Jubenville Provides Insight to Success of Online Sportsmanship Platform

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.-After more than a year of design, development, and analysis, the Center for Sport Policy & Research (CSPR) at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has released the findings of the pilot program it developed on behalf of the Sun Belt Conference's Real Sportsmanship initiative.

Dr. Colby B. Jubenville, professor of sport management at MTSU and CSPR director, announced the findings of the online, interactive, reality-based educational program.

"While the issue of sportsmanship is by no means a new one, our study represents the first effort we know of to use a systematic, scenario-driven approach that provided coaches and student-athletes opportunities to educate themselves about on- and off-the-field issues related to sportsmanship," Jubenville said.

Jubenville Continues to Drive Change in College Athletics

By Michelle Brutlag Hosick
NCAA.org

A year after the Sun Belt Conference launched a new sportsmanship education effort among member schools, initial data confirm what officials suspected: The coach is the most important figure in developing sportsmanship among student-athletes.

The "RealSportsmanship" study also revealed that student-athletes generally develop their own unique concepts and levels of awareness of sportsmanship before arriving on Sun Belt campuses. Kathy Keene, associate commissioner of the conference, said that result was something the conference will take advantage of in next year's iteration of the survey.

Designed by Middle Tennessee State University Center for Sport Policy and Research with information and possible scenarios presented between pre- and post-tests, the survey asks participants about their value system and advises how to handle negative situations before they happen.

Sun Belt Conference Releases Findings for Real Sportsmanship Platform: Study Provides Baseline for Continued Effective Sportsmanship Initiative

NEW ORLEANS - After more than a year of design, development and analysis, the Sun Belt Conference has released the findings of a pilot program it developed as part of the league's "Real Sportsmanship" initiative.

"After one year, the data suggests that the survey can be an effective tool for teaching sportsmanship and that it provides coaches and student-athletes the ability to reflect on their own values, standards and beliefs that define sportsmanship," said Sun Belt Associate Commissioner Dr. Kathy Keene.

The Sun Belt Conference Real Sportsmanship Program platform is an education initiative launched by the Sun Belt Conference in 2009 and implemented during the 2009-10 academic calendar year.

Beginning in August, Justin Jones will work in an Internship role with the Blue Raider Athletic Association at Middle Tennessee State University. Jones is working alongside former MTSM graduate Clint Marks ('09) who recently accepted the position of Fundraising Coordinator. Jones will assistance the BRAA staff, lead by Director Alan Farley, in coordinating, fulfilling, and facilitating in fundraising efforts.

Jones credits program director Dr. Colby Jubenville for realizing his potential and placing him in a position to excel at a position when the opportunity presents itself.

"I would like to thank Dr. Jubenville for pushing and coaching me over the past year," said Jones.  The guidance, direction, and leadership of Dr. Jubenville helped me get to where I am today.  His efforts went beyond the classroom.  He forced me to think critically and helped me get better with every challenge he threw at me and coached me every step of the way, both inside and outside the class room.  Without the assistance and guidance Dr. Jubenvile provided I would not be in the position I am today."

Along with his praise for Dr. Jubenville, Jones recognized the opportunity Alan Farley is providing.

"I would also like to thank Alan Farley for giving me this great opportunity with the BRAA.  The BRAA is a great organization to gain experience and learn from.  I am very appreciative of this opportunity and leadership provided by Mr. Farley."

The Tennessee Board of Regents, at its regular meeting on June 24^th, 2010 approved the recommendation of Middle Tennessee State University that Colby B. Jubenville be promoted to Professor effective August 1, 2010. 

"This promotion is validation of the contribution I have made during my time at MTSU," said Dr. Jubenville. "I would like to recognize those individuals who I have worked with in both scholarship and funded research and acknowledge that they were part of the force that continues to push this body of work forward. I am excited about the future at MTSU and the opportunities that await us."