Provision of enabling technology in professional sports

    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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