Marooned In Finland

1- A study conducted by Wilkinson & Pollard (2006) reported that a significant impact on performance was recognised when a team moved to a new stadium. The study suggested that a significant decrease in performance would occur for the first year of participation within a new stadium. Additionally Pollard (2002) identified a major contribution towards home advantage being a familiarity with the local playing facility.

In Pollards (2002) study, records from thirty-seven North American Professional baseball, basketball, and hockey teams that were reported to have moved within the same metropoletan area between the years of 1987- 2001 were analyzed. These results showed significant evidence to suggest that reduction in home advantage within the first year of moving occured. The present study by Wilkinson & Pollard (2006) used a sample size of 40 teams from (MLB), (NHL), and (NBA) that had moved to a new stadium during a period from October 1987 to September 2002.

Procedure- home advantage was calculated as a % of home wins to total season wins. To allow for ties and overtime losses in hockey, home advantage for these teams were calculated as the % of total points earned in home games in comparison to season earned points. A total of a 3-year period was provided for each team; last year of old stadium results and two years for the new stadium. A clear drop in home advantage for the first year in a new stadium became apparent (p= .005). Results also suggested a vast increase in home advantage in the second year at a new stadium.

Study's conducted by Quinn, Bursik, Borick & Raethz; Watson & Krantz (2003) however do not support the evidence suggested by Wilkinson & Pollard (2006) concluding results demonstrating significant increases in home advantage taking place when moving to a new stadium.

Overall literature suggests that significant influences on home advantage and performance currently occur.

2- Kaylee's Face, initially when calculating the best strategy to adopt there were several ideas which the team were happy to trial and provide feedback efficiently. It was very apparent that certain team members undertook specific roles i.e; Big Chriss being a camel for a certain Mr Gunbie (lightest of the group). Generally the team were happy to keep specific roles and use strengths of team members at correct times. I belive it was fortunate to have a member like Chris in the banter bus, however without him the situation would certainly make the team be forced to adopt a new strategy.

3- Certainly a key component of the team's success was communication and feedback with the addition of praise and support for other team members. This encourage motivation within the banter bus and overall influenced our impressive performance. With the little allocated time provide to practice, this combination of effective communication of ideas and feedback was critical.