Sports Studies Commons^™

“People Need To Hear More About This Esports Team”: Exploring Esports College Athletes’ Transition Experiences, Kibaek Kim, Rhema Fuller, Nick Davidson

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

With the increase of attention towards esports in both industry and academia, volumes of research have been conducted to support professional esports athletes and esports college-athletes (ECAs). Although studies exploring professional esports athletes' transition experiences were available, little to none was known about this experience for ECAs. Based on Schlossberg’s transition theory and previous studies exploring the transition experiences of traditional sports student-athletes, this study aimed to provide a deeper understanding of ECAs’ transition experience. This study conducted three focus group interviews with four ECAs in each group who played the same game. The result of this study showed there …

Navigating Intersections: How Stereotypes And Oppression Shape Black Women Student-Athletes’ College Journeys, Tomika Ferguson, Cherese Fine

Journal of Athlete Development and Experience

Black women college athletes navigate intersections of race, gender, and athletic ability within predominantly White institutions (PWIs). They can face stereotype threat, racialized academic expectations, and pressures to conform to dominant institution norms. This qualitative study explores the college experiences of Black women college athletes at a predominantly White institution (PWI), focusing on how intersecting oppressions and stereotypes influence their academic, social, and athletic lives. Guided by Black feminist thought (BFT) and stereotype threat theory, the research addresses two questions: What are the college experiences of BWCAs, and how do stereotypes affect these experiences? Findings reveal that pre-college experiences in …

Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The current study investigates the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu (G 22). The study focuses on two objectives: the first objective is to describe the plant folk taxonomy in Chasu and the second objective is to determine the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu. Data were collected from rural villages in Same and Mwanga districts by using free listing, field interviews (jungle-walk-and-identify), and written texts containing Chasu plant names. The findings reveal that Chasu folk taxonomy reflects different ethnobotanical categories; including a unique beginner which is mmea/mimea ‘plant(s)’, and three life …

Exploring Di College Coaches’ Perceptions Of Holistic Coaching And The Factors Impacting Their Ability To Succeed In The Current College Sports Landscape, Deborah V. Hogan Phd

Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

In the highly competitive Division I (DI) college sports system, coaches are expected to produce winning programs while developing their college athletes holistically. Recent changes in NCAA policies complicate the coach-athlete relationship, hindering coaches' ability to serve as effective holistic leaders. This study uses grounded theory to understand how DI coaches in high-profile sports perceive their roles as holistic leaders and manage external challenges to provide holistic college athlete experiences. Semi-structured interviews with 12 football and women’s basketball coaches revealed five main themes: 1) coaches are educators, 2) strategies for holistic coaching, 3) supporting Black college athletes, 4) college sports …

Does Motor Skill Competence Influence Physical Activity Behavior? Focusing On Sport-Specific Skills, Yubing Wang, Yaogang Han, Pan Li, Bin Zhang

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

The purpose of this study was to investigate the widely held belief that motor skill competence positively affects physical activity behavior (PA), considering the task-specific nature of motor skill competence and the context-specific nature of PA. Specifically, we examined the effects of students’ jump rope (JR) and basketball (BB) competence on their PA in six contexts. A total of 134 sixth grade students participated in this study. All variables were assessed using appropriate tools. A series of hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to address the research questions. Students’ JR competence did not significantly influence their PA in either JR-related or …

Managing User Conflicts In A Water Aerobics Program On Behalf Of A Veteran’S Group: A Short Case Study, Hadley Blankenship, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Jason L. Scott

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This article captures an experience in conflict management that happened during the summer of 2024 as a recreational therapy intern with an adaptive sport and recreation organization located in the Southeastern United States. The backdrop to the case is that a recreational therapy intern worked with various special needs populations – mainly with paraplegic (adult and youth) athletes and veterans. In many organizations, user conflicts and poor communication regarding service provision and scheduling hinder the implementation of programs for special populations, such as veteran groups. In this case, a problem occurred with the scheduling of a water aerobics program for …

Curbing Fatal And Non-Fatal Drowning Deaths: An Effort To Reach Under-Resourced Children In Baltimore, Maryland, Ashton P. Christo, William D. Ramos

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning remains a significant public health problem in the United States, with The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting approximately 4,000 drowning deaths annually. Children aged 1-4 face the highest risk, and African American children are disproportionately affected–7.6 times more likely to drown than white children (CDC, 2024). In a city on the East Coast that is predominantly African American, limited access to swimming lessons heightens the risk. To reduce drowning rates, a collaborative swimming program was established between a city high school and a public school enrichment program. The initiative provided essential water safety and swimming skills …

Diversity In Aquatics:4th Special Issue, Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D., Angela K. Beale-Tawfeeq, Steven N. Waller Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The theme of this special issue is “Building a Community of Champions.” The purpose of this theme is to highlight and promote a civic engagement perspective that engages, advocates, and supports communities of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) in addressing the national, regional, and local evolving health-related issue of drowning. Aquatic Settings have been a pivotal focal point of social justice, water safety, and public health, not only in the past but also in our present day (Beale-Tawfeeq, Quash, et al, 2023 and Waller and Bemiller, 2023). Diversity In Aquatics (DIA) strives to positively impact the field of aquatics …

If We Tear It Down, We Might Build You A New One: The Troublesome Use Of Eminent Domain And Urban Neighborhood Swimming Pools, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., James H. Bemiller

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Public swimming pools are a vital part of America’s recreation and sport culture since the early 1900’s. Municipal swimming pools were initially built to provide recreation and hygiene to urban communities, regardless of race or class. However, a complex history of segregation, civil unrest, suburbanization, and funding challenges has resulted in a significant decline in public pools, depriving many communities of vital recreational spaces. In many communities, options for sustaining the operation of swimming pools have resulted in pool closures. Unfortunately, once swimming pools close, especially those in aging neighborhoods in central city areas, they are seldom resurrected. They quickly …

Teaching Swimming To Children With Disabilities: A Qualitative Analysis Of Swim Instructorstea, Stephanie S. Garcia-Hidalgo, Martin E. Block

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

When teaching children with disabilities, swim instructors need to be able to assess the unique strengths and needs of each child to determine modifications needed to instruction, equipment, and the setting and then be flexible enough to make changes in real-time to ensure success for the child. Unfortunately, many swim instructors only work seasonally and have the occasional child with a disability, and as a result are likely to have limited training and experiences with children with disabilities. The purpose of this pilot qualitative study is to examine backgrounds, training, and experiences of six swim instructors who work with children …

Promising Practices For Increasing The Number Of Equity-Owed Lifeguards In Canada And The United States Of America, Sofia Pantano, Audrey R. Giles

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Currently a shortage of lifeguards exists in Canada and the United States (US) (Frommer, 2023; Santucci, 2024), and those who are working as lifeguards often do not reflect the diversity of the communities they serve (Martinez, 2020). Increasing the number of lifeguards from equity-owed groups is a potential way of increasing the lifeguard workforce and decreasing the shortage of workers in these important roles, as well as a moral imperative. In this paper I explore challenges to and promising practices aimed at increasing the representation of members equity-owed groups in lifeguarding. I begin with an overview of lifeguarding in Canada …

Adopting Stuart Hall’S “Race, The Floating Signifier” As A Conceptual Framework Within Aquatic Research And Education, Kurt J. Cordice

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

During his 1997 lecture at Goldsmiths College in London, Stuart Hall, renowned for his contributions to sociology and cultural studies, offered his argument that the concept of race functions as a Floating Signifier. In this essay, Stuart Hall’s Race, the Floating Signifier is presented as a strong conceptual framework to support more accurate and effective positioning of race as an important consideration within aquatic research and education. Evidence from a range of disciplines, including historical research, is presented to establish both the importance and challenge of race within aquatic research and education. This evidence is also used to demonstrate …

Building Swimming Skills In A Community Based Program For Black Youth: An Evaluation, Tyler Lennon Md, Mph, Ashley Hayes Mph, Leonardo Barrera Mph, Amy Hill Ms, Mph, Andy Miner, Michelle Macy Md, Ms

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Black youth in the United States disproportionately experience fatal drowning at rates up to five times higher than their white peers. Eliminating these inequities requires new approaches that address historical and structural barriers of learning to swim. The objective of this study was to evaluate the three-week long swimming component of a community-based discovery program to empower Black youth in Evanston, IL. Participants were Black youth ages 8-10 years enrolled in summer 2023 and 2024. Swim skills were assessed by instructors using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Water Competence (PSPWC). Caregiver surveys, collected post-intervention, also assessed perceived changes in swim …

An Innovative Approach Addressing Childhood Drowning: Making Use Of Collegiate Aquatic Facilities And Expertise, Gennette Cordova, Natasha Lloyd, Chezik Tsunoda

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The silent epidemic of childhood drowning, and the racial disparities associated with it require scalable and innovative approaches that both break cycles of exclusion and circumvent our societal tendency to overlook drowning as a matter in need of urgent resolution. No More Under, a Seattle-based water safety organization whose mission is to eradicate childhood drowning, has launched the Swim Safely Series. The series is a national program uniquely poised to overcome the various barriers associated with racial and socioeconomic drowning disparities by tapping into underutilized collegiate aquatic spaces and merging water safety with mentorship and social intervention.

An Examination Of The Experiences Of An African American Male Diver On A Power Four Swim Team: An Elite Interview, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Despite the incremental increase in the number of Black people who are learning to swim, the number of Black divers has not kept pace. In the NCAA Database, swimmers and divers were not segmented; thus, they all appear in the category of “swimming” by race and sex. When viewing the 2024 Division I NCAA Demographics Database, 89 (.02%) of 4307 student-athletes participating in swimming were Black women. For men, the data is equally dismal, revealing that 81 (.03%) of 2,608 student-athletes who were identified as swimmers were Black. The purpose of this research note is to examine the developmental experiences …

Methylation Of The Dat1 Dopamine Transporter Gene In Combat Sport Athletes: Associations With Impulsivity And Reward Sensitivity, Milena Lachowicz, Remigiusz Recław, Aleksandra Suchanecka, Krzysztof Chmielowiec, Elżbieta Grzywacz, Jolanta Chmielowiec, Kinga Łosińska, Anna Grzywacz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, modulate behavioral traits, including impulsivity and reward sensitivity. The dopamine transporter gene (DAT1) plays a key role in dopaminergic function and is associated with self-regulation, attention, and the trait of addiction. This study summarized the DAT1 methylation status in patients practicing combat sports and its association with impulsivity, ADHD symptoms, and consequence sensitivity. One hundred control subjects were recruited using the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS), the ADHD scale, and the Opportunity Response Scale. DAT1 methylation was measured using the bisulfite ionization method. A correlation analysis was performed with the comparison group. Athletes …

Physical Activity, Cultural Tourism And Social Inclusion For Persons With Down Syndrome, Dana Ioana Cristea, Anca Cristina Pop, Corina Florina Tătar, Raluca Buhaș, Dariusz Jacek Olszewski-Strzyżowski, Mirela Ștef

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) need customized attention. By providing an inclusive environment and tailored cultural support, meaningful and enjoyable tourism experiences can be created for them. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the daily energy expenditure of DS individuals after undertaking a walking tour and the impact on their physical activity level. Methods: In the current study, three questionnaires were completed by the DS participants and their parents to assess the walking tour satisfaction level and social integration, the daily energy expenditure as a result of walking depending on an adapted cultural route, and the …

0896: John F. Smith Collection, 1978-2017, Marshall University Special Collections

Guides to Manuscript Collections

John F. Smith was a retired lieutenant colonel in the United States Army and former director of the Big Green Scholarship Foundation at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.

The collection includes records of the Big Green Scholarship Foundation, research and papers of John F. Smith, and framed Marshall University basketball and football memorabilia.

The Effect Of The Actn3 Gene Variation On Physically Active Individuals' Susceptibility To Muscle Injury, Agata Leońska-Duniec, Piotr Kabelis, Agata Rzeszutko-Bełzowska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) in the ACTN3 gene, which encodes α-actinin-3, results in deficiency of the functional protein in the muscles of the XX carriers, what could potentially impair muscle fiber function and increase susceptibility to injuries. Thus, this study aimed to assess the relationship between the ACTN3 R577X polymorphism and non-contact muscle injury risk in a physically active Caucasians cohort. Mate-rials and Methods: The study included 142 physically active individuals (26 females and 116 males) who experienced either single (n = 26) or multiple (n = 116) non-contact muscle injuries. The control group included 163 participants (47 females …

Electromyography Normalization And Assessment Methods For Muscle Activity: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Ewelina Lulińska, Joanna Motowidło, Justyna Żurowska-Cegielska, Piotr Aschenbrenner, Mieszko Bartosz-Jefferies, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Electromyographic (EMG) normalization is essential for accurately measuring muscle activity across different populations and tasks. Various methods, including Maxi-mum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) and Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA), have been employed to improve measurement reliability. However, discrepancies in results across studies necessitate a comprehensive review of normalization techniques. Objective: This report analyzed 40 research studies to evaluate EMG normalization and assessment methods, focusing on their reliability, applicability, and effectiveness across healthy and clinical populations. Methods: The studies employed a range of normalization techniques, including MVIC, submaximal contractions, task-specific approaches, and advanced methods such as RQA and Pre-Fatigue Maximal Voluntary …

Ditch Tradition...And Move To Case-Based Learning, Emily Dane-Staples

The COSMA Journal

Recent criticisms of higher education include a lack of relevance and alignment with what employers are seeking in new hires. A lecture-based approach to teaching has proved less effective than other active learning strategies and does not adequately mimic the working environment sport professionals face. To better align the classroom and the workplace, a case-based learning approach can be used. This pedagogy blends high impact practices that have been demonstrated to assist students in knowledge acquisition and soft skill development by replacing traditional lecture and chapter readings with real-life scenarios that require student engagement with concepts in application. The technique …

The Effectiveness Of A Proposed Learning Program Using Selected Teaching Methods On Learning Basic Volleyball Skills Among Students Of The Faculty Of Physical Education At An-Najah National University, Mahmoud Al-Atrash, Rafat Al-Tibi, Laila Salem

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

This study aimed to examine the effect of a proposed educational program based on reciprocal and multi-level teaching methods on learning basic volleyball skills among female students at the Faculty of Physical Education, An-Najah National University. The study sample consisted of 22 students enrolled in the volleyball (1) course, with an average age of 18.3 years. The researchers employed a quasi-experimental design using pre- and post-tests to achieve the study’s objectives. The sample was divided into two experimental groups: the first group was taught using the reciprocal method, while the second group was taught using the multi-level method. Pre-tests of …

Effects Of Different Loads Used In Post-Activation Potentiation Exercises On Sprint And Vertical Jump Performance Of Young Amateur Soccer Players, Emre Karaday, Yusuf Köklü, Erhan Işıkdemir, Bilal Utku Alemdaroğlu, Özlem Köklü

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different loads used in post-activation potentiation (PAP) exercises on the vertical jump and sprint performance of young amateur soccer players. Materials and methods: Twelve young amateur soccer players (age: 16.3 ± 1.2 years; height: 172.6 ± 3.88 cm; body weight: 63.2 ± 6.7 kg; training experience: 2.3 ± 1.4 years) participated voluntarily. The half squat exercise was performed in unloaded conditions and at three different intensities (L1:80%, L2: 90%, and L3: 100% of one-repetition maximum [1RM]), and its effects on players' countermovement jump (CMJ) and 30 m sprint …

مستوى الإبداع الحركي لدى طلبة مساقات ألعاب القوى في كليات التربية الرياضية بجامعتي اليرموك والهاشمية, Amal Suleiman Saleh Alzoubi

Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Research in Higher Education مجلة اتحاد الجامعات العربية للبحوث في التعليم العالي

هدف المقال التعرف إلى مستوى الإبداع الحركي لدى طلبة مساقات ألعاب القوى في كليات التربية الرياضية بجامعتي اليرموك والهاشمية، وكذلك معرفة الفروق الدالة الإحصائياً في مستوى الإبداع بين الطلبة بناءً على متغيري الجامعة والجنس. تكونت عينة الدراسة من (146) طالباً وطالبة، منهم 78 من جامعة اليرموك و68 من الجامعة الهاشمية، إذ بلغ عدد الذكور 91 والإناث 55 تم اختيارهم بالطريقة العمدية. اعتمدت الباحثة على المنهج المسحي لملاءمته وطبيعة الدراسة، واستخدمت الاستبانة كأداة لجمع البيانات، ولتحليل البيانات، تم استخدام برنامج التحليل الإحصائي (SPSS) لاستخراج المتوسطات الحسابية والانحراف المعياري واختبار (T-test) للفروق، أظهرت النتائج أن مستوى الإبداع لدى أفراد عينة الدراسة جاء …

P.L.A.Y. For All Pilot: Effects Of A Community-Based, Inclusive After-School Program On Physical Activity And Motor-Skill Outcomes, Allison R. Tsuchida, Karl-Richard Hennebach, Erin E. Centeio

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

After-school programs for physical activity (PA) can contribute to helping children and youth achieve the suggested 60 minutes a day of PA. Previous research also suggests that developing motor competency can positively impact long-term PA participation. Additionally, parent and peer support can help children and youth overcome barriers to PA participation. The primary purpose of this pilot research study was to determine the effects of an inclusive after-school program on PA levels and motor-skill outcomes for children with and without disabilities. A secondary purpose was to examine parental support for physical activity and children’s physical activity and motor skills. 38 …

Literary And Artistic Property Rights Between Regular Courts And Administrative Courts: A Comparative Study Of Jordan And Egypt, Noor Al-Hindi

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

This study addresses literary and artistic property rights within the context of the ordinary and administrative judiciary, focusing on the legal framework for the deposit of these rights under the Jordanian and Egyptian Copyright and Neighboring Rights Protection Laws. The research findings indicate that legal deposit is an obligation of the rights holders of the work to submit a copy of the published work to a government authority. In Egypt, the rights holder is required to submit a licensing application to the General Department for the Control of Works, accompanied by certain data. The department is responsible for maintaining records …

Evaluation Of Mobility And Functional Balance In Elderly Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Based On Selected Kinematic Variables, Osama Abdel Fattah, Khaled Atiyat, Thamer Al-Manaseer

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

This study aims to evaluate the kinematic indicators in the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the level of functional balance in the study sample according to the Berg Balance Scale. Additionally, it examines the relationship between BMI and the duration of diabetes with the values of kinematic indicators in the study sample in the TUG test and the level of functional balance on the Berg Balance Scale. Furthermore, it explores the relationship between the values of the kinematic indicators in the TUG test and the level of functional balance. To achieve this, the researchers employed a descriptive approach …

Health-Related Physical Fitness Levels Among Students Of The Applied Science Private University, Omar Omair

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

This study aimed to identify health-related fitness levels and establish standard benchmarks for students at Applied Science Private University. The study sample consisted of 390 male students with an average age of 22.08 years, randomly selected from the bachelor's level. The assessment included abdominal muscle strength for one minute, chest and arm muscle strength and endurance for one minute, flexibility of the back and hamstrings, and grip strength. The researcher identified six health-related fitness levels based on the conversion of raw values to percentile ranks: extremely high, moderate, accepted, weak, and very weak (6.4%, 15.6%, 29.0%, 24.1%, 19.7%, and 5.1%, …

The Level Of Health Awareness Among Students Of The Applied Science Private University In Light Of Certain Variables, Omar Omair

Jordan Journal of Applied Science-Humanities Series

The study aimed to identify the level of health awareness and certain eating habits related to food awareness among a sample of students at the University of Applied Sciences. The sample consisted of 477 students, including 250 males and 227 females, from different levels of study and colleges within the university. The participants responded to a specific questionnaire designed to measure their level of health awareness and certain dietary habits, which consisted of 61 items distributed across 7 domains: nutrition, personal health, importance of physical activity, body composition and functioning, family health, and medical conditions. The results indicated that the …

Ua21 What's New, Wku Institutional Equity

WKU Administration Documents

Newsletter created by and about the Office of Institutional Equity.

• Demir, Ena. A Message from the Executive Director
• Training Opportunities: Stay Informed & Engaged
• Understanding Title VI
• Student Accessibility Center Joins the Office of Institutional Equity
• Need Workplace Accommodations?
• Web Accessibility Regulations
• Relevant Information
• Stop Campus Hazing Act
• Meet the Team