Special Issues – Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics

Editors
Emmett Gill – University of Texas
Diana Rowan – UNC-Charlotte

Associate Editor
Matt Moore – Ball State Universit

Jane Addams’ Forgotten Legacy: Recreation and Sport

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Author
Jerry F. Reynolds II – Louisiana State University School of Social Work

Abstract

The intersection of social work and sport have a rich, yet largely undocumented history. In the early days of the profession, one of its founders, Jane Addams, in addition to many roles, served her community as a defacto athletic director. This commentary provides an historical overview discussing the intersection of social work in sport-based environments and community practice with American immigrants. Highlighted are details concerning populations served, the physical spaces created for sport and recreation, and the program influences generated by Addams. The author’s intent is to provide an impetus to expand the profession of social work in sport-based environments, carrying on the legacy of early social work.

College Athletes and Crime: The Role of Race, Age, and Peers and the Implications for Social Work Practice in College Sports

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Author
Emmett L. Gill, Jr – University of Texas at Austin

Abstract

Almost every other day there is a news story about a college athletes’ involvement in an alleged crime. Indeed, one Sports Illustrated investigation found that, over an eight-month period in 2010, the number of crimes committed by college athletes averaged one every other day (Benedict, 2010). The current study is a secondary data analysis of a sample of 371 media articles documenting the arrests of college athletes between 2010 and 2015. The current study explores differences in the mean number of crimes committed by college athletes’ according to their classification, the number of perpetrators, and the perpetrators’ race across seven different crime categories. The results did not yield any significant differences across classification or number of perpetrators. However, the results indicated White college athletes committed significantly more property and drug related crimes when compared to Black college athletes. The paper will close with a discussion on how athletic departments think about a) the vulnerability of White college athletes, b) utilizing cost of attendance stipends to deter property crimes, c) removing responsibility for disciplinary decisions for college athletes from athletics, and d) including social workers in counseling and case management services for college athletes.

Sexual Violence in Intercollegiate Athletics: A Historical Perspective of Male Athletic Entitlement

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Author
Lorin Mordecai – University of Connecticut School of Social Work

Abstract

Sexual violence within intercollegiate athletics is an understudied area of research in social work. Feminist theorists suggest that sexual violence reinforces male dominance as a result of living in a patriarchal society. Male college athletes participating in commercialized sports develop a sense of entitlement due to public admiration for their heroic athleticism. The college sports culture at large Division I universities sets the stage for sexual aggression and exploitation of women. This article seeks to identify themes of male athletic entitlement that perpetuates violence against women through a feminist perspective. Using a historical qualitative analysis, articles from major newspapers were collected from 1950 to 2016 that reported on incidents of sexual assault committed by male college athletes. Several themes emerged including multiple perpetrator sexual assaults, recruiting parties, recruitment of athletes with a violent past, racial hierarchies, threats to victims, and organizational culture’s mishandling of sexual assault. Even though these trends provide a glimpse into the college sports broadcasted by the media, they highlight the underlining structures that enable gender-based violence. Gaining a better understanding of these trends will allow social workers to address sexual violence perpetration by male college athletes in big-time college sports.

The Emotional Needs of Women in Sports: An Exploration of Self-Efficacy, Self-Compassion, and Self-Conscious Emotions

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Author
Ginger S. Gummelt – Lamar University

Abstract

This study examined the self-efficacy, self-conscious emotions, and self-compassion of women college athletes. While female athletes may benefit greatly from the athletic experience, little research has been done to address their emotional and mental well-being. Self-efficacy and the self-conscious emotions have been shown to be tied to both athletic success and emotional wellbeing while self-compassion has been identified as an effective tool for enhancing psychological well-being, particularly in athletes (Mosewich, Crocker, Kowalski, & DeLongis, 2013). In order to measure shame, a version of the Test of Self-Conscious Affect (Tangney & Dearing, 2003), was administered to volunteer subjects. Self-efficacy was measured using the Physical SelfEfficacy Scale (McAuley & Gill, 1983; Ryckman, Robbins, Thornton, & Cantrell, 1982) and selfcompassion was measured using the Self-Compassion Scale (Neff, 2003b). Results indicate that athletes experience an increased amount of self-conscious emotions and identify less self-efficacy than non-athletes. Practice implications for clinicians, coaches and athletes are explored with a focus on the specific needs of women in sports.

Is There a Need for Social Workers in Intercollegiate Athletics? A Conceptual Study

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Author
John Miller – Troy University
Raymond Waller – Troy University

Abstract

Research regarding eating disorders among intercollegiate female athletes is well-documented. Since eating disorders have been categorized as potentially serious mental illnesses by the American Psychiatric Association (APA, 2013), professionals need to be knowledgeable and involved in the overall care of college athletes. However, those closest to the athlete such as athletic trainers and coaches often lack the knowledge to detect symptoms and/or ability to assist those afflicted with eating disorders. To make a difference, a health care professional, such as a clinically trained social worker, should be considered to assist with the well-being of athletes. This conceptual study explores the deficiencies of intercollegiate coaches as well as athletic trainers and advocates for the inclusion of qualified social workers as part of a multidisciplinary approach to help intercollegiate female athletes who suffer from eating disorders.

I Know I Can Learn: The Perceptions of NCAA Division I Football College Athletes with Learning Disabilities

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Authors
Sarah Stokowski – University of Arkansas
Heather Blunt-Vinti – University of Arkansas
Robin Hardin – University of Tennessee
Benjamin D. Goss – Missouri State University
Megan Turk – University of Arkansas

Abstract

While 11% of all college students are reported to have a learning disability (National Center for Education Statistics, 2016), that percentage may be considerably higher when looking at National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I college athletes. Farrey (2009) reported as many as 54% of athletes on three revenue-producing teams at one institution had documented learning disabilities. Many students with learning disabilities are academically underprepared for the rigors of higher education and may be considered a vulnerable population within a higher education setting (Eckes & Ochoa, 2005). The purpose of this study is to examine Division I Football Bowl Series (FBS) college athletes’ with learning disabilities attitudes toward learning. Nine football college athletes with learning disabilities at a single Division I FBS institution participated in semi-structured interviews. Throughout the data, one major theme appeared consistently; learning competence, referring to the participants’ belief that they were capable and willing to learn. While many participants were not aware of their particular disability, it was clear the participants wanted to learn, felt they could learn, and had developed strategies to assist them in being successful in the classroom. The results of this study will allow those working with this particular population of college athletes to develop a greater understanding of their academic experiences, perceptions, and needs.

Understanding Student-Athlete Reintegration: Using Social Work Strengths

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Authors
Charlotte E. Dean – Port Human Services
Jerry F. Reynolds II – Louisiana State University

Abstract

The reintegration process that follows a student athlete’s unplanned retirement from sport is common among student-athletes. Upon reintegration there are factors that influence an athlete’s ability to remain on campus. These include positive social supports, personal skills, coping skills, and goal setting. There are also more negative reintegration factors such as isolation and role engulfment, limited social supports, lack of preparation, limited personal living skills and emotional regulation, and negative stereotypes from the general collegiate population. A case study helps illustrate the difficulties that a student-athlete may encounter during the reintegration process and how professionals can assist in a more positive transition. The purpose of this article is to provide valuable references to those who may encounter or seek to better assist former athletes who experience challenges with reintegration.

Stepping Outside of their Comfort Zone: Perceptions of Seeking Behavioral Health Services amongst College Athletes

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Author
Matt Moore – Ball State University

Abstract

Research has indicated that college athletes are at risk for a number of mental health problems—including depression, substance abuse, alcohol abuse, and disordered eating. An athlete’s willingness to seek out mental health services however is not fully understood. This study examined the level of comfort that college athletes have with seeking mental health services. Additionally, this study explored characteristics associated with reluctance in seeking mental health services. This study used a web-based survey to gather information from college athletes (N = 349). The researcher used descriptive and multivariate tests to analyze the data. This study found that college athletes reported feeling less comfortable seeking mental health services in comparison to services that support academic and athletic growth. Additionally, NCAA division level impacted the degree of comfort with seeking mental health services. Division I athletes felt significantly less comfortable seeking mental health services that Division II and III athletes. The profile of the sport played (high or low) did not significantly impact comfort levels. Future research should examine strategies for addressing barriers related to mental health stigma, athletic culture, ecological factors, and factors related to service delivery.

Clinical Social Work and Coaching: The Similarities That Foster Collaboration

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Author
Marc V. Felizzi – Millersville University of Pennsylvania