The Management of Spectators Through the Lens of High School Athletic Directors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33043/SSWJ.5yd83baKeywords:
high school athletics, spectator behavior, athletic directors, COVID-19Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions of athletic directors at high school sporting events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Four hundred twelve (412) high school athletic directors were surveyed and 112 responded. Participants responded to demographic items, and a qualitative, open-ended prompt to elicit detailed experiences, emotional responses, and perceptions of sporting events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a grounded theory approach, the following themes emerged: a strong desire for in-person attendance at sporting events, community responses that challenged health and safety of spectators and athletes, and the necessity for COVID-19 related changes such as digital ticketing virtual spectating opportunities. The study illuminates the necessity for flexibility and innovation during a crisis, in ways that are relevant to school leaders entrusted to foster a positive environment at athletic events. Some level of demand for virtual spectating experiences is likely to continue or increase in the future for post-pandemic sporting events. Further research can identify exemplary practices, and those exemplars can serve as a model for other schools and athletic directors.
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