Distributed by the:
Bureau of Sport and Leisure Management
Kemmons Wilson School
The University of Memphis
Volume 1 (2022)
1. Standing Out While Fitting In: Exploring the Differential Roles of Belonging and Distinctiveness in Team Choice
Daniel L. Wann - Murray State University
CitationDeRossett, T., & Wann, D. L. (2022). Standing out while fitting in: Exploring the differential roles of belonging and distinctiveness in team choice. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 2, 1-7. Available at:
Abstract
Belonging and distinctiveness are considered innate motivators for human behavior
and decision making. Satisfaction of both needs is often associated with increased
levels of well-being and personal agency. Both belonging and distinctiveness have
been examined as successful motivators for sport fandom, but research is needed to
determine the differential roles of either trait in choosing a specific team or sport
to follow. The current study asked participants to report their needs for belonging
and distinctiveness and to choose a fictional sport team to cheer for upon moving
to a new country. One team was described as being the “mainstream” team with a significantly
larger number of fans than the “outsider” team (otherwise, the descriptions were identical).
Individuals who reported a greater need for belonging typically chose to follow the
more popular team, while those with higher desires for distinctiveness aligned with
the less popular team. These results provide evidence that belonging and distinctiveness
play a role in decision making regarding sport fandom team choices. Future studies
should further explore this phenomenon, while also examining the role of belonging
and distinctiveness in alternate methods of media consumption and consumer decision
making.
2. Sport Science Forum 2022 Abstracts
Presenters can be found for each content section.
Sport Science Forum 2022 Abstracts (2022). Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 2, 8-15. Available at:
Through a collaboration with the Sport Science Forum at Western Kentucky University, FinSHEEM is able to present the abstracts from the meeting focusing on sport science and sport fandom. Presenters are invited to submit full papers from the Forum.
Volume 1 (2021)
1. Using Sport Fandom to Aid in the Search for Meaning
Nancy H. Fast - Murray State University
Wann, D. L., & Fast, N. H. (2021). Using sport fandom to aid in the search for meaning. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 1-6. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/1-meaning_of_life-finsheem.pdf.
The current investigation examined the extent to which sport fandom serves as a source of meaning in life. Participants completed a questionnaire packet assessing their level of fandom, level of identification with their favorite team, and their perception that following sport given their life meaning and purpose. The data suggest that, although sport fandom can and does provide meaning in life, it does so at modest levels. Additionally, as hypothesized, certain individuals were more likely to see sport fandom as a source of meaning, namely those with greater levels of general fandom and team identification.
2. Journey into Your Imagination: A Topical Essay on using the Spirit of Imagination (with a little bit of Figment) and Creativity in the Pursuit of Knowledge
Cody T. Havard, Ph.D. – The University of Memphis
Havard, C. T. (2021) Journey into your imagination: A topical essay on using the spirit of imagination (with a little bit of Figment) and creativity in the pursuit of knowledge. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 7-11. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/2-journey_into_your_imagination_call-finsheem.pdf
Abstract
The current research essay addresses the importance of using imagination and inspiration
in the research process. The research process-the continued search for knowledge and
understanding-should be a worthwhile endeavor, and one that brings satisfaction and
inspiration to academics. Therefore, the current research essay discusses potential
ways to use one's imagination to engage in meaningful, satisfying, and fulfilling
research.
3. Returning to the Magic: Examining the Impact of Previous Attendance on Male and Female Disney Fans Perceptions of Universal Theme Parks
Timothy D. Ryan, Ph.D. - The University of Memphis
Havard, C. T., Wann, D. L., Grieve, F. G., & Ryan, T. D. (2021). Returning to the magic: Examining the impact of previous attendance on male and female Disney fans perceptions of Universal Theme Parks. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 12-19. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/3-disney_vs_universal-finsheem.pdf
The current study investigated the influence prior consumption has on male and female consumers and brand supporters. In particular, 206 self-reported fans of Disney reported their perceptions of the Disney and Universal theme parks brands. Results indicate that men reported more negative perceptions and likely behaviors toward Universal theme parks than did women. Further, those that had attended a Disney theme park were more negative toward Universal than participants that had not visited a Disney theme park. Finally, the interaction of prior park attendance and gender displayed significant differences among participants. The current findings study adds to the literature on group member behavior and presents numerous avenues for future research.
4. Where the Sidewalk Ends: A Call to Action for Investigating the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Fans and Consumers
Cody T. Havard, Ph.D. – The University of Memphis
Havard, C. T. (2021). Where the sidewalk ends: A call to action for investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on fans and consumers. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 20-26. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/4-where_the_sidewalk_ends-finsheem-ayout.pdf
Abstract
The current topical essay addresses the need for future researchers to investigate
the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on consumers, fans, and supporters, and how organizations
adapted to the health crisis. Specifically, background and ideas for research regarding
the impact of COVID-19 are presented for the areas of sport, entertainment, hospitality,
and event management.
5. Leveraging Dimensions of Specialized Knowledge in the Theme Park Industry: An Analysis of Stakeholder Perspectives
Carissa Baker, Ph.D. - University of Central Florida
Abstract
6. The Immense Potential of Sport Diplomacy
Brennan K. Berg, Ph.D.
Citation
Berg, B. K., (2021). The immense potential of sport diplomacy. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 34-37. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/6-sport_diplomacy.pdf
7. Disney, Netflix, and Amazon Oh My! An Analysis of Streaming Brand Competition and the Impact on the Future of Consumer Entertainment
Cody T. Havard, Ph.D.
Havard, C. T. (2021). Disney, Netflix, and Amazon oh my! An analysis of streaming brand competition and the impact on the future of consumer entertainment. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 38-45. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/7-streaming_competition_1.pdf
AbstractThe current analysis paper discusses the impact of brands such as Disney, Netflix, Amazon, and others on the growing streaming service space. In particular, comparisons and differences are identified between various streaming brands, addressing how consumers and the brands are influenced by the relevant competition and rivalries. Additionally, the passage also discusses how the streaming competition among content providers may impact the future of consumer entertainment. Finally, additional work and analysis regarding streaming and its impact on consumer behavior is requested.
8. Is There Really No Crying in Baseball? Examining the Acceptance of Crying in Sport
Tommy DeRossett, M.S., Daniel L. Wann, Ph.D., Jana Hackathorn, Ph.D., Sean C. Rife, Ph.D., Morgan Owens, MBA, Brighton C. Hollingsworth, M.S., Kaylee Noel, M.Ed., Kendrick Settler, M.A., Quinn Lambert, Ed.S., LPCA, Meagan Beckerson, M.A.
DeRossett, T., Wann, D. L., Hackathorn, J., Rife, S. C., Owens, M., Hollingsworth, B. C., Noel, K., Settler, K., Lambert, Q., & Beckerson, M. (2021). Is there really no crying in baseball? Examining the acceptance of crying in sport. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 46-55. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/8-crying_in_sport-finsheem.pdf
It is not uncommon to see tears shed by players on both the winning and losing teams, particularly after a championship game. However, sport is also seen as an environment where competitors go to “put their game faces on” and keep their emotions in check, such as during the film A League of Their Own, when a manager tells a sobbing player that “there is no crying in baseball!” The current study sought to examine the extent to which individuals agree with this perspective. Specifically, participants rated the acceptability of crying by males and females in both sport and non-sport scenarios. The results revealed different expectations for emotional reactions in sport as individuals were more accepting of crying in non-sport scenarios than in sport scenarios. Additionally persons with higher levels of restrictive emotionality were particularly likely to believe that crying in sport was not appropriate.
9. The Influence of Fantasy Sport Participation on Fans' Perceptions of the Impact of the Legalization of Sport Wagering
Citation
Wann, D. L., Zapalac, R. K., Peetz, T. B., Grieve, F. G., & Partridge, J. A. (2021).
The influence of fantasy sport participaton on fans' perceptons of the impact of the
legalization of sport wagering. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 56-63. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/9-fantasy_sport_and_sport_wagering-finsheem.pdf
Abstract
As states look for ways to increase revenue, many are making attempts to increase
the availability of legalized sport wagering. Extending previous work designed to
further our understanding of how such actions could potentially impact sport fandom,
the current study examined the impact of prior participation in fantasy sports, a
pastime sharing much in common with sport gambling. The findings revealed that level
of participation in fantasy sports were related to expectations of increased sport
wagering, should such opportunities become more available. However, fantasy sport
participation was not related to expected changes in sport interest or consumption.
10. Sport Science Forum Abstracts
Presenters can be found for each content section.
Citation
Sport Science Forum Abstracts (2021). Sport Science Forum at Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY.. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 64-74. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/10-sport_science_forum_abstracts-finsheem2.pdf
Abstract
Through a collaboration with the Sport Science Forum at Western Kentucky University,
FinSHEEM is able to present the abstracts from the meeting focusing on sport science
and sport fandom. Presenters are invited to submit full papers from the Forum.
11. Prime Video vs. Netflix vs. Disney+: Investigating Fandom and Rivalry among Direct-to-Consumer Streaming Services and Sport
Cody T. Havard, Ph.D. - The University of Memphis
Timothy D. Ryan, Ph.D. - The University of Memphis
Michael Hutchinson, Ph.D. - The University of Memphis
Citation
Havard, C. T., Ryan, T. D., Hutchinson, M. (2021). Prime Video vs. Netflix vs. Disney+:
Investigating fandom and rivalry among direct-to-consumer streaming services and sport.
Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 75-82. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/11-streaming_services_and_sport_rivalry-finsheem1.pdf
Abstract
The current study investigated differences in perceptions and likely behaviors toward
rival out-groups among sport and direct-to-consumer streaming services. Results indicated
that fans of sport reported higher identification with their favorite team and more
negativity toward their rival team than did fans of streaming services. Further, being
a fan of both sport and streaming services was correlated with more negativity toward
the sport rival and more positivity toward rival streaming services. Finally, fans
of streaming did not differ in their perceptions and likely behaviors toward rival
groups among streaming platforms. Discussion focuses on implications and avenues for
future research.
12. Sport Fans' Consumption Behaviors Following the COVID-19 Pandemic and Return to In-Person Spectating
Frederick G. Grieve, Ph.D. - Western Kentucky University
Joseph C. Case, Psy.D. - Western Kentucky University
Citation
Grieve, F. G., & Case, J. C. (2021). Sport fans' consumption behaviors following the
COVID-19 pandemic and return to in-person spectating. Findings in Sport, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Event Management, 1, 83-90. Available at: https://www.memphis.edu/wilson/research/12-return_to_in_person_spectating_covid-19.pdf
Abstract
The purpose of the present investigation was to examine consumption of sporting events
after sport leagues returned from the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample of 329 college-aged
sport fans were recruited for the study. Participants were administered measures
to assess their sport fandom, sport fandom spectator identification, sport rivalry
fan perception, and behavioral consumption of sport. Data was obtained between October
2020 to January 2021 as sport leagues returned to play. Results from the current
study indicated that current sport consumption is at a similar level as it was pre-pandemic.
However, the methods of consumption were inconsistent. Participants in the present
investigation stated they were watching sports on television less than they were before
the pandemic. Sport fans also indicated they were attending more games in person.
Sport fandom was also the strongest predictor of sport-consumption behavior. Team
identification and rivalry also accounted for modest variations of consumption behaviors.
Future studies could explore future levels of sport fans in person attendance as
sport leagues continue to return from COVID-19. Additionally, future work could explore
other conditions in which team sport fandom is a strong predictor of sport consumption
behaviors.
Submissions are now being accepted. Submit Microsoft Word papers and MP4 videos to chavard@memphis.edu.