ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES IN U.S. NCAA DIVISION III ATHLETICS DEPARTMENTS

Sport personnel are called to action in regard to environmental issues despite various constraints placed on them. The purpose of this study was to examine environmental sustainability practices, strategies, and personal perspectives with U.S. NCAA Division III athletics department personnel. Further, the data was compared to responses of Division I athletics department personnel from a previous study by the authors utilizing a similar instrument to provide further context. The descriptive data provides insight into prioritization, planning, decision-making, and implementation of specific environmental initiatives within Division III. A MANOVA compared the DIII responses with Division I universities. Three key themes from the data specific to DIII involve issues of resource allocation (or lack thereof), environmental decision-making resting solely on athletic director, and a greater need for strategic planning and knowledge related to environmental actions.

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