Biography:

Dan Connaughton, Ed.D., is an associate professor in the Sport Management Program. His 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 development/revision, 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).

Connaughton is a Fellow with the Research Consortium of the AAHPERD and has received several teaching and research awards. He has also coauthored three widely used legal/risk management textbooks, and holds many professional certifications.

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Research Interests:  

• • Risk perception
• • Risk management policies and practices
• • Legal and policy issues in sport and physical activity

Classes:

SPM 4723 Legal Issues in Sport and Physical Activity
SPM 5726 Issues in Sport Law
SPM 6716 Risk Management in Sport and Physical Activities