This instruction is intended to provide you direction in writing your research papers. They are not exhaustive, but merely provide guidance in your writing. There will be some specifics on here, but by and large, I cannot tell you how to write your paper; that is your job. You as a group are expected to write a research paper that does not merely summarize a topic but instead critically analyzes a topic and offers a discussion based upon previous research findings as well as your own opinion injected into the paper. You will be expected to offer critical analysis and thinking on your topic, not just talk and talk for pages and pages.
Introduction:
In a group of 3 or 4 students, you will essentially conduct a research project to write a research paper on a sport law related topic of your interest. Questions and corresponding responses for class discussion must be included as well.
This research project is made up of three parts:
o Written research paper (60 points)
o Oral presentation (20 points)
o Quality of the PowerPoint or any other visual presentation materials (20 points)
Instruction:
I. Topic:
This is a sport law class. I have left it up to you to choose a topic of interest. You need to make sure you have chosen a sport law topic that is neither too broad (e.g., Drugs and Sports) nor too narrow (e.g., a topic with no case law). You need to have researched your topic before you decide upon it. It will be difficult for you to write a paper on a sport law topic for which you cannot find any cases. You can find case law pertaining to a topic from a variety of sources:
o Your textbook cites numerous cases on certain topics for initiating your paper. These case citations are included in the book and can be used to pull the cases themselves off of LexisNexis. You will not, however, be able to pick a certain topic the book coverd and only use those cases cited in the chapter. This paper requires that you do some actual research.
o You can search on the sport law database by subject using keywords. It takes a bit of practice, but it can be done.
o You may use the SEMO Libraries homepage (https://library.semo.edu/) to search in a variety of databases for law journal articles on a particular topic, such as drug testing. Then, while reading those articles for your topic, you will read about cited cases in those articles. You will need to use journal articles in your paper.
i. Your topic/issue must be submitted to the instructor via email or in person for approval by February 21st. Each group research project will be on a different topic/issue.
ii. Topics must be approved by the instructor, first come first serve.
II. Paper (60 points):
The paper must revolve around one specific topic that has been tried at any level of the legal system that involves one party from the sporting industry (ex. player, owner, coach, team or organization). As an example, topics can range from assault, battery, negligence, tort claims act, injury, risk management, constitutional rights, contract issues and employment issues.
i. This research paper must be submitted via Canvas by April 18th, 11:59 pm and it makes up 60 points.
1. No late papers will be accepted.
2. Students who fail to turn in their paper on the date due will receive no credit for this research project assignment, not be allowed to deliver the oral presentation and lose the entire 100 points possible.
ii. Required Format: The paper should be between 10 to 12 double-spaced typed pages with Times New Roman 12 pt., double spaced, 1 inch margin.
1. Students must research the topic and include a reference page which includes citations.
2. A title page is required and should include your name, class name, title and date.
3. You are expected to use APA formatting throughout your paper, either 6th or 7th edition (there is very little difference between the two, and 7th edition just came out, so I will not require it). If you are not familiar with this formatting, you need to either purchase an APA manual (Amazon is a good, cheap place), check out a manual from the SEMO Libraries, or use a variety of online resources dedicated to APA formatting:
a. http://www.apastyle.org/ (look at the Tutorials here)
b. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html
iii. The paper should be outlined and structured with the specific section headings and numbers as follows:
I. Introduction (overview of the topic)
II. Literature Review (An examination of Differing Views that exist on the topic)
III. Results (optional; in case of you use the survey or interview for your study)
IV. Discussion of the finding and future of the issue
V. Conclusion, including the students’ views on the topic and limitations of the study
III. Oral Presentation (20 points):
The presentation should be long enough to cover the subject matter (20 minutes). The presentation will be graded on presentation, professionalism, length and above format. Your attendance and participation when fellow classmates are giving their oral presentation is expected and required.
i. PowerPoint, Keynote, or Prezi (20 pts.): A visualized material for the presentation is expected when giving your oral presentation.
a. The PowerPoint (or other visualized material) should be on a flash drive. If internet access is available when presenting, it can also be obtained thorough web access.
b. The PowerPoint (or other visualized material) will be graded on content, relevance and quality.
c. Each group should submit the presentation file to the instructor via Canvas by April 18 (Week 13).
ii. Each group is required to make an oral presentation to the class on their project. The presentation will be graded on presentation, professionalism, length, and the above format. Your attendance and participation when fellow classmates are giving their oral presentation is expected and required. The presentation should include all contents from your paper.
Outline:
The basic outline of your paper should be as follows:
1. Title Page
a. Tell me your title, class, and date.
2. Introduction
a. Introduce the subject of your paper. It may help to mention recent developments in the issue/subject.
b. The Introduction should feed into your next section.
c. Statement of Problem/Issue
➢ Tell me why this is an important issue.
➢ Have other studied this before? If so, why is it important to do further research? If not, how is the issue important?!
3. Literature Review (An examination of differing views that exist on the topic)
a. This will be the bulk of your paper.
b. You are reviewing and summarizing the literature/cases on your given topic.
c. Talk about other research in this area.
d. What have other scholars found?
4. Results (Optional if you use survey and/or interview)
5. Discussion
a. This is where your opinion starts to come into play. Don’t just tell me that Title IX needs to be done away with, tell me why that is a reasoned stance and support it with research.
6. Conclusion
a. The ending to your paper. Don’t overlook this. It needs to tie everything together.
7. References
a. Need to be in APA format
b. You must include at least 2 peer-reviewed sources (like journal articles), a sufficient number of legal cases (at least 3) and at least 2 other sources (cases, other articles, books, etc.). DO NOT plan on writing most of your paper off of website information or Sports Illustrated articles.
c. Wikipedia is not a source for research papers!!!
d. Your book cannot be used as a source, although articles cited in the book can (and probably should) be used.
e. Make sure to follow proper formatting!
f. EXAMPLE:
Baker, T. A., Connaughton, D. P., Zhang, J. J., & Spengler, J. O. (2007). Perceived risk of terrorism and related risk management practices of NCAA Division IA football stadium managers. Journal of Legal Aspects of Sport, 13(2), 145-179.
