Political ideology is one of the most powerful predictors of perceptions about environmental sustainability and related behaviors. The purpose of this study was to investigate how sport fans’ sustainability-specific values, perceptions, and norms related to awareness, engagement, and influence of USA collegiate sport sustainability efforts based on political affiliation, accounting for age and gender. Data were collected using an online survey distributed to season ticket holders after the 2019 college football season that featured three sponsored sustainability initiatives at each home game. Multivariate analysis of variance and chi-square difference tests found that self-identified Democrats reported significantly higher pro-environmental values and norms, but sustainability program engagement, sponsored initiatives awareness, and influence of initiatives on behavior were politically neutral. Path analysis found that ascription of responsibility was a significant predictor of sustainability-related engagement and behaviors for both Independents and Republicans. The results and discussion sections highlight how academics and practitioners can account for political affiliation when creating campaign messaging for environmental initiatives.

The purpose of this study was to examine psychological connection to the sport of pickleball by investigating active older adults (55 years and older) in relation to behavioral involvement and motives for participation. Data were collected via an online survey of a representative sample of active pickleball players in North Carolina (N = 690). The Psychological Continuum Model (PCM: Funk, 2008) categorized players into four distinct connection levels of Awareness, Attraction, Attachment, and Allegiance. Participants on each PCM level were analyzed based on playing length, play frequency, and motivations for participation (Competition, Diversion, Fitness, Skill Mastery, and Socialization). Results showed respondents at the highest PCM levels have played pickleball for at least one year and play at least 10 times per month. While Fitness and Socialization were reported as the most important motives for the entire sample, Competition and Skill Mastery were viewed significantly higher for respondents at higher PCM levels.

This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the physical activity, social connections, and psychological well-being of seniors who participate in the sport of pickleball. A total of 36 pickleball players who were over the age of 65 completed an online survey that assessed pickleball participation, social connections, physical/mental health, loneliness, and life satisfaction measures in February/March 2020 (pre-COVID) and again in November 2020 (during COVID). Findings indicated that a majority of the participants are still playing pickleball outdoors, but less frequently. They reported lower social connections through pickleball and in their daily life. While perceived physical health scores were stable, participants reported significantly lower mental health, higher loneliness, and lower life satisfaction during the pandemic. Those playing less pickleball were significantly more likely to report lower life satisfaction during the pandemic. The findings from this study have implications for both leisure practitioners and public health professionals as they strategize ways to continue to offer recreation experiences safely.

Lack of physical activity (PA) may be a cause of Latinos’ health problems. Latinas may be especially at risk, and public parks and recreation services may be a logical place to address PA deficiencies. The objectives of our study were to investigate Latino gender differences related to (1) self-reported work/household and leisure-time PA, (2) perceptions about PA and parks/recreation services, (3) parks/recreation services behaviors, (4) and preferences for activities/programming. This is a cross-sectional survey completed by 457 Latinos. Significant gender differences were found for work/household PA but not for leisure-time PA. Use of parks and recreation services were similar between genders, but Latinos stayed significantly longer per visit. Latinos and Latinas significantly differed on park activities and preferences for recreational services. Even though parks/recreation services are viewed as viable options for Latinos’ PA, the study identified gender differences that inform health promotion interventions to be more effective in targeting Latinos.

Professional basketball has developed into a major spectator sport in China during the past 20 years. Chinese basketball fans can now choose between watching the Chinese Basketball Association and the National Basketball Association. This study compared fans' team identification of teams within the two competing professional basketball leagues in China. The sample included spectators at four different CBA games (N = 549). Respondents completed measures of team identification (Wann and Branscombe, 1993) with their favourite NBA and CBA teams and behavioural involvement based on television and merchandise consumption for both leagues. Chinese fans' overall team identification and behavioural involvement were found to be significantly higher for favourite NBA teams. Team identification was also compared for segments grouped by age, gender, ticket type, and income. The study has implications for leagues, teams, sponsors, and other sport organisations interested in attempting to attract fans in China.

The quantity and quality of physical activity accrued from recreational pickleball participation have not been published. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount and intensity of physical activity older adults (65 years and older) get from pickleball participation. Thirty-three pickleball participants wore FitbitHR monitors for 2 weeks and logged days/times of pickleball participation. On average, participants spent over 68 min of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) per playing session. Playing pickleball had beneficial cardiovascular benefits, as participants averaged over 86 min at increased heart rate zones. On average, participants gained significantly more steps on pickleball play days versus non-pickleball play days. Pickleball play days were found to have significantly more MVPA minutes, and participants were significantly less sedentary. The results inform sport and leisure providers evidence that pickleball participation helps older adults meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USHHS) recommended guidelines for MVPA per week if played three or more times. Knowing the health benefits of pickleball may assist sport and leisure managers as they accommodate this popular sport activity.