Round-robin tournaments with homogeneous rounds

We study single and double round-robin tournaments for n teams, where in each round a fixed number (g) of teams is present and each team present plays a fixed number (m) of matches in this round. In a single, respectively double, round-robin tournament each pair of teams play one, respectively two, matches. In the latter case the two matches should be played in different rounds. We give necessary combinatorial conditions on the triples (n,g,m) for which such round-robin tournaments can exist, and discuss three general construction methods that concern the cases m=1, m=2 and m=g−1. For n≤20 these cases cover 149 of all 173 non-trivial cases that satisfy the necessary conditions. In 147 of these 149 cases a tournament can be constructed. For the remaining 24 cases the tournament does not exist in 2 cases, and is constructed in all other cases. Finally we consider the spreading of rounds for teams, and give some examples where well-spreading is either possible or impossible

A hybrid constraint-based programming approach to design a sports tournament scheduling

We investigate the problem of sports tournament scheduling as reflected in the quality of tournament schedule in University Utara Malaysia (UUM). The background of the sports tournament problems that inefficiency of the human scheduler, time-consuming task and unfairness among the athletes that need to be solved gives direction and motivation in investigating the problem of scheduling the sports tournament. Subsequently,previous work related to the problem is discussed. Thus, we present an innovative hybrid of a constraint-based algorithm and a neighbourhood search, which is an exploration into alternative and improved methodology in the problem of sports tournament scheduling with special multiple constraints. A scheduling system is then developed. As a result, fair distribution of break or rest times and game venues among the competing teams are achieved in our objectives. The sports tournament scheduling system assists and improves the sports events management through high quality schedule as compared with the current human scheduler, which consider rest period, day and time preferences and venue availability. Thus, this sophisticated algorithm provides the feasible, optimum, efficient and quick solution

Understanding parental stressors: an investigation of British tennis-parents

In this study, we examined the stressors experienced by British tennis-parents. The parents (n¼123) completed an extensive survey focused on the internal and external demands that they had encountered through having a child compete in the sport. The survey consisted of open-ended questions related to competition, coaching, organizational, personal, and developmental issues. Inductive and deductive content analysis resulted in the development of seven core themes of tennis-parental stressor: competition, coaches, finance, time, siblings, organization-related, and developmental. Parents experienced a diverse number of competitive stressors indicating the particular difficulties they faced before, during, and after matches involving their child, opponents, other parents, and officials. They also reported a wide range of organizational stressors that paralleled the financial, social, and personal investments that accompanied their support roles. The results of this research reinforce the importance of parents possessing the necessary skills to cope with the psychological, developmental, and logistical demands of competitive tennis. Implications with respect to induction workshops and education for coaches and parents are presented, as well as consideration for governing bodies to enhance their communication channels and logistical support. Future research recommendations are posed to build upon the study of this domain in youth sport

Gladys Heldman and the Original Nine: The Visionaries Who Pioneered the Women\u27s Professional Tennis Circuit

The purpose of this study was to examine the events that led up to the formation of the women’s professional tennis circuit in the United States in 1970, and the political battles of the subsequent three years. Under the guidance of Gladys M. Heldman, the founder, editor and publisher of World Tennis magazine – the sport’s most influential publication at the time – nine women tennis players decided to leave the jurisdiction of the United States Lawn Tennis Association and form their own circuit. The women broke away from the USLTA in a dispute over the prize money distribution at tournaments, which was heavily weighted towards men players. In order to understand the climate in which these women decided to break away from the USLTA in 1970 form their own tour, this study gives a detailed history of the politics of tennis in the twentieth century, including an examination of how the USLTA controlled amateur tennis players, the practice of “shamateurism,” the growth of professional tennis tours since the late 1920s, and the forty-year battle for open tennis, which allowed amateurs and professionals to play in the same events

Understanding parental stressors: An investigation of British tennis-parents

This article was published in the Journal of Sports Sciences [Routledge (© Taylor & Francis)] and the definitive version is available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02640410802603871In this study, we examined the stressors experienced by British tennis-parents. The parents (n¼123) completed an extensive survey focused on the internal and external demands that they had encountered through having a child compete in the sport. The survey consisted of open-ended questions related to competition, coaching, organizational, personal, and developmental issues. Inductive and deductive content analysis resulted in the development of seven core themes of tennis-parental stressor: competition, coaches, finance, time, siblings, organization-related, and developmental. Parents experienced a diverse number of competitive stressors indicating the particular difficulties they faced before, during, and after matches involving their child, opponents, other parents, and officials. They also reported a wide range of organizational stressors that paralleled the financial, social, and personal investments that accompanied their support roles. The results of this research reinforce the importance of parents possessing the necessary skills to cope with the psychological, developmental, and logistical demands of competitive tennis. Implications with respect to induction workshops and education for coaches and parents are presented, as well as consideration for governing bodies to enhance their communication channels and logistical support. Future research recommendations are posed to build upon the study of this domain in youth sport

Tennis spectator loyalty when life gets in the way

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to understand constraints to tennis spectating and constraints negotiation therein. The primary research questions were related to the changing nature of spectating experience, its’ meaning, and spectators’ actions when faced with constraints. The topic of spectating sporting events, consumer loyalty, and leisure constraints have widely been addressed in the literature using quantitative methods. This research attempted to add understanding to the body of literature qualitatively. Data was collected and analyzed using the grounded theory method. This research also attempted to address the recommendation to examine negotiation-efficacy role among various populations and other leisure contexts (Loucks-Atkinson & Mannell, 2007). In depth interviews were conducted with thirteen tennis spectators (six males and seven females) residing in Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Hamilton, Oshawa, and Toronto, Ontario. Spectators varied in age, playing ability, and occupation. Spectating experiences suggested ten constraints, six negotiation strategies, and five steps to minimize the impact of potential future constraints on one’s behaviour. Ten constraints experienced were: 1) too costly to attend a tennis event, 2) uncomfortable and deterrent weather prior and during the event, 3) lack of resources and accessibility to them, 4) time conflict between the event and everyday life, 5) long and time consuming distance to be travelled, 6) poor players’ performance, 7) others’ perception of the sport, 8) sitting too close or too far from the action, 9) tennis not being among top spectators sports in Canada, and 10) difficulty finding a parking spot. The analysis revealed that the perception of these constraints differed based on age, gender, and previous playing experience. Negotiation strategies widely used were: 1) scheduling ahead, 2) using electronic resources for viewing, 3) networking and talking to others, 4) playing tennis, 5) going to a different sporting event, and 6) engaging in interactive activities. Five steps in minimizing the effect of potential future constraints consisted of: 1) being organized, 2) travelling with a friend, 3) gaining knowledge, 4) controlling one’s expectations, and 5) staying committed to the sport. The majority felt in control when negotiating. The constructivist grounded theory revealed that the relationship between constraints, negotiation, and participation in tennis spectating was circular. This relationship implied that although negotiation takes place, it does not eliminate constraints all together, but rather potentially reducing the impact of a constraint. The same constraint may reoccur again in the future and it was understood that as long as tennis spectators are active constraints will exist and negotiation strategies will occur. Constraints in this study were related with negative emotions, reduced enjoyment, physical discomfort which threatened on future tennis spectating behaviour. The main limitation of this study is that the results are not representative of the population and are participant and context specific. Implications for practice may include: establishing a sense of service value, increasing of interactive gaming and activities during inclement weather, betterment of promotional efforts of amateur events and media exposure via local channels of professional tennis events. Future research recommendations include studying a similar topic in a different context, assessing the impact of sport attachment versus player attachment on spectating behaviour of individual sports quantitatively, and conducting an experiment where one of the constraints is manipulated

The Tiger Vol. 73 Issue 14 1980-01-18

https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/tiger_newspaper/3391/thumbnail.jp

Daily Eastern News: March 13, 1998

https://thekeep.eiu.edu/den_1998_mar/1009/thumbnail.jp

Spectrum, Volume 40, Number 7

Highlights include: SHU Hunger Project packages over 50,000 meals for local food banks --Sacred Heart participates in Never Again National School Walkout --Become an orientation leader --Tell us your story: Stephanie Trelli, Public Safety officer --Staying in shape for spring --Sacred Heart wins Gold Award for promoting a healthy workplace --Irish Dance Ensemble and the Claddagh Dancers (photo) --Beta Theta Pi features musician and former SHU student Sam MacPherson to raise money for the Thomas Matthew Miloscia Foundation --Music faculty concert series, hosted by Director of Academic Music programs, Joseph Carter --Senior catcher and co-captain of Sacred Heart’s baseball team, Cody Doyle, has been added to the Johnny Bench Award Watch List (photo) --Junior pitcher Kristen McCann recorded her first career no-hitter against Eastern Kentucky University (photo) --SHU Golf competes in Florida tournaments --Women\u27s lacrosse bested by host UMass Lowell