Date of Defense

12-4-2024

Date of Graduation

12-2024

Department

Human Performance and Health Education

First Advisor

James Lewis

Second Advisor

Kate Eshleman

Abstract

As wearable technology becomes increasingly integrated into athletic performance tracking, questions surrounding privacy, consent, and data ownership emerge. This research investigates how universities and athletic organizations navigate the complex issues surrounding athlete biometric data (ABD) collection and usage, with a particular emphasis on intercollegiate athletics. While the use of biometric data is widespread across both professional and amateur sports, this study hones in on the college sports environment, examining how ABD is collected, the ethical concerns it raises, and how it impacts student-athletes and institutions.

This pilot study centers on student-athletes at Western Michigan University, specifically focusing on Division 1 varsity football and women’s soccer teams. It investigates the level of awareness and attitudes student-athletes hold regarding the legal and ethical dimensions of biometric data collection. Using the Qualtrics Research Core platform, student-athletes are surveyed on their experiences with ABD collection, their understanding of the consent process, and their attitudes toward the use of this data. The survey, including multiple-choice, Likert scale, and open-ended questions, seeks to uncover personal reflections and responses to these issues. By employing a stratified sampling method, this study ensures that diverse perspectives within the athletic community are captured.

Ultimately, this research aims to deepen the understanding of how biometric data is used in collegiate sports and highlight the need for clearer regulatory frameworks and better studentathlete education. The study stresses the importance of protecting athletes' privacy while allowing them to benefit from biometric data. The findings offer insights for policymakers, universities, and athletic organizations as they navigate the balance between the advantages of ABD with the ethical imperative to safeguard student-athlete autonomy and privacy.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

Thesis Defense Presentation.pdf (419 kB)
Defense Presentation

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