James White

Background

About James White

James is currently completing a PhD at The University of Canberra where he is investigating the drivers of behavioural engagement, namely through psychological connection (theory of participation). As part of James PhD, he is also exploring the drivers of disengagement from Touch Football. The practical aims of James’ research are to assist in the development of strategies focussing on the retention of participants, which in turn, will provide insight into potential strategy development to improve the effectiveness of recruitment planning and delivery. Theoretically, through this research, James' aims to further build on the Theory of Participation (Beaton, 2010) and to contribute in a unique way through a broader conceptual model that includes the antecedents of behavioural engagement, the relationship between the attitudes such as satisfaction, commitment, and psychological connection in relation to behavioural engagement, and outcomes of behavioural engagement, e.g, frequency of playing, behavioural intentions, and positive word of mouth. During James' time doing his PhD at the University of Canberra he has had teaching experience including convening three units at master’s level; High Performance Athlete Management (1), High Performance Sport: A Systems Perspective (2) and Regulatory Frameworks in Sport (3). In addition, James has also competed sessional work for the Sport Management & Development Unit @ the Undergraduate Level. Likewise, James has been employed in marking roles at both the master’s and Undergraduate Levels, and has expanded his skills through a previous research assistant role. James has attended and presented his research at three annual SMAANZ conferences in Hobart (2015), Adelaide (2018), and Christchurch (2019) as well as presenting his research at the HDR Student SMAANZ Conference in Brisbane (2018). As well as completing his PhD, James also works within the sport industry in different roles, e.g, with the National Rugby League (NRL), Urban Rec (Canberra), and Touch Rugby League (Canberra), and has previously worked as a tour guide at the Australian Institute of Sport. Furthermore, James would like to continue to build his resume and skillset through practical experience and networking. When finished his PhD James' would like to work in academia or in a sporting organisation; although understanding that the opportunity to do so will require hard work, progression, and commitment. James would also potentially like to work with elite athletes in player agencies, or as a team manager.