Examining female participation in intramural sports using the sport commitment model: a comparison between commitment levels in women's and co-recreational leagues

The purpose of this study was to take a quantitative look at the commitment to sport that female college students identify in their pursuit of leisure, and specifically their participation in intramural sports activities. Using the Sport Commitment Model developed by Scanlan, Carpenter, Schmidt, Simons, and Keeler (1993), this research aimed to expand on the limited body of knowledge that exists among participation levels in intramural sports by female college students. The research included a convenient sample of females participating in Oklahoma State University's intramural basketball leagues. Surveys based on the Sport Commitment Model, included seven constructs to try and identify sport commitment and motivation. The seven constructs included sport commitment, sport enjoyment, personal investments, social constraints, involvement opportunities, involvement alternatives, and social support. Surveys were distributed to female participants at the intramural basketball game site after games for a three week period at the end of the regular basketball season. Participants were separated into a control group of females participating in women's leagues, and an experimental group of females participating in co-recreational leagues. The two groups were compared using descriptive and inferential statistics to compare responses between the control and experimental groups in each of the seven survey constructs. The one construct in which significant difference was recorded was in the section of sport commitment. Females participating in women's leagues showed a statistically significantly higher mean then those participating in co-recreational leagues. This could be due to the important role socialization plays in sport and recreation participation as reported in past research for women's participation in leisure activity. The high means in sport enjoyment, social support, and involvement opportunities for both groups also help to support this idea of the role socialization plays in commitment and motivation to participate in intramural sports. Further analysis and recommendations for future research into women's participation in intramural sports is discussed at the end of this research in order continue to build upon the limited body of knowledge that exists for women in intramural sports.