An analysis of scholarship distribution by NCAA Division I softball coaches

The purpose of this study was to explore fairness factors used by NCAA Division I head softball coaches in scholarship distribution. Research by Hums & Chelladurai (1994a, 1994b) introduced Distributive Justice principles to intercollegiate athletics, indicating need was a popular distribution principle. This study used a single scenario of grant-in-aid distribution with six possible decisions coaches make to determine fairness of grantin-aid allocation, using a one-way between subjects ANOVA measuring fairness of allocation principles by NCAA Division. Perceptions of fairness varied across different divisions. FBS Autonomy 5 participants perceived an athlete’s performance the previous year to be most fair, while FBS, FCS, and I-AAA participants perceived student-athletes who play key positions to be most fair. In addition, participants were asked to determine which of the six allocation methods was most fair and determined student-athletes who play key positions was most fair and those student-athletes with the greatest need as least fair.