Thomas J. Aicher

Demonstrations and displacement: social impact and the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Mega-events engender positive and negative impacts for host communities, including economic, social/cultural, and environmental. Host community residents have grown weary of the financial investments and have demonstrated concerns of increased taxation and cost of living. These two impacts are juxtaposed as Brazil prepares to host the 2016 Summer Olympics after hosting the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Concerns about the mismanagement of funds and increased taxes have led to numerous protests, several including violent clashes between protestors and security officials, which flooded the international media prior to the World Cup. Following the methods of previous research, we reviewed international media coverage of the protests to develop a comprehensive understanding of what the impact hosting the mega-event may have had on international perceptions of Brazil. Further, we analyzed the response(s) by the local and national governments as well as the response of Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Results indicated the protests and media coverage largely focused on the negative impacts associated with hosting mega-events. The government response was largely combative; however, some concessions and policy changes were made to satiate protestors, while FIFA largely focused on the success and implementation of the World Cup.

An Examination of Homologous Reproduction and the Effects of Sexism

Abstract This study focuses on determining if sexism could be considered a plausible antecedent of homologous reproduction. Primary data were collected from 197 head womens team coaches competing at the Division I intercollegiate level, and the coaches indicated their sexism level via the ambivalent sexism inventory. Secondary data were collected via an online database provided by the Office of Post Secondary Research for the 2003 - 2007 seasons for the 197 head coaches responding to the survey instrument. An average of women assistant coaches were calculated and used in the data analysis. Results indicated a gender difference in the average number of women assistant coaches among the sample, and suggested homologous reproduction was present among women head coaches. Regression analysis indicated no relationship between either benevolent or hostile sexism with homologous reproduction.

Comparison of sport tourists’ and locals’ motivation to participate in a running event

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, the authors compared tourists with local participants to determine if motivations to participate in a mid-scale marathon event varied based on participant type, and if they perceived the event differently. Second, Kaplanidou and Vogt suggested further testing and validation of their scale to measure meanings people attach to sport events was warranted, and the current investigation provides such evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – Working with the event organizer, the authors distributed an online questionnaire to marathon participants in a mid-scale event. The questionnaire included the Sport Motivation Scale-II, Sport Event Evaluation Scale, and demographics. Findings – Results indicated no differences between sport tourists and residents in motivation and meanings attached to the event; however, differences in perception did exist. Data further validated the Sport Event Evaluation Scale. Research limitations/implications – The study establis...

A Comparative Analysis of Sport Participation Motivations of NCAA Division I Student-Athletes: An International Focus

Abstract The purpose of this study was to (a) examine the sport participation motivations of current NCAA Division I international student-athletes to participate in their college sport and (b) to compare the sport participation motivations of international student-athletes competing in the NCAA Division I with the sport participation motivations of domestic NCAA Division I student-athletes. The theoretical framework for this study is self-determination theory, which is a method for understanding human motivation that focuses on the direction of motivation and factors that influence behavior (). The continuum of motivation ranges from amotivation to extrinsic motivation to intrinsic motivation. A total of 486 student-athletes completed the Sport Motivation Scale (SMS) originally developed by Briere, Vallerand, Blais, and . Results did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between intrinsic motivation (F = 0·90; p = 0·34) for domestic (M = 5·37; SD = 1·18) and international (M = 5·49; SD = 1·11) student-athletes; however, international student-athletes reported significantly higher levels of introjected regulation. The findings of this study may assist intercollegiate coaches and athletic administrators to understand how student-athletes are motivated and allow them to develop strategies that increase motivation.

Exploring sport participants’ event and destination choices

ABSTRACT This study explored the relationship between destination and event elements and an individual’s motivation to travel for sport events. Investigators surveyed participants who were planning to travel or had recently travelled to at least one running, cycling, or triathlon event in the current competitive race season. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis, regression, cross-tabulation, and ANOVA. The findings provide empirical evidence that travel behaviours vary by athlete type (runner, triathlete, and cyclist). The results of this study not only add to the push/pull theoretical framework but also provide strong practical implications for both event managers and destination marketers to better package destination attributes and event elements specific to athlete type.

To explore or race? Examining endurance athletes’ destination event choices

Destinations often seek to attract big sporting events with the assumption these event participants will engage in additional tourism opportunities. Potential destination attributes were explored with endurance athletes—specifically runners, triathletes, and cyclists—to determine how their interests and intent to travel to destination races are piqued. Seven elements were examined using conjoint analysis: trip price, nightlife, typical group tours, unguided tours, destination location, shopping, and entertainment. Cluster analysis identified three segments: partiers, explores, and escapists. All groups were found to be highly price sensitive; however, differences between the groups were present.

Understanding the Relationship Between Motivation, Sport Involvement and Sport Event Evaluation Meanings as Factors Influencing Marathon Participation

ABSTRACT With the level of growth in endurance running participation, it is important to develop a stronger understanding of what motivates individuals to participate in these types of events, as well as what limitations or challenges they may face related to this participation. This study focused on developing a stronger understanding between individuals’ motivation, sport involvement, and sport event evaluative meanings. Utilizing Self-determination theory (SDT), the psychological continuum model (PCM), and the sport event evaluative meanings (SEEM) as guiding frameworks, this investigation provided some valuable insights into the relationship between these constructs. In terms of motivation and involvement, this study provided evidence that motivation, involvement, and meaning are interrelated constructs that predict individuals’ participation or consumption intentions.