Abstract

In this article, a new set of rules in professional handball, introduced in July 2016 are discussed. The discussion is aided by a reasonably broad empirical analysis, comparing uncertainty of outcome between European handball and football (soccer). This analysis indicates that European handball, already before the introduction of the new rules, may have had problems with severe lack of uncertainty of outcome. Given this fact, we discuss the new rules, and conclude that they may lead to further increased competitive imbalance (reduced uncertainty of outcome) in handball. Such a conclusion should be of interest for handball officials, especially when the new set of rules, here identified as possibly harmful for uncertainty of outcome, still are under debate.

Keywords:

Uncertainty of outcome, Handball rules, Uncertainty of outcome measurement

Abstract

This paper presents a relatively comprehensive study of how Uncertainty of Outcome has developed over time in major European football leagues. The findings are clear; excitement in football is degrading, closing up on levels that many should find unacceptable. The paper also discusses and proposes some simple means for reversing this development.
Key words: Uncertainty of outcome, Regression analysis, Time series analysis, ARIMA modelling, Competitive balance, Football (soccer).

Intro

My paper concerns the issue of the infiltration of the mafia organized crime in the football sports system. This is a question of topical interest and is object of particular attention of the italian legislator. Just of late, inside the Anti-mafia Parliamentary Commission has been constituted a special Committee on Mafia and Sports events. The Anti-Mafia Commission has been conducting several auditions of institutional representatives in the sports world, as, particularly, on past July, the chairman of the Italian Olimpic National Committee (CONI), the leadership of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and the representatives of the Professional Football Leagues (A series, B series and PRO).

Intro

Con le sentenze che qui si annotano, il Tar Lazio si pronuncia sulla questione del risarcimento del danno derivante dalla lesione di una situazione giuridica soggettiva per effetto dell’irrogazione di una sanzione disciplinare sportiva. Il tema, come è noto, concerne la tutela degli interessi giuridicamente rilevanti di derivazione sportiva e, in questo senso, involge il ben più ampio dibattito sull’autonomia dell’ordinamento sportivo, solo in parte risolto dal d.l. 19 agosto 2003, n. 220 (c.d. decreto salva calcio). Le pronunce attengono a due distinti ricorsi che trattano la medesima questione da diverse angolazioni: quella dell’atleta destinatario della sanzione disciplinare (Tar Lazio 11146/2016) e quella dell’Associazione sportiva di appartenenza di costui (Tar Lazio 1163/2017).

Abstract

This commentary discusses how the rules of the game may affect doping positively and negatively. The link between rules and doping prevalence is established. Some examples are given, indicating what to do and not. The main scientific outcome of the paper is perhaps that the fight against doping can be performed cheaper than through classical means such as improved test quality/higher test frequency, or less progressive (more egalitarian) prize functions, or tougher sanctions. As such, the recommended strategy may be seen as a “Columbi Egg”. But, as always, nothing comes for free, and some serious creativity in sport redesign is needed to realize this method’s potential.
Key words: Economics of doping, sport redesign, sport complexity, uncertainty of outcome, anti doping

Abstract

This article presents a simple linear regression between national football team quality and uncertainty of outcome in associated national leagues. The main results indicate no significant causal relationship between the variables, a conclusion somewhat contradictive to many practitioners argument on improving competitive balance in local leagues as a mean of improving national team quality.
Key words: Uncertainty of outcome, FIFA rank, number of teams in league, causality

Abstract

To gain insights on body image (BI) and body satisfaction/dissatisfaction (BS) in high level rugby players, to 47 male athletes aged 23.4 ± 3.54 years, two questionnaires were administered: a figurine test for BI and a Likert-type scale for BS containing a body part statisfaction scale. Subjects were asked to report vital and curricular data, together with height and weight. Because of the wide use of their bodies, it was hypothesized that they were lesser biased than average Italians. They were subdivided into two groups A=Excellence, n=30, and B=League, n=17. This on the basis of the level of performance reached, after a thorough scrutiny of their curricula. Significant differences between the two subgroups emerged for curricular data, weight and body mass index. In both BI data are congruent with their complexion and, for BS, the degree of satisfaction with the various body parts was quite high. Comparisons carried out with data available in literature for Italians and with a cohort of speleologists, confirm the hypothesis that the wide use of the body for working or leisure purposes exerts a positive influence on BI and BS.
Key words: Body image, body satisfaction, rugby players.

Abstract

This article has investigated people’s attitudes towards major sports events, of which two were mega events while one was of a moderate size. Surprisingly, the latter event (the World Skiing Championship) was the one that received most support in hypothetical referendums. This indicates that it is not necessary to invest heavily in venues and upgrading infrastructure to offer citizens the ability to enjoy sports events. The majority of international championships can be hosted at costs that are significantly cheaper than for example the Olympics and similar mega events. This represents an opportunity for cities and nations to have it both ways; achieving the benefits and at discounted prices. The surveys showed that particularly the social dimension was an important part of the events for many respondents. A pattern that was independent of which kind of events and sports they preferred.