Date of Award

Spring 5-2007

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Human Performance and Recreation

Committee Chair

Dr. Nancy Speed

Committee Chair Department

Human Performance and Recreation

Committee Member 2

Dr. Kyna Shelley

Committee Member 2 Department

Educational Studies and Research

Committee Member 3

Dr. Jerry Phillips

Committee Member 3 Department

Human Performance and Recreation

Committee Member 4

Dr. Walter Cooper

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to document the perceived levels o f knowledge and skills of the persons responsible for sports event security management in intercollegiate athletics. The study targeted individuals responsible for event security duties, such as event management and facility operations athletic directors at Division IA football schools (N=81). The study concerned perceptions o f their abilities, experiences, training, and education. Specific demographic variables o f these schools were also measured. All 81 participants indicated “some” inclusion o f security operations within their job scope. Nearly 50% indicated that the responsibility of game-day security comes from within the athletic department administration.

Sixty-two percent o f all respondents reported having no formal training, education, or certifications in event security management. Gaps or areas o f concern in security management capabilities o f athletic department staff were identified. These gaps, currently not discussed in the recent literature, will aid in the future development of education, training, and certification programs that can be tailored to the needs of athletic departments. No significant differences were found in perceived capabilities and the variables of football conference, football attendance, education, years of experience, and positions.