The Sports and Recreation Law Association has presented its prestigious Betty van der Smissen Leadership Award, which recognizes an individual for leadership and vision in the study of legal aspects of sport and physical activity, to Dr. Dan Connaughton, Professor of Sport Management at the University of Florida. Connaughton’s research is largely focused on the study of law and risk management in sport and physical activity programs. Adopting a multi-methodological approach, his research has specifically investigated (a) risk perception; (b) risk management policies and practices; (c) awareness of and compliance with statutes, standards, and guidelines; and (d) injury/death prevention in sport and physical activity. His research findings have implications for influencing policy, improving risk management practices, and decreasing injuries, fatalities, and liability. The American Heart Association has funded his research investigating “Implementation Constraints and Risk Management Practices Related to Automated External Defibrillators in Sport/Recreation Programs.” Additionally, since 2008, he has served as the principal investigator of the “Bicycle Safety and Risk Management Project” which is funded by the Florida Department of Transportation – Safety Office. The primary purpose of the project is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths to Florida’s bicyclists (Florida regularly leads the nation in the number of bicycling-related injuries and fatalities).
SRLA Presents Connaughton with Betty van der Smissen Leadership Award
