In-Sync: An analysis of team synchronicity during periods of momentum in rugby matches
| dc.contributor.author | Howard, Michael A. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-03-18T03:43:31Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-03-18T03:43:31Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2010 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The concept of momentum in sports seeks to identify causal variables that can predict and define the realm of both physical and psychological momentum. In the current study synchronicity has been defined as one of these potential variables incorporated behind the driving force of momentum and is observed to determine its existence within the process. The purpose of this study is to observe the perceived effects of synchronicity among collegiate rugby players during defined periods of psychological momentum. The phenomenon of synchronicity that occurs within moments of defined positive and negative psychological momentum during rugby matches was studied from a mixed-method research approach. The mixed-method research design consisted of a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire based on video clips of rugby matches with supplemental open-ended questions. The participants were 21 players from one Division II NAIA rugby team between the ages of 18-22 years. The results showed that the participants rated themselves to be more highly synchronized amongst their teammates during periods of momentum shift that were defined as positive, and lower during periods defined as negative. The qualitative data show that some of the higher order themes relating to synchronicity revolve around the controllable factors, and team's organization involved in the performances. These emerged out of participants' recordings of what factors they perceived were most highly associated with the levels of synchronicity they felt during a match. It is anticipated that the data gathered from this study will contribute to the field of sport psychology by identifying specified variables that are associated within team synchronicity and thought to be associated with defined moments of psychological momentum at the collegiate, rugby level. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11803/2994 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher.institution | John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) | |
| dc.title | In-Sync: An analysis of team synchronicity during periods of momentum in rugby matches | |
| dc.type | Thesis | |
| thesis.degree.discipline | Sport Psychology | |
| thesis.degree.grantor | John F. Kennedy University (JFKU) | |
| thesis.degree.level | Masters | |
| thesis.degree.name | Master of Arts in Sport Psychology |