Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting: Analysis of Criminal Behavior During the SEC Football Season

ABSTRACT

Evidence suggests that live sporting events may lead fans to engage in criminal behaviors. The current study examined the relationship between criminal behavior and college football game days. Archival data of criminal offenses were collected from Southeastern Conference member institution police departments to analyze reported criminal offenses during the regular season. Multilevel linear models revealed an increase in criminal behavior. A factorial ANOVA indicated an interaction of team rankings and game outcome was related to specific types of criminal behavior in the host city (F (1, 9142) = 20.07, p < .001). Results provide insight to more effectively allocate resources.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ashley Coker-Cranney

ASHLEY COKER-CRANNEY recieved her Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences at West Virginia University. She received her M.A. in Counseling from West Virginia University and her M.S. in Exercise and Sport Science with an emphasis in Psychosocial Aspects of Sport from the University of Utah. Ashley currently works as a graduate research assistant in the Department of Sport Sciences at West Virginia University for an insurance-funded, state-wide weight management program. She also consults with athletes and teams to enhance sport performance and satisfaction. In her spare time, Ashley enjoys exploring wild and wonderful West Virginia with her family.

Chelsea B. Wooding

CHELSEA B. WOODING received her Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology and M.A. in Counseling from West Virginia University, as well as her M.S. in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton. She is currently working with dancers and other performing artists, while also supervising Sport and Exercise Psychology students’ applied experiences.

Megan Byrd

MEGAN BYRD is a Sport and Exercise Psychology Doctoral Candidate at West Virginia University. She is a recent graduate from the Counseling Master’s degree program at WVU. Originally from Florence, KY, she received her Master’s degree in Sport Behavior and Performance from Miami University and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Eastern Kentucky University. She currently works as a graduate teaching assistant. Her research interests are emotional impacts of concussion, sport aggression, anger, and perfectionism.

Peter L. Kadushin

PETER L. KADUSHIN is an Assistant Professor of Exercise and Sport Science at Western State Colorado University in Gunnison, Colorado and a member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology. He received his Ph.D. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from West Virginia University in 2014. When he’s not helping performers become happier, healthier human beings, he can be found out in the mountains enjoying the sunshine.