Title

Provision of enabling technology in professional sports

Authors

Authors

D. K. McBride

Comments

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Abbreviated Journal Title

Percept. Mot. Skills

Keywords

PSYCHOMOTOR PERFORMANCE; Psychology, Experimental

Abstract

Multiple-round golf tournaments are designed intentionally to separate individuals' scores as play proceeds. Variance analyses and consideration of individual differences (vs group mean effects) for a sample of professional events confirm that 3-, 4-, and 5-round tournaments show significantly increased variability (though stable means) from first to last rounds. It is argued here that the dispersion of scores increases as play proceeds because the more physically or mentally fit players emerge and continue to perform best. Furthermore, a marginal income analysis indicates that the average gain in earnings from a one-shot improvement in score is approximately $8,000. An interpretation based on fatigue, competition, and stress supports the Professional Golf Association's claim that provision of enabling devices, like a golf cart for disabled players, is also an enhancement and is thus unfair.

Journal Title

Perceptual and Motor Skills

Volume

90

Issue/Number

3

Publication Date

1-1-2000

Document Type

Article

Language

English

First Page

1219

Last Page

1230

WOS Identifier

WOS:000088458000024

ISSN

0031-5125

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