Participation #2

 GIS 4102

NFL KICKOFF TO YOUTH FOOTBALL ANALYSIS

 

From 2001 to 2006 youth football in the US increased significantly in regards to participation.  This drew the attention of the National Football League (NFL).  The NFL teamed up with USA Football and the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) to conduct a study identifying the reasons for the increased participation as well as where the NFL could focus funds for improvement.

A technical team was formed to conduct the study utilizing ArcGIS.  Several software tools and programs were used following the Geo-Referenced Amenities Standards Process (GRASP).  The parks and recreation industry has utilized this methodology for many years to gather, manage, analyze, and present information.

Nationwide surveys were conducted and the data was compiled.  A primary database was created from these surveys to be analyzed utilizing GIS.  Due to the large study area, the technical team decided to utilize ESRI’s “StreetMap USA” as a basemap.  To generate reports, tables, and analytic results, the team utilized Python.  Python allowed the team to automate the data processing for this large-scale project with ease.

With the matrix of data that was created, collected, and analyzed through GIS, the NFL will be able to better assess where monies and materials will be best utilized.

Source:  http://www.esri.com/news/arcnews/summer08articles/nfl-puts-gis.html