Assessing Team Culture: the Coaches' Role in Alcohol Use Among Student-Athletes

This explanatory sequential mixed methods study explored student-athlete alcohol use and the coach’s role in improving the education and awareness within a team culture. The aim of the study was to use quantitative data provided by the student-athletes, as well as qualitative data from interviews with head coaches, to determine if the coach/student-athlete relationship results in a culture of care for the student-athlete and if enough education and awareness initiatives are taking place. The study is comprised of quantitative data that was provided from a survey tool provided by the NCAA called the 360 Proof Survey. Results from the survey provided aggregate data that assessed student-athletes on their own personal alcohol use, as well as their knowledge of the consequences associated with and their knowledge of protective behavioral strategies while consuming alcohol. A total of 183 out of 600 student-athletes participated in the survey. The 360 Proof PFI Aggregate Data Report provided data to develop qualitative interview questions intended for participating head coaches. Eight head coaches were purposefully selected based on experience, squad size, and gender of the sport in which they coached. As a result of the quantitative and qualitative data collection, three main recommendations are provided, addressing questions in three main areas -- student-athlete development, team development, and leadership (head coach) development -- with two solutions provided in each area. This study also includes additional research and consideration for stakeholders associated with alcohol education and awareness among student-athletes at a small, private institution.

Grantor dc:publisher

Creighton University

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Neitzel, Shaun

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Guetterman, Timothy C.

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright is retained by the Author. A non-exclusive distribution right is granted to Creighton University and to ProQuest following the publishing model selected above.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10504/118943

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:cdr.creighton.edu:10504/118943