A study of the organization and administration of classification within the Newfoundland-Labrador High School Athletic Federation

• Main Author: Major, Wade
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Memorial University of Newfoundland 1986
• Subjects: Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://research.library.mun.ca/5064/; https://research.library.mun.ca/5064/1/Major_Wade.pdf; https://research.library.mun.ca/5064/3/Major_Wade.pdf

This study examines the organization and administration of the system of classification used by the Newfoundland - Labrador High School Athletic Federation to determine competition divisions. The study specifically utilized responses from provincial executive members, zone presidents and athletic directors in member schools to examine the perceived functions of the classification system; classification criteria; administrative processes for assigning classification; differences in response patterns of the three target groups; perceived main weaknesses and strengths of the present classification system; and respondents' views on how administration of the system might be improved. -- A questionnaire was mailed to each member of the three target groups in the populuation, seeking their responses to various statements about the Federation's classification system. An overall response rate of 79.8% was obtained. Questionnaire data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods where appropriate. -- Major conclusions of this study suggest that the membership viewed the primary function of classification within the Newfoundland - Labrador High School Athletic Federation to be equalization of competition with school equity a secondary function. Past performance, school population, future performance and geography were all considered important classification criteria with only slight differences in their relative importance. While the membership indicated a desire for change and clarification in some specific administrative processes used to assign classification, they did not wish the overall procedure changed. There were only slight differences in the views of provincial executive members, zone presidents and athletic directors toward the Federation's classification system. The qualitative analysis of opened-ended questions dealing with weaknesses, strengths and improvement in the administration of the classification system supported findings obtained through the quantitative analysis.