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Sports Information Technology: The Need for Specialized Education?

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U.S. Sports Academy
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Sports Information Technology: The Need for Specialized Education?
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By Dr. Mark Janas |

The sports, sporting goods, and IT service industries, as well as their subsets, are expected to continue to see rapid growth rates over the next decade.  This article explores this growth data, the potential needs of the marketplace, and what academic institutions need to do to address any gaps.   The need for more formally trained sports information technology practitioners is proposed.

Growth on All Fronts

It goes without saying that, to optimize marketability, colleges and universities must target their curriculum toward industries with the most growth and opportunity.  Consider the following information and data relative to the sports and IT industries:

  • The global IT services market was valued at over $1 trillion in 2021 and is expected to reach $2.5 trillion by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 5.8%.1  The global sports market grew from $350 billion in 2021 to almost $500 billion in 2022, representing a 40% annual growth rate.2
  • The global sports technology market was valued at over $12 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at an annual rate of nearly 20% in the next 8 years. The growth is expected to be fueled by the increased use of data analytics, more Internet-enabled devices and equipment, and more social media integration.3
  • The fantasy sports market size was valued at more than $18 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach almost $50 billion by 2027.4  The global esports market size was valued at $1.2 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $5.5 billion by 2029.5   
  • The global wearable technology market size was valued at $52 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 15% through 2030.  The increasing adoption of smart wearable devices for fitness tracking, as well as the growing use of these devices for medical purposes, is driving the growth.6     
  • The global sports equipment market size was valued at more than $330 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6.4% through 2030, despite challenges presented by the global pandemic. New technologies driven by consumer demand and increased awareness about the benefits of exercise for health and fitness are the primary growth drivers.7

These industries and their subsets have several important things in common.  They’re growing rapidly. Their growth is being driven by technology and innovation, and information technology is key in that innovation.  

While the growth numbers presented may not mean much in a vacuum, consider the fact that the global economy as a whole is only projected to grow at an annual rate of approximately 2.7% through 2030.8     This intersection of information technology and sport may provide some real opportunity for those prepared to capitalize.

Information Technology in Sports

Information technology has permeated every aspect of sports, including team websites, sports marketing, fantasy sports, data analytics, sport performance, game broadcasts, and more recently, esports and virtual sports.  Further, in this “Internet of things” age, connected devices have become integral to all parts of life and business, including the sports business. 

But the devices, tools, and infrastructure required to support this business require a whole new expertise not typically in the wheelhouse of many coaches, athletic directors, and others in the sports business, and it is becoming increasingly difficult (and perhaps expensive) to simply contract out those functions. In 2008, Dr. T.J. Rosandich identified the “society wide paradigm shift taking place” that would impact the sports industry, noting many of the potential implications in sports administration, training, marketing, and finance.9  

The question fifteen years later is how well has the sports industry adapted?  Has “sports informatics” or “sports information technology” become its own domain that requires its own dedicated, trained professionals in this subset of sports (or subset of information technology)?  Is this training being done?  If so, is this training adequate?

To answer these questions, first it is helpful to review the most technology-intensive areas in the business of sport to try to identify any possible gaps.  For the purposes of this discussion, “technology” refers to information technology in a broad sense, but it could include any hardware or equipment used in training or competition or in any of the peripheral areas of the business of sport.  Those areas include:

  • Wearables:  Today’s athletes, amateur and professional alike, use a variety of wearables devices to measure and track everything from GPS locations and routes, times, heart rate, repetitions, and more.  Billions of data points are being captured every day, yielding valuable information about performance and health.
  • Advanced monitoring equipment: Power meters, force plates, RFID tracking systems, advanced timing platforms, and optical tracking technology have all made their way, not only into Olympic training centers, but now into colleges, high schools, and living rooms.  These tools provide new sources of data to capture, analyze, and drive decision making.
  • Esports:  These days esports are more than just playing video games.  Esports now constitute a multi-billion dollar business that draws athletes, spectators, and major sponsors from all around the world.   Gaming platforms are now even integrated with fitness equipment including smart bikes and rowers to create new virtual training and racing opportunities. Simulation (SIM) golf and SIM motorsports equipment provide realistic playing and driving experiences at a fraction of the cost of competing in the “real” sport counterpart.  “Real sport” governing bodies are also getting into esports by managing competitions in the virtual versions of their respective sports.
  • Sports marketing:  Today’s sports marketing professional must have advanced competencies in areas including:  web design, social media tools, email marketing, metric analysis, and many task-specific platforms.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning:  Data analytics touches nearly all areas of sport one way or another these days, but sports practitioners increasingly find themselves being subject to or directly using machine learning and AI tools when predicting game results, making marketing decisions, enhancing performance, officiating games, and even generating game recaps and stories.10
  • Virtual reality (VR):  VR has the potential to transform sports in ways never seen before.  More immersive spectator experiences, advanced coaching and training techniques, and even “sportification” of existing games are all possible using modern, affordable VR equipment.11 
  • Streaming technologies:  Subscription streaming services, including Apple TV and Amazon, are now fighting for and securing billion dollar media rights to NFL, MLB, MLS, Formula One racing, and college sports.12  But, even more relevant to sports practitioners in other settings, streaming equipment and platforms have made their way even into and onto the smallest gymnasiums and fields, creating new ways to engage fans and monetize content.
  • Fantasy sports:  Fantasy sports are now a multi-billion dollar industry across the world. The business is managed by advanced websites, mobile apps, and AI platforms that provide real-time statistics, game, and player updates to millions of engaged participants.13

These are just a few examples.  To fill these potential gaps, in addition to curriculum directly addressing these areas, practitioners of sports information technology would need additional training in areas including: IT architecture, cybersecurity, database administration, and web design.  Students newer to the industry would also need to have competencies in sports performance, biomechanics, and marketing, among other areas.

Many sports management and/or sports science undergraduate and graduate programs cover some of these topics, but few if any cover them all or package them all in a sports technology or sports information technology context.  What does the industry think?  Are industry needs being met?

In an attempt to provide preliminary answers to some of these questions, a survey tool directed toward coaches, educators, athletes, and others in the business of sport was prepared and administered online.   The survey asked for information regarding the respondent’s current position and work setting, in addition to his or her areas of sports expertise, years of experience, and self-assessed IT skills.  Respondents were also asked to assess:

  1. whether “sports information technology” should be its own domain,
  2. whether there is the need for more training in sports information technology,
  3. and whether the respondent’s organization would be more successful with formally trained sports information technology practitioners.

The respondents were also asked to identify specific areas where formally-trained sports information technology practitioners would be most useful.

There were 32 total respondents to the survey.    Approximately sixty percent (60%) of respondents identified as coaches, educators, or managers, primarily in the field of sport.  Forty percent (40%) of respondents identified as athletes.

Fifty percent (50%) worked in college settings.  Sixteen percent (16%) worked in high schools.  The remaining respondents worked in private industry or in other areas in sport.  Respondents reported an average of 9 years of work experience.

Eighty percent (80%) of respondents reported expertise in cycling, basketball, and/or football. Track and field, rowing, golf, endurance sports, & boxing were also reported as sports of expertise by a minority of respondents.

Self-assessed IT skills were rated at 3.37 on a scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 = minimal, 3 = average, 5 = very strong.)  Regarding the need for more specialized training in sports information technology, the average rating was 4.07 (where 1 = strongly disagree, 3 = agree,  5 = strongly agree.)

Regarding sports-related areas where respondents believed formally-trained sports information technology practitioners would be most useful, twenty-six (26) reported data analytics, twenty-three (23) reported sports performance, twenty-one (21) reported sports marketing, eighteen (18) reported research, seventeen (17) reported marketing/communications, and sixteen (16) reported esports.  Less common answers included: artificial intelligence (9), virtual reality (11), and fantasy sports (5).

Regarding the question of whether sports information technology requires its own domain these days, the average reported score was 3.4 (where 1 = strongly disagree, 3 = agree, 5 = strongly agree.)

Regarding the question of whether the respondent’s organization could be more successful with formally-trained sports information technology practitioners on staff, the average score was 3.6 (where 1 = strongly disagree, 3 = agree, 5 = strongly agree.)

The survey results also yielded the following:

  • There was a negative correlation (correlation coefficient -0.3) between the reported strength of IT skills and years of experience.
  • There was a negative correlation (correlation coefficient -0.33) between the perceived need for more sports IT training and years of experience. 
  • There was a positive correlation (correlation coefficient +0.5) between the strength of IT skills and perceived need for more sports IT training.
  • There was a positive correlation (correlation coefficient +0.47) between the strength of IT skills and the perceived need for “sports IT” as its own domain.
  • There were no significant differences in responses reported between athletes and other respondents to questions regarding the need for a sports IT subdomain, the need for more sports IT training, or whether sports IT practitioners would make the respondent’s organization more successful.

Conclusion: The rapid growth in technology, the global IT services sector, as well as the sports industry in general, is creating the need for a more formally trained sports information technology specialists, as supported by the survey results presented in this article.   Academic institutions that respond to these trends will give their students a valuable edge in the marketplace.

References:

  1. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/11/09/2552369/0/en/Global-IT-Services-Market-Size-to-reach-USD-2554-76-Billion-by-2030-CAGR-of-5-8.html

Dr. Mark Janas is an endurance sports competitor, sports enthusiast, and the founder of RevoRace.com, a virtual event and race platform, and SkoolKast.com, an SMS score distribution service designed for high schools and small colleges. Janas teaches in the School of Business, Management, & Technology at Saint Augustine’s University (Raleigh, NC), where he also leads the School’s club sports program and business innovation center.

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Anthony Franklin
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Don’t Sweat It – Manage the Heat Safely

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Robert Herron
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Don’t Sweat It – Manage the Heat Safely
Photo: Creative Commons

By Manuel Munoz II and Dr. Robert L. Herron |

Temperatures have not been this high in decades. Extreme heat conditions can cause a multitude of negative health outcomes such as heat strokes, hospitalization, and death. Additionally, research has demonstrated that exposure to consistently high temperatures has been linked with increased cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.

Exposure to hot and humid ambient temperatures affects physiological function, especially during physical exertion or exercise. To maintain homeostasis and keep our body temperature in a desirable range, the body will start sweating and circulating more blood to the skin to reduce overall body temperature. Sweat is comprised of mostly water from your blood plasma and when the sweat reaches the skin, the water evaporates causing the cooling effect.

The increased blood flow to the skin is facilitated by a higher cardiac output driven by an increase in heart rate and stroke volume. While these adjustments are paramount to cooling, increases in heart rate and stroke volume require a higher workload on the heart.

Additionally, when someone is unable to replace their sweat loss with fluid intake, their body will slowly dehydrate. Once in a hypohydrated state, there is less blood volume to circulate due to the sweat loss and thus additional strain is put on the heart.

Combined with other issues such as prothrombotic conditions, inflammation, and other risk factors, heat stress during rest or physical activity can be dangerous.

Therefore, we want to encourage everyone to prioritize their safety in the heat. Please monitor local temperatures, be mindful of your fluid intake, and stay active. Some ways you can stay cool outdoors are to wear light clothing, spend time in the shade, and stay hydrated. Additionally, it takes a few weeks to let your body adapt to changes in the seasons.  Seek out professional guidance from an exercise professional or registered dietitian if you want to further evaluate your specific hydration needs during exercise or need help designing your training to facilitate heat adaptation for yourself of those you coach.

Manuel Munoz II is a Senior undergraduate student at the University of Montevallo studying Exercise and Nutrition Science from Samson, AL. Manuel is a McNair Scholar and member of the Exercise Science Club at the University of Montevallo and has been recognized for being on the President’s List every year during his time at Montevallo.

Robert L. Herron, Ed.D., NSCA-CSCS*D, ACSM-CEP is an Assistant Professor in the Exercise and Nutrition Science Program at the University of Montevallo. Dr. Herron is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® with distinction from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS*D®) and a Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-CEP®). Dr. Herron is a graduate of the United States Sports Academy and serves as a Non-Resident Faculty Member.

Pro Leagues and Teams Should be Cautious with ‘Woke’ Movement

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U.S. Sports Academy
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Pro Leagues and Teams Should be Cautious with ‘Woke’ Movement
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By Dr. Matthew Williams |

Society has long used sports as a communication outlet to bring attention to politics and wars. But now a different type of movement appears in the United States known as the Woke movement. This movement is more of an aggressive movement that covers social inequality, racism, gender, sexual orientation, and inclusiveness. The Woke movement is being inserted into Professional Sport Leagues and some Professional Teams at an alarming rate.

The Woke movement started with the NFL and the NBA when they addressed the death of George Floyd in which both professional leagues brought awareness of Social Injustice and the Black Lives Matter movement.

Just recently there were some NHL, players that refused to participate in the pregame warm-up-skate, wearing Jerseys in support of the LGBTQ+ community Pride Night. Siting their religious beliefs.

Now the Los Angeles Dodgers plan to have pride night where they have invited a controversial LGBTQ anti-Catholic group known as the Sisters of the Perpetual Indulgence to attend pride night. This invite by the Los Angeles Dodgers organization has offended some of its fan base. It has also forced some players in the organization to speak out against the group being invited to pride night. The players believe that you should not make a mockery of any religion. 

Professional Sports leagues and professional teams should take an intense look at what has happened to Companies that have embraced the woke movement. A prime example is Bud Light a product of Anheuser-Busch-InBev that has recently been dealing with a woke backlash from its consumers because of the Dylan Mulvaney TikTok post celebrating her 365-day anniversary of being a transgender woman. Target has also faced a woke backlash from its consumers due to its selling LGBTQ kids’ clothing. Both of these companies have lost billions of Dollars from their decision to be involved in the woke movement.

Professional Sport Leagues and some professional teams need to be cautious with the woke movement. If not, they could witness a backlash from their sport fans who no longer want to support them because of their involvement with the woke movement. Resulting in lost revenue from ticket sales, souvenir sales, and television viewership.

Dr. Matthew Williams is an Associate Professor of Sport Management at The University of Virginia’s College at Wise and is an avid NASCAR fan.

Congratulations to USSA’s Latest Delta Mu Delta Honor Society Inductees

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Dr. Brandon Spradley
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Congratulations to USSA’s Latest Delta Mu Delta Honor Society Inductees

By Dr. Brandon Spradley |

We would like to congratulate seven students who were recently inducted into the Pi Lambda chapter of Delta Mu Delta honor society at the United States Sports Academy.

Delta Mu Delta is an international society dedicated to the recognition of students who have distinguished themselves academically. The purpose of Delta Mu Delta is to promote higher scholarship in education and to recognize and reward scholastic attainment in the area of business and related areas such as sports management.  

In 2022, the United States Sports Academy established the Pi Lambda chapter and was officially installed as a chapter of the Delta Mu Delta honor society.

Seven students were recently inducted into the honor society:

  • Charles Freeman, doctoral student in sports management
  • Jared Bonvillain, doctoral student in sports management
  • James Hammond, doctoral in sports management
  • Portia Daniels-Murphy, master’s student in sports studies
  • Dominic McCoy, master’s student in sports management
  • Taylor Rogers, master’s student in sports management
  • Sook Pink Lim, master’s student with a dual major in sports management/exercise science

Each of these students demonstrated a high level of academic success in their respective programs and went above and beyond to achieving and maintaining the academic standards of the university.

Delta Mu Delta is one of three honor societies affiliated with the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The United States Sports Academy is the first and currently only institution to have each of its sports management programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels accredited by ACBSP.

Again, we congratulate these students on their academic achievements and wish them continued success in their program of study.

Below is a video of the induction ceremony:

Dr. Brandon Spradley is the Dean of the School of Sport Business at the United States Sports Academy.

Ask An Alum: Clayton Hamilton

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Dr. Brandon Spradley
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Ask An Alum: Clayton Hamilton

By Dr. Brandon Spradley and Taylor Rogers |

Clayton Hamilton, an alumnus of the United States Sports Academy has worked within the University of Arkansas athletic department since 2010 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer.

A native of Little Rock, Ark., Clayton earned his master’s degree in sports management from the United States Sports Academy in 1997. He said the university’s mentorship program and faculty support system played valuable roles in helping him climb the ranks in collegiate athletics and the sport profession.

At Arkansas, Clayton has oversight of the athletics department’s financial affairs, internal support units, business operations, contracts, human resources, payroll, and more. He previously served in financial roles for athletic programs at the University of Colorado and Florida State University, and in professional sports for the Dallas Cowboys and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Clayton was recently interview by Taylor Rogers, Director of Admissions and Assistant Athletic Director at the United States Sports Academy. The interview is part of USSA’s Ask an Alum career webinar series. Clayton talks about his journey in athletics and provides helpful advice to students on how to successfully navigate a career in sport.

If you are interested in working in collegiate athletics and the sport industry, take a listen to the interview below.

Summer Gets Hot – Hydrate to Stay Safe

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Robert Herron
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Summer Gets Hot – Hydrate to Stay Safe
Open source

By Robert L. Herron, Ed.D. and Manuel Munoz II |

As the summer continues, it is particularly important to remember to stay hydrated. Evidence shows that over half of Americans do not consume enough fluid to maintain proper hydration (euhydrated state). Being hydrated is very important as hydration status can affect a variety of bodily functions such as temperature regulation, joint lubrication, and cardiovascular function.

For those being physically active in the heat, hydration is vital for sustaining cardiovascular function and safety. Plasma, is comprised of over 90% of water, makes up over half of total blood volume. If you are hypohydrated then there is less water in the blood which requires the heart to work harder to keep blood circulating. This causes heart rate and blood pressure to increase which. Furthermore, prolonged periods of dehydration can cause endothelial dysfunction and damage vital organs such as kidneys. Having adequate plasma volume will allow for the heart to pump blood more efficiently.   

For those in the Northern hemisphere, this summer brings about temperature increases and people are engaging in more outdoor activities. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of the importance of staying hydrated for safety. When you sweat you lose a lot of water and in turn, blood plasma. When exercising or performing physical activity, be sure to replenish the fluids you lose from sweating.

Additionally, water is a large component of synovial fluid within a joint capsule that aids in reducing the amount of friction between bones and allows movement. However, if someone is hypohydrated then joint movement could cause more friction and potentially increase discomfort or pain to occur with movement at various articulations.

We wish to encourage everyone to consistently be mindful of their fluid intake – particularly in the summer when you are active outside. Some best practices include monitoring urine coloration, sensation of thirst, and how much you sweat throughout the day. Reach out to an exercise professional, dietitian, physical therapist, athletic trainer, or physician to help you better understand your individualized hydration needs in the heat.

Manuel Munoz II is a Senior undergraduate student at the University of Montevallo studying Exercise and Nutrition Science from Samson, AL. Manuel is a McNair Scholar and member of the Exercise Science Club at the University of Montevallo and has been recognized for being on the President’s List every year during his time at Montevallo.

Robert L. Herron, Ed.D., NSCA-CSCS*D, ACSM-CEP is an Assistant Professor in the Exercise and Nutrition Science Program at the University of Montevallo. Dr. Herron is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist® with distinction from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA-CSCS*D®) and a Clinical Exercise Physiologist through the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM-CEP®). Dr. Herron is a graduate of the United States Sports Academy and serves as a Non-Resident Faculty Member.

Advisory Board Appointed for USSA’s School of Sport Business

By
Dr. Brandon Spradley
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Advisory Board Appointed for USSA’s School of Sport Business

By Dr. Brandon Spradley |

The United States Sports Academy is strengthening its institutional and academic support with the development of the newly appointed advisory board for the School of Sport Business. The United States Sports Academy, also known as America’s Sports University, has been the gold standard for sport education for over 50 years.

The university has new and exciting initiatives coming this year, such as launching its first intercollegiate sports programs. Along with the launch of the university’s sports teams, the school will begin expanding its academic program offerings in areas such as marketing, business administration, and much more.

“These are exciting times for the United States Sports Academy” says Dr. Brandon Spradley, the Dean of the School of Sport Business. “As we continue to build and expand our academic program offerings, we want to ensure the university has the appropriate team to support these new initiatives. This starts with developing a strong advisory board for the School of Sport Business. We have an experienced group of sport, business, and higher education professionals who are willing to support the university and its programs.”

The United States Sports Academy offers sports management programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels. The university is the first and currently only institution to have its sports management degree programs at each level accredited by ACBSP, which is the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs.

We are excited to announce the following professionals on the advisory board for the School of Sport Business.

Dr. China Jude

Dr. China Jude currently serves as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Denver Broncos. She has an extensive background in collegiate athletic administration, previously serving as the Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator at the University of Wyoming. Dr. Jude has over 20 years of experience working in collegiate athletics coaching and administration at NCAA Division I and II universities, including 10 years as an athletic director. Dr. Jude was named the 2011 Alumna of the Year for the United States Sports Academy.

Clayton Hamilton

Clayton Hamilton has worked within the University of Arkansas athletic department since 2010 and currently serves as the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Financial Officer. He provides oversight of the athletic department’s financial affairs, business operations, and contracts, and serves as a member of the department’s executive cabinet. Clayton earned his master’s degree from the United States Sports Academy majoring in sports management.

Dr. Karla Gavin

Dr. Karla Gavin has a wealth of knowledge and experience in sports administration and higher education. She has over 30 years of work experience in athletics and academia, most recently serving as the Dean of the School of Business and Professional Studies at Upper Iowa University. Dr. Gavin completed her Doctor of Education in Sports Management from the United States Sports Academy. 

Marlene Hendricks

Marlene Hendricks is the Vice President of Guest Experience at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. She was named to Sports Illustrated 100 Influential Black Women in Sports and is an award-winning executive leader. Marlene has worked for the Charlotte Hornets and the Miami Heat focusing on talent acquisition, staffing, and guest services.

Brandon Bowling

Brandon Bowling is in his 7th year at Jessup University, an NAIA institution that is making its move to NCAA Division II.  Brandon is the Deputy Athletic Director – overseeing all external operations for Jessup Athletics which includes all forms of revenue generation and sport administration oversight.  Bowling is the President of the Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce and is very active with BOSCA (The Business of Small College Athletics).

Chris Goode

Chris Goode is the Founder and President of Goode Elite Prep, a nonprofit organization that provides an opportunity to unsigned student-athletes to pursue their dreams of furthering their education while playing sports on the collegiate level. Chris played seven years in the National Football League (NFL) for the Indianapolis Colts as a defensive cornerback. He is a member of the NFLPA Birmingham Chapter, previously serving as the President, in which they won the “Chapter of the Year” in 2016. Chris also serves as a Player Advisor with The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University. 

Pass Interference:  An Equitable Proposal

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U.S. Sports Academy
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Pass Interference:  An Equitable Proposal
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By Tom Tallach, Ed. D. |

There’s been a lot of talk about equity lately.  Yes, I understand the difference between equity and equality.  However, for the purpose of this verbal pun, it really doesn’t matter so please work with me.  I’d call myself more than a casual fan of professional football, though I’ve not yet warmed up to some of the new leagues…it takes time, ya’ know.  It’s tough to watch an NFL game without seeing some messaging about equity.  Whether it’s more direct or more inferred, the concept of equity is there.  It’s on helmets, shoes, and socks…it’s written in end zones.  It’s a big deal.  It’s also ironic that a league consumed with the idea of equity harbors one of the most inequitable game rules of all time.  Really, it’s a pair of rules that results in defensive backs playing the part of second-class citizens.

Prior to 1917, the penalty for defensive pass interference was ten yards from the previous spot and an automatic first down.  Then, in an effort to promote the forward pass (somewhat new to pro football at the time) and discourage defenders from trading a long reception for ten yards and a first down, the rules were changed to award the offense the ball at the spot of the foul along with a first down.  To this day, the penalty for offensive pass interference remains at ten yards from the previous spot and does NOT result in a loss of down.

My aim is not to debate the wisdom of disincentivizing the defender from making a rational decision nor, for that matter, promoting the forward pass in an effort to make the game safer and more entertaining for fans.  It does not consider the incidence rate of each violation (defensive pass interference occurs three times more frequently) or points of emphasis regarding how officials apply or interpret the rules.  My position is one rooted in equity.  One often hears that defensive backs must have a “short memory” but self-imposed Dementia is superficial and ignores the systemic inequity.  While it is seldom discussed, an underlying assumption is surely that, if not for the interference of the defender, the receiver would have most likely made the catch.  If we apply that assumption equitably, then interference committed by the offense most likely prevents an interception by the defense.

There is controversy among fans regarding the spot foul rule for defensive pass interference.  Many believe that the penalty is too severe with the complexion of games changing too dramatically based on a judgement call.  But what if the concept of equity were applied?  What if the penalty for offensive pass interference was a change of possession at the spot of the foul?  Would that create a disincentive for the offense?  Maybe.  Offenses would absolutely think twice before attempting a pick play in hope that interference would not be called.  Would it deny fans the guilty pleasure of the occasional “Hail Mary” attempt?  I think not.  The likelihood of an interception, typically resulting in a valueless possession, is already considered in those decisions.  I don’t know exactly how the game would be impacted.  However, it would be more equitable.

Dr. Tom Tallach serves as the head of the Department of Sport Science in the School of Kinesiology at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.  A lifelong fan of the NFL, he occasionally dabbles in satirical prose.

Take in Local Sports When on Vacation

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U.S. Sports Academy
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Take in Local Sports When on Vacation
Photo: Brett Myers/Youth Radio

By Dr. Cliff McCain |

If you are on our site, more than likely you enjoy sports of some type. We all have our favorites – local high school, college alma mater, or closest professional team. But branching out into the world of sports can enhance your enjoyment and appreciation even more. One of the best ways I have found is taking in sports while I am on vacation. It has given me a deeper understanding of sports or programs that are not in my normal wheelhouse of viewing.

I have a couple of personal examples I can share. First, on a trip to Seattle, we saw that the University of Washington gymnastics was hosting a match. It was a cold and wet day (yeah in Seattle, rain!) so we decided to drive over and give it a try. We did not know the ins and outs since the schools we work for do not compete in gymnastics. We learned quickly and got into the atmosphere. Now, we still watch gymnastics on television and feel like we know more about what is going on behind the scene. Another example occurred recently when we spent some time in New Mexico. A friend got us some tickets to see the University of New Mexico play basketball in “The Pit.” I had always wanted to go since the infamous North Carolina State victory in the 1983 Final Four. It was a great experience seeing the different traditions and being involved with the local team.

If you enjoy sports, that may be enough for you to try vacation-time sports. But there are some other benefits to trying these events on vacation:

  1. You may pick up new ideas to bring back to your school or team. People in sports are always borrowing from each other. But we usually are borrowing from people we see all the time. Trying these new sports can give us a new pool of ideas to choose from.
  2. You can enjoy a sporting event without the pressure of a win or loss. Sports are competition and losing is a fact of life. But getting into this type of sporting situation alleviates the pressure and lets you just enjoy the game. We usually pull for the local team on a visit, but if they lose, we are still going to enjoy our vacation!
  3. It is a way to build your network.  The coaching or administrating sports relies heavily on others in the profession. Whether it scouting reports from other coaches or getting plans on how to run an event, the ability to reach out to others is crucial to success. If you go to one of these events, try to make a connection with someone. I always take my card and try to meet a couple of people. If possible, I will follow up with them later by email. In sports, you can never have too many friends.  Use this opportunity to find someone to join your circle!
  4. The main reason to take in a local sporting event is the simplest – It is fun! You are involved in sports so watching live sports is your thing. You are just doing it at a new location.

I am not saying to drag your family to every sporting event around the world and give up family time. You need to take a break from it at times. Especially if you work in it year round as do I. Just look for opportunities when they present themselves. We are heading to Ireland in May and I am already eyeing the series of rugby championships in Dublin that week. Let the games begin!

Cliff McCain works as Assistant Director of Academic Enrichment in the athletic department at the University of Mississippi. He spent two decades working as a coach and administrator at the secondary education level. McCain holds a doctor of education degree in higher education and master’s degrees in history and educational administration

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