Jonathan M. Casper

School sport policy and school-based physical activity environments and their association with observed physical activity in middle school children

Empirical research on the effects of school sport policies on childrens physical activity is limited. This study examined sport policies (intramural vs. varsity), physical settings within schools, and supervision in relation to physical activity using the System for Observing Play and Leisure in Youth (SOPLAY). Data were collected on physical activity levels of children in four middle schools. Regression analyses assessed the main effects of sport policy, type of physical activity setting, and supervision as well as interactions. Regression models were stratified by gender. Children in intramural schools were more likely to use indoor spaces and be boys. Regression models indicated that varsity sport programs were associated with lower physical activity levels among boys but not girls. Significant associations between type of physical activity settings and physical activity levels were observed only for boys. Adult supervision was not associated with childrens physical activity levels. Finally, descriptive results showed athletic facilities were under-utilized in all schools.

Sport Fan Team Identification Formation in Mid-Level Professional Sport

Abstract Team identification, the degree to which an individual feels psychologically linked to a team, has been a focal point in studies of sport fans and sport spectatorship (e.g. Fink et al., 2002; Jones, 1997; Wann & Branscombe, 1993; Wann & Dolan, 1994; Wann & Schrader, 1997). Although the development of team identification has been examined extensively in established sport markets, the purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between sport fan team identification and motivations for initially becoming a fan of a new mid-level professional sport in a new market. A convenience sample of spectators (N=351) at an American Arena Football League (AFL) game completed a survey designed to identify and measure this relationship. A simultaneous multiple regression analysis revealed significant and positive predictive value for team identification from the following reasons for becoming a fan: parents and/or family (β=.125, p<.05), born and/or live in area (β=.210, p<.001), players and/or coaches (β=.411, p<.001), and tailgating and party atmosphere (β=.123, p<.05). The results have practical marketing implications for mid-level professional sport franchises (i.e. Womens National Basketball Association, NFL-Europe, Major League Soccer) and highlight the need for additional research across the professional sport spectrum, as franchises in these leagues struggle for market share against competing sport and entertainment options.

School Sport Participation Under Two School Sport Policies: Comparisons by Race/Ethnicity, Gender, and Socioeconomic Status

BackgroundSchool-based extracurricular sport remains an effective strategy to increase physical activity. However, school sport is often limited to a small number of elite athletes. Few schools provide more inclusive sport programs that offer a wider array of activities regardless of ability.PurposeThe aim of this study was to examine school sport participation in middle schools (ages 11–14) with contrasting school sport delivery strategies (intramural vs. interscholastic).MethodsData were obtained through an online survey administered to students at four public middle schools (grades 6–8) in a southeastern US city (n = 2,582).ResultsMore students participated in school sports at intramural schools. Boys were more likely to participate in after-school sports at intramural schools. Low-income and Black children, two groups at greater risk of physical inactivity and other negative outcomes, had greater participation in intramural programs.ConclusionsAfter-school intramural sports in middle school is a promising strategy for increasing sport participation.

Sport Commitment, Participation Frequency and Purchase Intention Segmentation based on Age, Gender, Income and Skill Level with US Tennis Participants

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine how demographic market segments differ based on three constructs: commitment to the sport, participation frequency and purchase intention. Data were gathered via a web-based questionnaire from community tennis association members (N=537). Significant differences were found with sport commitment based on age; participation frequency significantly differed based on ability level; purchase intention significantly differed based on income and ability level. Theoretical implications are discussed and practical implications are forwarded.

Measurement Properties of Constraints to Sport Participation: A Psychometric Examination with Adolescents

Constraint are a major focus of theoretical and empirical study in leisure research. However, analyses of psychometric properties of constraints measures are rare. This study assessed the factor structure and invariance of a leisure constraints measure applied to sport participation among middle school adolescents (ages 11 to 15 years old) using panel data over two time periods nine months apart (N = 2,029). We compared the validity of three baseline models: a theoretical 3-factor model, a 7-factor model, and a second-order factor model. The 7-factor model exhibited a more appropriate measurement model based on fit indices and statistical comparisons. Using the 7-factor model, construct validity and invariance of the model over time (Time 1 and Time 2) was examined by gender, grade level, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. The model was found to be invariant at the factor loading and intercept levels, while there was some evidence of non-invariance at further constrained levels. In general, the 7-factor model appeared to be psychometrically stable and applicable over a range of demographic subgroups, lending evidence to its use as a measure in leisure or sport participation constraint studies that involve socio-demographic comparisons. The findings suggest that while the theoretical structure may be effective in simplifying constraint categories, a more detailed specification using subfactors of the dimensions is better for measurement.

Perceptions of constraints to leisure time physical activity among Latinos in Wake County, North Carolina.

Purpose. Examine and compare constraints to physical activity (PA) among Latinos based on age, gender, income, and self-reported leisure time PA (LTPA). Design. Cross-sectional survey. Partnered with a North Carolina nonprofit advocacy organization who recruited community leaders (promotores) to administer the survey to Latino constituents. Setting. Latino communities in Wake County, North Carolina. Subjects. Respondents (N = 457) were mostly women (58%), with a mean age of 34 years (SD = 11), low income (70% <

Perceptions of constraints to NHL spectatorship

39K/year); 78% were born outside the United States, with a majority from Mexico (52%). Measures. Sociodemographics; Stanford Brief PA Survey; constraints on PA were measured with 20 items assessing seven constructs (accessibility, facilities, knowledge, partners, psychologic, safety, and time). Analysis. Descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, t-tests, and analysis of variance. Results. Half of the sample was inactive. Eighty-one percent indicated that they would like to be more active and perceived lack of accessibility, partners, and knowledge of PA resources as the most constraining factors. Respondents in low-income categories cited significantly higher psychological and accessibility constraints. Inactive LTPA respondents perceived significantly higher constraints overall, with knowledge and accessibility having the largest effect sizes. No differences were found based on age and gender. Conclusions. This study highlighted that among Latinos, there may be an opportunity to increase activity levels by targeting knowledge about PA resources, increasing access to opportunities for PA, and enhancing the social environment for PA. Such efforts that target these constraints to increase PA may ultimately improve health.

Crossing Boundaries An Examination of Sustainability Department and Athletics Department Collaboration Regarding Environmental Issues

The purpose of this study was to better understand perceptions of constraints on National Hockey League (NHL) spectatorship. Additionally, this study sought to understand how constraints are perceived by spectators based on ticket holder type and test the negotiation thesis by comparing constraint variables across spectator motivation and team identification. The constraints scale was adopted from leisure literature and adapted to sport spectators. Two data collection methods (on-site and web-based) were used to recruit participants. A preliminary Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) found good fit for the leisure constraint scale. The results indicate that active spectators experience a variety of constraints with time and cost constraints cited as the most prevalent. Each of the constraint constructs were found to significantly lower spectator motivation and identification with the team across ticket holder types. The results of this study provide preliminary evidence of the importance of constraints in addressing NHL marketing efforts.

Professional basketball fans in China: a comparison of National Basketball Association and Chinese Basketball Association team identification.

Across the world, organizational personnel in various industries are integrating natural environment issues into existing organizational practices. In the intercollegiate sports world, environmental efforts are undertaken as part of a strategic effort involving collaborative processes across university units. The purpose of this study is to develop a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of collaborative processes and practices between personnel in athletics departments and sustainability offices at universities and colleges in the United States. In-depth interviews were conducted with athletics and sustainability department personnel at colleges and universities in the United States. A total of 13 schools were included in the study with 17 participants agreeing to be interviewed. All interviewees were from the middle management level and higher in their respective organizations. Five central themes related to these relationships were found: relationship development, relationship communication, relationship decision-making development, collaborative efforts, and relationship challenges. The themes raise important issues about the diversity of relationships, the communicative and decision-making processes, and the involvement of stakeholders in environmental efforts as well as future research in this area.

Is Going Green Worth It? Assessing Fan Engagement and Perceptions of Athletic Department Environmental Efforts

Professional basketball has developed into a major spectator sport in China during the past 20 years. Chinese basketball fans can now choose between watching the Chinese Basketball Association and the National Basketball Association. This study compared fans’ team identification of teams within the two competing professional basketball leagues in China. The sample included spectators at four different CBA games (N = 549). Respondents completed measures of team identification (Wann and Branscombe, 1993) with their favourite NBA and CBA teams and behavioural involvement based on television and merchandise consumption for both leagues. Chinese fans’ overall team identification and behavioural involvement were found to be significantly higher for favourite NBA teams. Team identification was also compared for segments grouped by age, gender, ticket type, and income. The study has implications for leagues, teams, sponsors, and other sport organisations interested in attempting to attract fans in China.