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(1 - 19 of 19)
- Title
- The Soviet olympic team and soviet athletics.
- Creator
-
Izard, Ralph
- Date Issued
- 1953
- Identifier
- 1927551, CFDT1927551, ucf:4862
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1927551
- Title
- Invisible in Plain Sight: The Troubling Connections Between the National Hockey League and the Russian Mafia.
- Creator
-
Ennion, Kayla, Crepeau, Richard, Gannon, Barbara, Walker, Ezekiel, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Professional sports leagues in North America have seen scandals, controversies, and tragedies. There is, however, a forgotten scandal that happened in the 1990s: the Russian Mafia came dangerously close to the National Hockey League. This thesis explores the alleged Mafia connections by examining newspaper and magazine articles and documentaries focused on the issue. The limited public response to allegations of Russian Mafia involvement is contrasted with other professional sports...
Show moreProfessional sports leagues in North America have seen scandals, controversies, and tragedies. There is, however, a forgotten scandal that happened in the 1990s: the Russian Mafia came dangerously close to the National Hockey League. This thesis explores the alleged Mafia connections by examining newspaper and magazine articles and documentaries focused on the issue. The limited public response to allegations of Russian Mafia involvement is contrasted with other professional sports controversies that were met with an immediate response by the leagues and fans. How North Americans viewed Russians during the post-Soviet era is also explored in this paper. This thesis examines why evident Mafia involvement with National Hockey League players did not provoke attention and sanctions by the league nor an outcry from the fans. This study will conclude the League did not react to the allegations because it felt as if the games were not harmed directly. Also, hockey fans did not find the allegations surprising because of the media's constant reports of corruption within Russia's borders, especially involving organized crime. Perhaps the lack of reaction by the National Hockey League and its fans suggests why this particular scandal is forgotten a mere 20 years later.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005488, ucf:50363
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005488
- Title
- WOMEN'S PROFESSIONAL SPORTS: A CASE STUDY ON PRACTICES THAT COULD INCREASE THEIR PROFITABILITY.
- Creator
-
McArdle, Danielle H, Bukstein, Scott J., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Women's professional sports leagues have often been considered a risky business endeavor. Critics cite low attendance, lack of sponsorships, lack of media rights deals, and numerous other reasons for why women's professional sports leagues are not profitable. In analyzing the current landscape of women's professional sport leagues, this paper uses a case study approach to develop a strategy that will highlight lessons learned from past women's professional sports leagues, current professional...
Show moreWomen's professional sports leagues have often been considered a risky business endeavor. Critics cite low attendance, lack of sponsorships, lack of media rights deals, and numerous other reasons for why women's professional sports leagues are not profitable. In analyzing the current landscape of women's professional sport leagues, this paper uses a case study approach to develop a strategy that will highlight lessons learned from past women's professional sports leagues, current professional sports leagues, sponsorship agreements, fans, social, digital, and mobile marketing strategies, and management practices to show how the business of women's sports could be made into a more profitable endeavor.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000151, ucf:45932
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000151
- Title
- HOW SPORTS FRANCHISES COMMUNICATE VIA SOCIAL MEDIA.
- Creator
-
Jones, Christopher, Coombs, Timothy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The aim of the research is to evaluate how professional sport organizations communicate via social media and lay groundwork on how to effectively do so in the future. The research focuses on the history of social media and its involvement in sport, how it's used today, examples of effective communication and how it can eventually drive revenue for a sport franchise and build a stronger fan base at the same time.
- Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004325, ucf:45050
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004325
- Title
- THE EFFECTS OF SPORTS TEAM ALLEGIANCE ON JURORS' PERCEPTIONS OF A DEFENDANT.
- Creator
-
Ranieri, Andrea, Smither, Janan, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT. This study examined the relationship between levels of sports team identification and sentence leniency. It was hypothesized that sharing the same sports team affiliation with the defendant would create bias in the form of juror leniency, and that highly identified fans would show more bias than lower identified fans. A case description of a hit and run accident, in which the defendant was described as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, was read by 220 participants. Results showed a...
Show moreABSTRACT. This study examined the relationship between levels of sports team identification and sentence leniency. It was hypothesized that sharing the same sports team affiliation with the defendant would create bias in the form of juror leniency, and that highly identified fans would show more bias than lower identified fans. A case description of a hit and run accident, in which the defendant was described as a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, was read by 220 participants. Results showed a significant difference in recommended sentence length and levels of sympathy between the three groups (High Identity, Low Identity, & No Identity). However, contrary to the original hypothesis, participants who were highly identified with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers recommended a significantly longer sentence for the defendant and were less sympathetic than participants who had lower identification to the Buccaneers and those who had no Buccaneer identification. This paper discusses the relation of this finding with the Reverse Attractive Leniency Effect, as well as the Same-Sex Penalty Effect.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004136, ucf:44864
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004136
- Title
- An Investigation of Gender, Prior Access to Athletics, and Interest Levels in Intercollegiate Sports of First-Time-in-College Freshmen.
- Creator
-
White, Michelle, Taylor, Rosemarye, Pawlas, George, Doherty, Walter, Kaplan, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The focus of this research was to investigate the effects of gender and level of prior access to athletic programs sponsored by school, community, church, student or civic groups, and informal programs on level of first-time-in-college (FTIC) freshmen's interest in participating in intercollegiate athletics. To this end, 1,196 respondents (682 females and 514 males) who were admitted to the University of Central Florida and attended freshman orientation sessions in May and June of 2007 at the...
Show moreThe focus of this research was to investigate the effects of gender and level of prior access to athletic programs sponsored by school, community, church, student or civic groups, and informal programs on level of first-time-in-college (FTIC) freshmen's interest in participating in intercollegiate athletics. To this end, 1,196 respondents (682 females and 514 males) who were admitted to the University of Central Florida and attended freshman orientation sessions in May and June of 2007 at the UCF-Orlando campus completed the face-to-face survey. Participants ranged in age from 18 years of age to 25 years of age, representing varied racial/ethnic backgrounds, with a majority being registered as full-time students at time of the survey. The FTIC freshmen anonymously and voluntarily completed a modified version of The Student Interests in Athletics, Sports, and Fitness Survey (National Collegiate Athletic Association, 1995). Quantitative data gathered through analysis of closed-response questions provided information on their demographics, general interest in athletics, prior access to school and non-school sponsored sports, and interest in participating in college athletics. Survey responses suggested that a gender difference exists in FTIC freshmen when taking into account prior access to school and non-school sponsored athletics in predicting level of interest in participating in intercollegiate sports. FTIC freshmen males reported having more access to athletics than did FTIC freshmen females prior to attending freshmen orientation sessions in May and June of 2007. In addition, more FTIC freshmen males than females reported being interested in participating in intercollegiate athletics. Lower interest and participation rates by females in intercollegiate sports may, therefore, be an artifact of less access to opportunities to participate in sports during high school.Although almost four decades have passed with the expectation of gender equity within school settings in effect, most educational institutions are not in compliance with Title IX legislation. Females have not been afforded the same opportunities to participate in sports as males, and this appears to have influenced their interest in participating in sports. The findings of this study demonstrate the need for increased enforcement of Title IX legislation at all levels of education for true gender equity and athletic interest to be realized.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFE0004458, ucf:49351
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004458
- Title
- ATTRITION RATE IN U.S. WOMEN'S ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS BY LEVEL.
- Creator
-
Swift, Kayleigh A, Fisher, Thomas J., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rates of attrition at each level within US Women's Artistic Gymnastics. Using USA Gymnastics membership information, this thesis explored trends within raising and falling membership rates by level and the potential predictive information this can offer gyms, coaches, parents and athletes. Until this study, previous research had only looked at the causes of attrition. The results of this study provided insight into when this attrition will be most...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the rates of attrition at each level within US Women's Artistic Gymnastics. Using USA Gymnastics membership information, this thesis explored trends within raising and falling membership rates by level and the potential predictive information this can offer gyms, coaches, parents and athletes. Until this study, previous research had only looked at the causes of attrition. The results of this study provided insight into when this attrition will be most likely to occur. This will assist in preparing coaches, parents and athletes to make informed decisions in regards to the training and commitment necessary in pursuing a future in competitive gymnastics. It also informs the gym on attrition within their program, which offers opportunities to better cater the program to the athletes, including additional coach's education at these levels. After reviewing the current and past number of athletes participating, it was concluded that attrition peaks for athletes going into Level 5. A significant drop in athletes from Level 4 occurs, and the trend continued, at a smaller degree, as the number of athletes drops at each level through Level 10.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFH2000116, ucf:45991
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH2000116
- Title
- THE ROLE OF ANXIETY IN MENTAL TUMBLING BLOCKS.
- Creator
-
Thompson, Shannon, Jensen, Bernard, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Mental tumbling blocks are a problem in sports such as cheerleading where the athlete has an unexplained fear related to performing a skill that has been previously executed successfully. The current study compared participants with and without a mental tumbling block on self-report measures of anxiety and on vocal analysis data indicating if anxiety or fear is present. Participants were female cheerleaders who ranged in age from 10 to 16 years old. The Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2; Smith,...
Show moreMental tumbling blocks are a problem in sports such as cheerleading where the athlete has an unexplained fear related to performing a skill that has been previously executed successfully. The current study compared participants with and without a mental tumbling block on self-report measures of anxiety and on vocal analysis data indicating if anxiety or fear is present. Participants were female cheerleaders who ranged in age from 10 to 16 years old. The Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2; Smith, Smoll, Cumming & Grossbard, 2006) and the Cheerleading Fear Inventory (CFI; modified from Cartoni, Minganti, and Zelli, 2005) were used in addition to vocal analysis measures assessing pitch and intensity. These vocal analysis measures were taken under two conditions while the cheerleader was interviewed (1) about tumbling and (2) about school. Results indicated that athletes with a mental block reported higher somatic anxiety, concentration disruption, and overall anxiety on the SAS-2 than participants who did not have a mental tumbling block. Similarly, athletes with a mental tumbling block reported higher scores on the CFI than athletes without a mental tumbling block. In addition, athletes with a mental tumbling block showed higher pitch on the vocal analysis measure than athletes without a mental tumbling regardless of interview condition. Finally, several significant correlations emerged between scores on the SAS-2, the CFI, and the vocal analysis measures. These results are discussed in terms of the existing literature, and practical suggestions are offered that may help coaches understand how to effectively handle mental blocks at practice.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFH0004451, ucf:45129
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004451
- Title
- EXAMINING CROWD VIOLENCE CONNECTED TO SPORT APPLYINGTHE HOOLIGAN TEMPLATE.
- Creator
-
Worthen, Kelly, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
ABSTRACT The aim of the research is to evaluate crowd violence as it pertains to sports and its spectators. In particular, the research examines sports riots. "A sports riot is defined as violence-vandalism, throwing/shooting missiles, rushing the field or court, committing arson, and/or fighting- committed by five or more individuals in a crowd of one hundred people associated with a formally organized sporting event" (Lewis, 2007). On a micro level, the most prevalent form of spectator...
Show moreABSTRACT The aim of the research is to evaluate crowd violence as it pertains to sports and its spectators. In particular, the research examines sports riots. "A sports riot is defined as violence-vandalism, throwing/shooting missiles, rushing the field or court, committing arson, and/or fighting- committed by five or more individuals in a crowd of one hundred people associated with a formally organized sporting event" (Lewis, 2007). On a micro level, the most prevalent form of spectator violence is the act of Hooliganism in relation to football (soccer). The research on this aggression has been primarily inherent in Europe and South and Central America in concert with soccer matches. One of the goals of the research is to see if this unique type violence has the potential to occur in North America when comparing it to Europe and more specifically the United Kingdom. Currently, the average Major League Soccer (MLS) teams are capturing slightly higher attendance numbers than the NBA and the NHL. In the 2010-11 season, the average MLS attendance was 17,869, compared to 17,319 and 17,126 respectively (ESPN.com, 2011). With the expansion and globalization of the sport when traveling groups from Europe and South/Central America play United States teams (municipalities or the National team) in a "friendly" (exhibition match) or a World Cup qualifiers stateside, it is understood that supporter firms (hooligan gangs) will travel to support their team. Are hooligans simply looking for a violent result under the guise of being football supporters? "It's a lot more widespread than the general public realize. They might hear of one or two big incidences a year. But this thing happens week in week out at different grounds around England" (Hooligans: No one likes us, 2002). Collective behavior is the most apparent theoretic way to view these outbursts. This research however will examine this social phenomenon through symbolic interaction perspective as well. The hooligan culture is embedded with symbols of social disorder and rebellion. Racism, xenophobia homophobia and even patriotism are the tent poles of this social phenomenon. Additionally, from firm (gang) to firm (gang), socially constructed deviance such as rival history, improper police conduct, the media and alcohol are overarching factors. The final facet of the research examines how to curb the violence. Since Hooliganism is surprisingly tactical in and of itself, how authorities can potentially identify trouble makers and anticipate violence will be assessed. Since the English have customarily been deemed by the international community as some of the worst cohort participants, the tactics that authorities abroad have utilized (successful and otherwise) will be evaluated. Recommendations to prevent and combat this problem will be made in the hopes that a proactive approach can be developed domestically.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004220, ucf:44936
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004220
- Title
- Effects of a 10-Week Introductory Judo Course on Postural Control During Reactionary Bilateral Gripping Task With Varied Stances and Lower Body Power Performance.
- Creator
-
Muddle, Tyler, Fukuda, David, Hoffman, Jay, Stout, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is twofold: 1.) Examine the effects of 10-weeks of an introductory judo course on postural control during maximal bilateral isometric handgrip testing using different stance conditions and lower body power performance, and 2.) To analyze the relationship between maximal bilateral handgrip exertions on postural control during varied stance conditions. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active men and women divided into two an experimental group, (JDO) (n =...
Show morePURPOSE: The purpose of the present study is twofold: 1.) Examine the effects of 10-weeks of an introductory judo course on postural control during maximal bilateral isometric handgrip testing using different stance conditions and lower body power performance, and 2.) To analyze the relationship between maximal bilateral handgrip exertions on postural control during varied stance conditions. METHODS: Twenty recreationally active men and women divided into two an experimental group, (JDO) (n = 10; 21.70 (&)#177; 3.83 y; 169.91 (&)#177; 6.01 cm; 73.89 (&)#177; 12.10 kg; 19.01 (&)#177; 8.06% BF), and a control group, (CON) (n = 10; 21.50 (&)#177; 2.84 y; 170.06 (&)#177; 8.28 cm; 76.62 (&)#177; 12.03 kg; 22.41 (&)#177; 6.64% BF), participated in this study. Both groups completed pre-testing, performing nine randomly assigned experimental trials measuring center of pressure (COP) variables during the performance of a bilateral reactionary gripping task using varied stance conditions. Each trial consisted of bilateral maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) measured simultaneously with a handgrip dynamometer, three times with a neutral (N), dominant foot forward (D), and non-dominant (ND) foot forward stance. Furthermore, participants performed three bilateral countermovement jumps (CMJ) trials. All trials were completed while standing on a portable force platform, which was used, in conjunction with corresponding software, to track COP amplitude in the mediolateral (COPML) and anteroposterior (COPAP) directions, COP mean velocity (MV), and COP area (AREA) while gripping the dynamometer, and ground reaction forces, peak force (CMJPKF), peak power (CMJPP), and rate of power development (CMJRPD), during CMJ performance. Subjects were instructed to grasp the dynamometers as forcefully as possible for ?5-sec during each trial. All trials were separated by a recovery period of 60-sec. A Waterloo Handedness and Footedness Questionnaire was used to determine subject upper and lower body laterality. Participants repeated the testing protocol following the conclusion of the 10-week course. RESULTS: No significant interactions were observed in MVC strength of the DOM and NON hands during any of the three stance conditions following the 10-week judo course. Furthermore, no significant interactions were observed for any of the COP variables. However, a significant main effect of stance was observed for COPML, MV, and AREA. Results did reveal that CMJPP significantly improved in the JDO group (PRE: 3584.70 (&)#177; 716.59W - POST: 3750.10 (&)#177; 699.61W) following the 10-week judo course, while no change was observed in the CON group (PRE: 3693.10 (&)#177; 1083.77W (-) POST: 3654.40 (&)#177; 1023.94W). However, no change was seen in CMJPKF or CMJRPD. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation indicate that 10-weeks of an introductory judo course may increase CMJPP, however, has no effect on postural control or bilateral MVC strength of the DOM and NON hand during varied stance conditions. Furthermore, results reveal that bilateral MVC exertion has no influence on postural control performed during varied stance conditions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006148, ucf:51157
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006148
- Title
- HISTORICAL COMPARISON OF FLORIDA AND NATIONAL TITLE IX COMPLIANCE TRENDS IN HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS FROM 1985-2005.
- Creator
-
Knowles, Coury, Higginbotham, Patricia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to compare the Title IX compliance trends of high school sports in Florida over the past two decades (1985-2005) against national trends. The literature review discusses: the historical events leading to Title IX, the administrative implementation of Title IX, the legal perspective of Title IX, and the impact of Title IX on gender equity in sports. The study was conducted between January and June, 2007. The data focused on: male and female participants in high...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to compare the Title IX compliance trends of high school sports in Florida over the past two decades (1985-2005) against national trends. The literature review discusses: the historical events leading to Title IX, the administrative implementation of Title IX, the legal perspective of Title IX, and the impact of Title IX on gender equity in sports. The study was conducted between January and June, 2007. The data focused on: male and female participants in high school sports in Florida, the numbers of male and female participants in high school sports across the nation, and enrollment figures of high schools in both Florida and the nation. The results indicate there was no significant difference between national Title IX compliance trends and Florida Title IX compliance trends in high school sports during 1985 through 2005. In fact, there was widespread non-compliance with the substantial proportionality of Title IX, with some improvements in compliance over time. Future research should focus on other strategies to comply with Title IX.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2007
- Identifier
- CFE0001845, ucf:47340
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0001845
- Title
- SPORTS MASSAGE RESEARCH PROTOCOLS AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS.
- Creator
-
Kest, Amber, Valdes, Anna, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
The purpose of this study was to determine which MT techniques current licensed massage therapists practicing sports massage are using to treat delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) by conducting an anonymous online survey of practicing sports massage therapists. The secondary purpose was to determine if previous sports massage research protocols match current practices in sports massage to treat DOMS. There were 85 anonymous respondents ranging in age from 24 to 74 years with a mean age of 44...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to determine which MT techniques current licensed massage therapists practicing sports massage are using to treat delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) by conducting an anonymous online survey of practicing sports massage therapists. The secondary purpose was to determine if previous sports massage research protocols match current practices in sports massage to treat DOMS. There were 85 anonymous respondents ranging in age from 24 to 74 years with a mean age of 44.5 years. Participants included 55 female (65.5%) and 29 male (34.5%) therapists. Professional experience ranged from 4 years or less to more than 20 years, and the majority reported having training specific to sports massage. Previous research methods have placed an overwhelming emphasis on effleurage and petrissage in the treatment protocols to test the effects of massage on DOMS. However, practicing therapists rely on many more techniques and modalities when giving sports massage treatments for DOMS. On a scale of 1 to 5 respondents rated the importance of effleurage strokes in their sports massage treatment at 3.3, petrissage strokes averaged 3.4, friction 3.3, and tapotement ranked slightly lower with a weighted average of 2.1. Sixty six percent of respondents reported that they use stretching techniques often or always. Myofascial release techniques are used sometimes or often for 65% of the respondents, but fewer utilize manual lymphatic drainage in their sports massage. Additional techniques besides those mentioned in the survey are used by 64% of the respondents.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004846, ucf:45476
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004846
- Title
- PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS THAT IMPACT THE DROP-OUT RATE IN ADOLESCENT SPORTS.
- Creator
-
McClone, Nicole, Biddle, Jeffrey, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Children are dropping out of sport at alarming rates. With the highest numbers of drop-out occurring between the ages of ten and seventeen, the focus of this research is on the drop-out rates of adolescents from sport. Athletic participation has been linked to positive academic performance, key development of leadership skills, and increased engagement in the community. The research that has been conducted related to sport persistence has had a greater focus on examining factors related to...
Show moreChildren are dropping out of sport at alarming rates. With the highest numbers of drop-out occurring between the ages of ten and seventeen, the focus of this research is on the drop-out rates of adolescents from sport. Athletic participation has been linked to positive academic performance, key development of leadership skills, and increased engagement in the community. The research that has been conducted related to sport persistence has had a greater focus on examining factors related to the physical domain. Attention is now beginning to shift however, and researchers are looking outside the physical domain and analyzing sport attrition more through sociological and psychological domains. The purpose of this research is to conduct a literary analysis on the psychological factors that impact the drop-out rate of adolescents from sport with adolescents being defined as children between the ages of ten and seventeen. Research in this domain is fairly limited; however numerous psychological theories have recently emerged as framework for conducting research as it relates to participation and drop-out in adolescent sports. These include self-determination theory, basic needs theory, achievement goal theory, and leisure constraints theory. The developmental model of sport participation is also a tool that is widely used to study sport persistence and drop-out. Foundationally based on psychology, this literature analysis was constructed to explore drop-out factors related to adolescent sport with the intent to collect data that either supports or disputes the relational connections between sport attrition or persistence. These relationships include but are not limited to the athlete/athlete, athlete/coach, athlete/parent, and athlete/self.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004901, ucf:45498
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004901
- Title
- THE SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF CLAIMS-MAKING: BAHAMIAN ANGLERS VS. NON-RESIDENT SPORTS-FISHERMEN.
- Creator
-
Neuenschwander, Sara, Lynxwiler, John, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
On January 1, 2007, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources in the Department of Marine Resources of the Bahamas promulgated significant revisions to their sports-fishing regulations. While the new laws were designed to benefit the Bahamian fisheries, they caused a vociferous uproar among non-resident anglers who frequent the islands of the Bahamas to sports-fish. Of particular concern are the new regulations that limit the maximum weight and number of fish which non-resident anglers...
Show moreOn January 1, 2007, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources in the Department of Marine Resources of the Bahamas promulgated significant revisions to their sports-fishing regulations. While the new laws were designed to benefit the Bahamian fisheries, they caused a vociferous uproar among non-resident anglers who frequent the islands of the Bahamas to sports-fish. Of particular concern are the new regulations that limit the maximum weight and number of fish which non-resident anglers may keep on their boat. My research examines the claims-making activities made by American anglers on four different sports-fishermen/cruising forums. The analysis focuses on the motifs, rhetorical idioms, counterrhetorical strategies, and styles among sports-fishermen who fish the Bahamas.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002293, ucf:47833
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002293
- Title
- Chasing "Plan A": Identity Development of First-Generation College Student-Athletes.
- Creator
-
Warner, Alexandra, Anthony, Amanda, Grauerholz, Liz, Gay, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Student-athletes competing at the university level face a unique set of stressors, pressures, and experiences. While all students will inevitably face difficulties transitioning from high school to post-secondary education, collegiate athletes bear the burden of balancing at least two demanding public roles, student and athlete, along with other interpersonal relationships, such as friendships, familial ties, and connections with teammates and coaches. The current study examines the identity...
Show moreStudent-athletes competing at the university level face a unique set of stressors, pressures, and experiences. While all students will inevitably face difficulties transitioning from high school to post-secondary education, collegiate athletes bear the burden of balancing at least two demanding public roles, student and athlete, along with other interpersonal relationships, such as friendships, familial ties, and connections with teammates and coaches. The current study examines the identity development of college student-athletes and the challenges they face as they transition into and through their involvement in higher education and intercollegiate sports. This project in particular focuses on how the gendered experiences of student-athletes affects their identity development through the lens of Identity Control Theory. The data, drawn from in-depth interviews with 19 Division 1 first-generation student-athletes, explore how student-athletes balance their multiple roles, and thus negotiate their athletic performance, academic concerns, autonomy, and potential stereotypes. It is vital to determine the best practices for first-generation student-athlete success in order to promote positive socialization and encourage college completion through an understanding of what programs can better support student-athletes as students, athletes, and individuals.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006194, ucf:51088
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006194
- Title
- A MECHANICS-BASED APPROACH FOR PUTT DISTANCE OPTIMIZATION.
- Creator
-
Santiago-Martinez, Pascual, Gordon, Ali, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
Quantifying the core mechanics of putting is imperative to developing a reliable model that predicts post-collision ball behavior. A preliminary model for the stroking motion of putting and putter-ball collision is developed alongside experiments, establishing an empirical model that supports the theory. The goal of the present study is to develop a correlation between the backstroke of a putt, or the pre-impact translation of the putter, and the post-impact displacement of the golf ball....
Show moreQuantifying the core mechanics of putting is imperative to developing a reliable model that predicts post-collision ball behavior. A preliminary model for the stroking motion of putting and putter-ball collision is developed alongside experiments, establishing an empirical model that supports the theory. The goal of the present study is to develop a correlation between the backstroke of a putt, or the pre-impact translation of the putter, and the post-impact displacement of the golf ball. This correlation is subsequently utilized to generate an algorithm that predicts the two-dimensional ball trajectory based on putt displacement and putting surface texture by means of finite element analysis. In generating a model that accurately describes the putting behavior, the principles of classical mechanics were utilized. As a result, the putt displacement was completely described as a function of backstroke and some environmental parameters, such as: friction, slope of the green, and the elasticity of the putter-ball collision. In support of the preliminary model, experimental data were gathered from golfers of all levels. The collected data demonstrated a linear correlation between backstroke and putt distance, with the environmental parameters factoring in as a constant value; moreover, the data showed that experienced golfers tend to have a constant acceleration through ball impact. Combining the empirical results with the trajectory prediction algorithm will deliver an accurate predictor of ball behavior that can be easily implemented by golfers under most practical applications. Putt distance to backstroke ratios were developed under a variety of conditions
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004764, ucf:45340
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004764
- Title
- Disciplinary Mythologies: A Rhetorical-Cultural Analysis of Performance Enhancement Technologies in Sports.
- Creator
-
Lamothe, John, Scott, Blake, Janz, Bruce, Campbell, James, Oliveira, Leonardo, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
In sports discourse, the relationship between athletics and technology is often paradoxical. On the one hand, modern sports rely on technology at every level, from training and tracking of players to the equipment and apparel used by athletes to the game strategies and playing fields themselves. Nearly all of these technologies are intended to increase athletic performance on some level. And yet, certain performance enhancement technologies can be criticized for being antithetical to the...
Show moreIn sports discourse, the relationship between athletics and technology is often paradoxical. On the one hand, modern sports rely on technology at every level, from training and tracking of players to the equipment and apparel used by athletes to the game strategies and playing fields themselves. Nearly all of these technologies are intended to increase athletic performance on some level. And yet, certain performance enhancement technologies can be criticized for being antithetical to the spirit of sports, which is framed as being a strictly natural and pure human endeavor. Using a rhetorical-cultural methodological approach, popular sports discourse is analyzed to investigate how arguments in contested spaces between sports and technologies get (re)negotiated and (re)articulated to fit within a sports social language that emphasizes (")pure(") and (")natural(") ideals of sport. This often results in a dichotomy where the sport/technology relationship is either black boxed, thus being subsumed in the sport social language and becoming transparent and the relationships unarticulated, or the technology is regulated out of the sport through rules and bans. The reason for this articulation is attributed in large part to the deep humanism embedded in the sport social language. How a shift to a posthuman perspective would effect sports discourse is explored. These conclusions about underlying values in sports discourse lead to the formation of a new theoretical framework called disciplinary mythologies. Building off of Foucault's disciplinary power, Scott's disciplinary rhetorics, and Barthe's mythologies, disciplinary mythologies are discrete units of persuasion that both construct and constitute claims by drawing upon layered narratives and shifting associations that lose their context when entering the realm of myth. Two specific disciplinary mythologies are discussed(-)the level-playing-field topos and the nostalgia enthymeme(-)and it is shown how sports discourse often draws upon them to shape arguments and actions.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFE0005970, ucf:50773
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005970
- Title
- Joining the "Big Leagues": Politics, Race, and the Pursuit of NBA Franchises in Miami and Orlando, 1982-1987.
- Creator
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Hillyer, Garrett, Crepeau, Richard, Lester, Connie, Lyons, Amelia, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis analyzes the formation of two National Basketball Association (NBA) franchises(-)the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic(-)and the efforts of groups representing both cities to procure those franchises between 1982 and 1987. Drawing primarily from discourse found in local newspapers, this thesis serves as a case study of the dual nature of sport to both unite and divide communities. While proponents of the NBA in Miami and Orlando preached the social, cultural, and economic benefits...
Show moreThis thesis analyzes the formation of two National Basketball Association (NBA) franchises(-)the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic(-)and the efforts of groups representing both cities to procure those franchises between 1982 and 1987. Drawing primarily from discourse found in local newspapers, this thesis serves as a case study of the dual nature of sport to both unite and divide communities. While proponents of the NBA in Miami and Orlando preached the social, cultural, and economic benefits of sport, they ignored the ways in which the pursuit of sport divided local governments and perpetuated historic hostility toward African-American residents in each city. Debates over basketball arena funding created deep divisions within and between city, county, and state governments. Arena construction ultimately displaced hundreds of families in the historically African-American neighborhoods of Overtown (Miami) and Parramore (Orlando). Still, prospective NBA franchise owners in each city promised residents that professional sport would galvanize their community, provide national relevance, and spur economic revitalization. Although city and team officials attempted to shape the discourse surrounding their NBA pursuit as wholly unifying, underlying discourse revealed divisions within each city.Chapter one explores the history of arena and sport-related politics in Miami, relays the history of racial prejudice by Miami government toward Overtown African Americans, and analyzes how these two histories influenced the funding and location of the city's eventual NBA arena. Similarly, Chapter two explores the history of arena politics in Orlando, relays the history of racial prejudice from municipal government toward Parramore residents, and analyzes the relation of these two elements to the financing and planning of Orlando's arena. Chapter three analyzes prospective NBA ownership groups in Miami and Orlando, their structural makeup, characteristics, and their efforts to sell season-ticket deposits in hopes of luring the league to their city. Chapter four analyzes the underlying destructive discourse surrounding the arenas and prospective franchises, particularly as it relates prejudicial language toward Overtown and Parramore and vitriolic language between Miami and Orlando.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- Identifier
- CFE0006324, ucf:51554
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0006324
- Title
- Mirrors and Vanities.
- Creator
-
Salas, Leslie, Rushin, Patrick, Poissant, David, Bartkevicius, Jocelyn, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
-
"Mirrors and Vanities" is a multi-modal collection which showcases the diversity of working in long and short storytelling forms. Featured in this thesis are fiction, nonfiction, graphic narrative, and screenplay.Using unconventional approaches to storytelling in order to achieve emotional resonance with the audience while maintaining high standards for craft, these stories and essays explore the costs inherent to the subtle nuances of interpersonal relationships. The fiction focuses on the...
Show more"Mirrors and Vanities" is a multi-modal collection which showcases the diversity of working in long and short storytelling forms. Featured in this thesis are fiction, nonfiction, graphic narrative, and screenplay.Using unconventional approaches to storytelling in order to achieve emotional resonance with the audience while maintaining high standards for craft, these stories and essays explore the costs inherent to the subtle nuances of interpersonal relationships. The fiction focuses on the complications of characters keeping secrets. A husband discovers the truth behind his wife's miscarriage. A girl visits her fianc(&)#233; in purgatory. A boy crosses a line and loses his best friend. Meanwhile, the nonfiction centers on self-discovery and gender roles associated with power struggles. A schizophrenic threatens to ruin my mother's wedding. I rediscover my relationship with my father through food writing. Sword-work teaches me to fail and succeed at making martial art. The title work of the thesis is a collaged story highlighting the tribulations of a physicist fixated on recovering his lost love by manipulating the multiverse. The multi-modal format implicates the nebulosity of physics theories and how different aspects of the narrative can be presented in various formats to best suit the nature of the storytelling.Through the interactions of characters in mundane and extraordinary circumstances, the works in this thesis examine the consequences of choice, the contrast between reality and expectation, coming of age, and the Truth of narrative.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2013
- Identifier
- CFE0004745, ucf:49789
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0004745
