledge of opportunities was positively associated with participation in all three campus recreation activities. A desire to enhance the university experience was positively associated with intramurals and drop-in sports. Additionally, a desire to be fit through PA was negatively associated with drop-in sports. In addition to increasing students’ knowledge of opportunities, recreation professionals are encouraged to identify and promote the unique aspects of the campus recreation experience, such as its ability to enhance the university experience, in order to stimulate participation through differentiation from off-campus recreation experiences.

Exploring first-generation college students’ leadership behaviors and actions during intramural sports.

College graduates need to have specific leadership-related skills, behaviors, and traits when entering the workforce. Campus involvement is one way for students to develop such areas. Therefore, this qualitative study explored the self-reported leadership skills of first-generation college students who were actively participating in intramural sports. Twelve students from a 4-year public university in the Northeast were interviewed about the research-driven photographs they submitted depicting leadership skills they engaged in during intramural sports participation. Photograph captions and interviews were analyzed using Kouzes and Posner’s (2014) leadership model. Findings revealed that students reported engaging in behaviors and actions aligned with the leadership practices described by Kouzes and Posner (2014). These findings can help inform the decisions campus recreation professionals make about the role leadership development plays in program offerings.

Club and Intramural Sports Participation and College Student Academic Success

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the relationship between university club and intramural sports participation and student grades via the American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (NCHA) survey, while controlling for confounding variables. Data were obtained from the NCHA for the fall 2008, spring 2009, fall 2009, and fall 2010 time periods. The original sample included 178,091 respondents. After inclusion and exclusion criteria, the final analytic sample included 85,316 respondents. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the role of participation in club and/or intramural sports on self-reported grade averages. Analyses were adjusted for significant covariates that have been identified as potentially impacting academic success. In general, sport participants were more likely to report higher grade averages than nonparticipants. The strongest relationships were found for participants of club sports. Future research should investigate relationships between club and intramural sports and other indicators of academic success.

Retention and Academic Success of First-Year Student-Athletes and Intramural Sports Participants

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the relationship of intramural sports and Division III athletic participation to retention and academic success in first-year college students. A first-year student cohort ( n = 568) was grouped into four categories: no participation, student-athlete, intramural participant, and participant in both. There was no statistically significant difference in academic success among the participant groups, F(6, 1084) = .626, p = .710. Both the student-athlete and intramural participant groups were retained at a higher rate than the no participation group, 4.65% and 10.48%, respectively. Of the 46 student-athletes who discontinued playing varsity sports, only 17 remained at the institution. This investigation supports that intramural sports and Division III varsity athletic participation does not negatively affect grade point average and credit hours earned in first-year students, while demonstrating a positive relationship with retention. The results also highlight the need for intentional intervention and research related to the disengaged student-athlete.

Academic Success and 1 Year of Intramural Sports Participation by Freshmen Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in academic indicators among intramural sports participants and nonparticipants following their first year of college. Matched samples ( N = 1,796; 898 pairs) were generated based on demographic variables. Data were obtained from university databases. Paired sample t tests and logistic regression were used to assess differences between participants and nonparticipants. First-semester and first-year grade point average were significantly higher ( p < .001) for participants than nonparticipants. First-semester and first-year credit difference were significantly lower ( p < .001) for intramural sports participants than nonparticipants. Participants were more than twice as likely to be retained than nonparticipants and 40% more likely to achieve sophomore status. Results suggest that freshmen students participating in intramural sports during their first year of college achieve greater academic success than nonparticipants.

Impact of the Social Benefits of Intramural Sports on Korean Students’ Quality of College Life and Loyalty: A Comparison Between Lowerclassmen and Upperclassmen

Participation in intramural sports plays an important role in the lives of university students. To understand the impact of intramural sports on university students, this study proposed a research model to investigate the relationships between social benefits of intramural sports, quality of college life, and students’ loyalty toward the university. Also, the differences in the effects of intramural sports’ social benefits on quality of college life and student loyalty between lowerclassmen and upperclassmen groups were compared. In this study, the lowerclassmen refer to freshmen and sophomores, and upperclassmen are including juniors and seniors in the university. Students at a large university located in Seoul, Korea (N = 296) completed a questionnaire immediately following their participation in intramural sports. The results found that the perceived social benefits of intramural sports had a positive influence on students’ quality of college life, which in turn, had a positive impact on their loyalty toward the university. However, the relationship between the social benefits of intramural sports and loyalty was not found. Moreover, the results of the multi-group analysis revealed the significant difference between lowerclassmen and upperclassmen. Particularly, impacts of intramural sports’ social benefits on the quality of college life and loyalty are stronger for upperclassmen. The findings suggest that university administrators should offer various intramural sports programs and services to satisfy students’ need and further enhance their loyalty toward the university.

Leisure Constraints to Participation in Competitive Activities and Intramural Sports: Comparing International and Domestic Students

Leisure Constraints to Participation in Competitive Activities and Intramural Sports: Comparing International and Domestic Students

Leisure Constraints to Participation in Competitive Activities and Intramural Sports: Comparing International and Domestic Students

The continuous increase in enrollment of international collegiate students into higher education highlights the importance of assessing diverse leisure opportunities that meet the needs of a diverse student population. The current study assessed the influence of leisure constraints on intramural and competitive sport participation rates between domestic and international students. A total of 273 participants were included for analysis (196 domestic students & 77 international students). International students were observed to have significantly higher intrapersonal and structural leisure constraints to participate in intramural sports, while domestic students had significantly lower leisure constraints. Implications of the study’s findings are discussed to include unique programming strategies for recreation and university administrators.

Association between Collegiate Recreational Sports Involvement and Undergraduate Student Retention

This study examined the association between collegiate recreational sports (CRS) involvement and undergraduate retention rates after 1, 2, and 3 years of study at a midsized Canadian university. Astin's theory of involvement and Tinto's inter-actionist theory of student departure provided the conceptual underpinnings for the study. The results of the study indicated a significant association between CRS employment, or participation in intramural sports, with retention when compared to the broader student population that were not participating in intramural sports nor employed by the CRS department. These findings will assist recreation directors and program staff to ensure that the value of recreational activities for all students and the leadership opportunities provided through staffing programs and recreational facilities with students continues to be seen as important to university administrators.

Importance of Bonding in Middle School Intramural Sports Participation: Psychosocial Outcomes Based on Gender and Grade-Level Differences

This study aimed to measure perceived psychosocial outcomes of middle school intramural participants in psychological development, social development, and school connectedness and to identify differences between gender and grade level. One hundred four middle school students were surveyed via a modified version of the Social Outcomes questionnaire. Data revealed that students perceived the highest degrees of outcomes in the areas of bonding with teammates, improving ability to work with a team, and increased feelings of belonging at school. ANOVAs and t tests showed whether there were significant differences between groups based on grade level. No differences were found based on gender. Results from this exploratory study support the importance of providing inclusive intramural programs for middle school students that enhance not only physical health, but also psychological and social health. Subscribe to TPE

“It Made Me Want to be that Spark”: A Case Study of the Experiences of College Student Group Exercise Instructors

While recent research has focused on leadership and development in collegiate club and intramural sports participants, many of the findings and suggestions may be deemed applicable to student roles within college fitness and group exercise programs. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to learn about the leadership experiences, motivations, benefits, and perceived limitations to group fitness instruction for students at a small, private, Mid-Atlantic university, and to discover potential influences of these experiences on the overall collegiate experience. The researcher was interested in insights of both current and recently graduated students who serve as group fitness instructors at their college. The researcher interviewed eight participants from one institution selected through convenience sampling. While this study used a small sample from one institution, interviewee responses were consistent, relevant, and may be expanded upon in future research. Participants reported that they improved leadership skills, public speaking, conflict resolution, and developed a campus identity as a result of teaching group exercise. The majority of the participants had not considered the benefits of their experiences in terms of professional development, and relationship building before their participation in the study. These findings demonstrate that campus recreation departments need to provide evidence to students and university administration that their programs not only provide enjoyment and health benefits for participants, but also a litany of “soft skills” and professional experiences that employers will look for after graduation.

Academic Success And One-Year Of Intramural Sports Participation By Freshmen Students

Academic Success And One-Year Of Intramural Sports Participation By Freshmen Students

State police officer sleep patterns and fast food consumption

This study provides one of the first assessments of sleep patterns and fast food consumption among a sample of State police officers. Amounts of sleep and fast food consumed and the predictors of such are identified. Data are collected from surveys of all sworn members of one State police agency. State police officers get less than the recommended amount of sleep and eat an average of four fast food meals weekly. Significant predictors of sleep include participation in intramural sports, health self-assessment, higher consumption of stimulant drinks and shift worked. Predictors of fast food consumption are age, health self-assessment and higher consumption of stimulant drinks. This is the first study to focus on State police sleep and diet with an emphasis on identifying correlates of both. By identifying the predictors of officer sleep and fast food consumption the researchers are able to make several law enforcement policy recommendations that may improve officer health and wellness, and subsequently, officer performance.

Examining the Relationship between Intramural Sports Participation and Sense of Community among College Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between intramural sports participation and sense of community among college students. Study participants ( n = 250) completed the Sense of Community Index-2 (SCI-2) (Chavis, Lee, & Acosta, 2008) measuring four factors that contribute to one's sense of community (SOC): membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection (McMillan & Chavis, 1986). Regression analysis was used to test for significant predictors of sense of community, including length of intramural sports participation, frequency of intramural sports participation, campus classification, and service as a team captain. Results indicated that under class students experience greater levels of overall SOC and students who participated longer in intramural sports experienced higher levels of SOC. Suggestions based upon the results of the study are also presented, regarding intramural sports marketing, programming, and retention.

Affective Outcomes of Intramural Sport Participation

Participation in collegiate intramural sports provides numerous, positive psychological benefits for its participants. Benefits of participation in intramural programs include improved happiness and subjective well-being which can be operationalized as one's positive affective state. The purpose of this study was to determine the affective outcomes (positive and negative affect) of intramural sport participation in a collegiate setting. Students at a Canadian university ( N = 315) completed a questionnaire immediately following their participation in an intramural sport. Overall, and across all demographic variables, participants reported significantly higher levels of positive affect than negative affect, even for all levels of task- or ego-orientation (low, medium, and high). A MANOVA revealed significant differences between the three levels of task-orientation on positive affect but not negative affect. These results are promising indicators of students' continued sport participation on campus and later in life as intramural sport participants report experiencing significantly more positive affect than negative affect.

A Comparison of Sport Commitment in Female-Only Versus Co-Recreational Intramural Basketball Leagues

Although there are a variety of positive benefits of collegiate intramural sports participation, female participation remains low in comparison with male participation. Discovering more about the feelings women have toward intramural sports may improve strategies for their recruitment and retention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate female students' commitment to intramural sports participation to determine whether an all-female league might foster greater levels of sport commitment than a corecreational league. Participants were 109 women from either an all-female (n = 53) or corecreational (n = 56) intramural basketball league who were asked to complete the Sport Commitment Model (SCM). The SCM measures constructs of Sport Commitment, Sport Enjoyment, Personal Investments, Social Constraints, Involvement Opportunities, Involvement Alternatives, and Social Support. Participants were recruited for a three-week period toward the end of the regular basketball season. Mean scores for constructs indicated that both groups were highly committed to intramural participation, indicating that sports had perceived value. Paired samples t tests found no significant differences on subscale scores between groups except for the Sport Commitment subscale, where female-only participants had significantly higher levels of Sport Commitment, t (53) = 2.10, p = .04. Female-only groups may develop greater connectedness among teammates in addition to recognizing the need for commitment throughout the season. Further analysis and recommendations for future research into women's participation in intramural sports are discussed to build upon the limited body of knowledge that exists.

A Comparison of Sport Commitment in Female-Only versus Co-Recreational Intramural Basketball Leagues

Although there are a variety of positive benefits of collegiate intramural sports participation, female participation remains low in comparison with male participation. Discovering more about the feelings women have toward intramural sports may improve strategies for their recruitment and retention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate female students' commitment to intramural sports participation to determine whether an all-female league might foster greater levels of sport commitment than a corecreational league. Participants were 109 women from either an all-female ( n = 53) or corecreational ( n = 56) intramural basketball league who were asked to complete the Sport Commitment Model (SCM). The SCM measures constructs of Sport Commitment, Sport Enjoyment, Personal Investments, Social Constraints, Involvement Opportunities, Involvement Alternatives, and Social Support. Participants were recruited for a three-week period toward the end of the regular basketball season. Mean scores for constructs indicated that both groups were highly committed to intramural participation, indicating that sports had perceived value. Paired samples t tests found no significant differences on subscale scores between groups except for the Sport Commitment subscale, where female-only participants had significantly higher levels of Sport Commitment, t (53) = 2.10, p = .04. Female-only groups may develop greater connectedness among teammates in addition to recognizing the need for commitment throughout the season. Further analysis and recommendations for future research into women's participation in intramural sports are discussed to build upon the limited body of knowledge that exists.

Collegiate Intramural Sports Participation: Identified Social Outcomes

Collegiate Intramural Sports Participation: Identified Social Outcomes

Persistence Factors for Black Males in the Community College: An Examination of Background, Academic, Social, and Environmental Variables

The primary goal of this study was to identify variables predictive of first-year persistence among Black male students enrolled in community colleges. Specifically, this study explored persistence variables in four domains: 1) background/defining variables, 2) academic variables, 3) social variables, and 4) environmental variables. Data used in this study were derived from the Education Longitudinal Study from Black males in public two-year colleges. Hierarchical logistic regression analyses indicated that participation in intramural sports, extracurricular activities, talking with faculty, study habits, hours worked per week, supporting others, and life stress were predictive of persistence. In all, findings indicated environmental variables were substantially more predictive of persistence than variables in other domains. Implications for practice and future research are extended.

A Comparison of Constraints to Participation in Intramural Sports between International and Noninternational Students

This study investigated if international students face unique interpersonal, intrapersonal, and structural constraints to participation in intramural sports. Surveys were collected from 292 participants, with proportionate representation of international and noninternational students when compared with the broader university population. Results demonstrated that international students who have participated in intramural sports experience significantly higher interpersonal and intrapersonal constraints when compared with noninternational students who also have participated in intramural sports. There were no significant differences in the three types of constraints between international vs. noninternational students who have not participated in intramural sports. It was concluded that campus recreation and international student service departments at universities need to collaborate to foster awareness, promote the benefits of participation, and assist international students in overcoming these constraints to participating in intramural sports.