Masters Theses

Nash G. Nunn

Date of Award

8-1996

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Sports Management

Major Professor

Patricia A. Beitel

Committee Members

Patsy Boroviak, Harold Denton

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the NCAA Football Rules Committee video tape targeting unsportsmanlike conduct, as defined by Rule 9-2-1 of the handbook, 1995 NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations, on NCAA Division I officials and players. Data were obtained by: (a) complete compilation of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in NCAA Division I football games in the 1993, 1994, and 1995 seasons; (b) surveys of 49 Division I officials; and (c) surveys of 61 Division I players.

Findings for the study indicated that unsportsmanlike conduct penalties increased dramatically in 1994 as compared to 1993. In 1995, after the initiation of the video tape, there was a large decrease in unsportsmanlike conduct penalties as compared to 1994. The results of the study involving the perceptions of officials and players were based on a response rate of 78% for officials and 100% for players. The findings based on these perceptions indicated: (1) officials' and players' perceptions were similar regarding the value of the video tape, and whether players' and coaches' have a better understanding of the unsportsmanlike conduct rules. Officials' and players' perceptions were different regarding whether officials called games more closely, or called more unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. A majority of players concluded that officials did call games more closely, while the majority of officials concluded that they did not; (2) officials' perceptions regarding their understanding of the unsportsmanlike conduct rules reflected that a majority of officials concluded they have a better understanding, and regarding whether they saw unsportsmanlike conduct more clearly, the greatest percentage of officials concluded that they did not; (3) players' perceptions regarding their attitudes on unsportsmanlike conduct reflected that the greatest percentage of players concluded that their attitudes have changed, and regarding whether they made an effort to play in a more sportsmanlike manner, the greatest percentage of players concluded that they did make such an effort; and (4) offensive and defensive players' perceptions were different regarding their attitudes on unsportsmanlike conduct, the majority of offensive players concluded that their attitudes have changed, while the majority of defensive players concluded that their attitudes have not, and offensive and defensive players' perceptions were similar regarding their efforts to avoid unsportsmanlike behaviors.

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