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03 May 2011, 13:47

Conference Shifting:

The recent trend of collegiate athletics and the concerns of this process

Abstract:

At the collegiate level, academics and athletics are on a collision course where the values and agendas of universities have in a way shifted away from tradition and, because of the economy, looked for ways to broaden their bottom line.  More and more schools each year are considering changing conferences to ultimately enhance their position as university.  Conference shifting has been relevant at all NCAA levels, with the majority of this research stemming from the Division I level.  This research looks to investigate the thoughts and opinions of athletic directors, coaches, and student athletes to analyze the determinants on why they are shifting conferences, and evaluate the effects of such an action.  The case study focuses on Bryant University to examine the underlying factors beyond financial incentives. 

The type of evidence used in this research was developed through local newspapers and articles, an open-ended questionnaire interview by athletic director’s and coaches, and a survey by current Bryant student-athletes via the internet through survey monkey.  The purpose of the research was to answer the following questions: What are the advantages of conference shifting? What are the disadvantages of conference shifting? What was the motivation behind Bryant’s shift? What were the reasons for the shift? In looking at the results from the study one can conclude that no one school engages in a conference shift for all of the same reasons.  Each school has its own agenda to implement a shift.  The evidence supported Bryant’s intentions at why they shifted as a result of a new strategic plan aimed at recruitment.  The advantages of shifting increased the exposure of the athletes and provided them with better competition.  The disadvantages included the loss of rivalries and the increased burden and missed class time for student-athletes.  Colleges and universities continue to compete for a variety of things and as a result Bryant felt the need to re position its university to increase their enrollment.

 Jonathan Jones