Determinations of a university reclassification effect after changes in athletic affiliation
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2016
Abstract
Since 1973, former members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) left the association for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Many of these reclassified schools based their move on several tangible and intangible benefits. While past studies have shown social mobility can be predicted, limited research exists to measure potential benefits a reclassifying school may achieve. The purpose of the study is to determine if a change in athletic affiliation provides a benefit for universities in terms of undergraduate applications. This research examines all current and former NAIA members leaving for the NCAA from 2003 through 2012. The results show schools reclassifying from the NAIA to the NCAA will see on average a 20% increase in applications during the first two years of NCAA membership. This increase is sustained through the initial years of movement for schools moving to Division II (D-II) compared to Division III (D-III).
Publication Source (Journal or Book title)
International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing
First Page
297
Last Page
317
Recommended Citation
Williams, D., Soebbing, B., & Seifried, C. (2016). Determinations of a university reclassification effect after changes in athletic affiliation. International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 16 (3), 297-317. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSMM.2016.077937