| An index is a convenient way of illustrating the relationship between a population segment and the entire population. In sports participation, an index is simply the participation rate of a given segment divided by the overall participation rate for the sport or activity. Four hypothetical computations: |
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1) Participation |
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If 20 out of every 100 people aged 18-24 are runners, versus only 10 per 100 in the general population, then the participation index for that age group would be 200 (20% divided by 10% x 100). |
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2) Cross-Participation |
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Here, the Index illustrates the likelihood that a participant in Sport A (when compared with an average member of the population) is also a particpant in Sport B. If 30% of all Basketball players are also Soccer players (compared with the general population, where only 5% are Soccer players), then the Cross-Participation index for Basketball players who also play Soccer is 600 (30% divided by 5% x 100). |
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3) Geography |
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If the incidence of Hockey players in Alabama is only 1% (half as high as the general population, say 2%) then the index would be 50 (1% divided by 2% x 100). |
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4) Lifestyle Segmentation |
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If the TEENS WITH GREENS segment has a Paintball participation rate of 16% (versus only 4% for the general population) the index is 400 (16% divided by 4% x 100). |
