About

Jason Bocarro is the Owens-Shelton Distinguished Professor of Leadership with a Global Perspective and the James Buzzard Leadership Program Director in the College of Natural Resources at NC State University. He is also recognized as a University Faculty Scholar and an Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor, awarded for his distinguished service in undergraduate teaching. Bocarro’s research focuses on the intersection of health and inactivity, specifically examining how the built environment, programs, and public spaces influence human health. Over the past 15 years, he has led multinational research teams investigating how Mega Sporting Events can be leveraged to positively impact communities, and he is a co-author of the book Legacies of Mega Events: Fact or Fairy Tales. His work also explores mental health issues among student athletes, youth development through sport and physical activity, outdoor environments' influence on children’s health, equity issues in sport and recreation, and the legacy of Mega Sporting Events in promoting healthy communities. Bocarro has contributed significantly to the field through his teaching, research, and leadership, earning awards such as the 2023 UNC Board of Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching and induction into the Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement.

Research topics

• Political Science
• Sociology
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Social Science
• Psychology
• Gerontology
• Family medicine
• Public relations
• Psychiatry
• Socioeconomics
• Geography
• Law
• Environmental health
• Social psychology
• Public administration
• Business

Selected publications

• NCAA’s Mental Health Best Practices Still Need Coaching: Perceptions of Division I Student-Athletes on Strategies and Support Offered by Their Universities

  Journal of issues in intercollegiate athletics · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen access

  The NCAA has recognized the growing mental health crisis among student-athletes over the last decade and responded by publishing best practices, passing related legislation, and conducting surveys with student-athletes and coaches regarding mental health. This qualitative study explored the perceptions and insights of 22 Division I student-athletes on current strategies and resources designed to provide the best mental health support to them, along with what they perceive as the barriers or resource deficiencies related to seeking help. This applied research was done in the context of the best practices outlined in the NCAA’s Interassociation Consensus Document: Mental Health Best Practices, along with the 2019 NCAA legislation guaranteeing student-athletes access to mental health services and resources, and through the lens of an emerging mental health literacy theoretical framework. The overarching themes that emerged included (a) the importance of coaches, (b) institutional/administrative culture, (c) barriers to seeking support (time, stigma, resources), and (d) triggers and root causes. Based on the pervasiveness of the importance of coaches as a standalone theme and a contributing factor cited by athletes in each of the other emergent themes, the focus and emphasis is on that theme in our results and subsequent discussion.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The impact of doping scandals on on-site spectator satisfaction at major sport events

  International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship · 2025-01-10 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Purpose This study analyzes whether a doping scandal occurring during a global major sport event has an impact on on-site spectator satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach The investigation was conducted among 896 on-site event spectators attending a minimum of one event at the Nordic Ski World Championships 2019. Furthermore, five members of the organizing committee were retrospectively interviewed about how they judged the doping scandals’ impact on the perception of the event and its organization. Findings Results revealed that the scandal did not affect the spectators’ satisfaction and perception of the event. Nevertheless, the doping scandal was mentioned as a lowlight after becoming public. Practical implications Even though the doping scandal did not affect spectator satisfaction, such undesirable situations should be avoided as best as possible and form part of the event organizer’s comprehensive risk management and communication strategy. Originality/value It can be concluded that spectator satisfaction remained quite stable while any negative impacts, if not directly affecting the spectator, seemed to be considered as somehow “part of the event.”

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Bidding beyond the game: the legacies of (un)successful sports event bids on host locations

  International Journal of Event and Festival Management · 2025-03-26 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access

  Purpose This study aims to explore the multifaceted legacies of sports events, focusing on how the impact of legacies on bidding cities is perceived by representatives of bid committees. By examining the perceptions associated with both successful and unsuccessful bids, the research seeks to highlight the broader implications of the bidding process beyond the event itself. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative two-step approach, the study first gathered data through an online questionnaire from sixteen ( n = 16) bidding and organizing committee members. Semi-structured expert interviews followed, providing further insights into the questionnaire responses. This method allowed for a comprehensive examination of various bid types and their resulting legacies. Findings The research identifies a range of legacies emerging even during the bidding stage, suggesting that the process itself creates significant urban and infrastructural developments. Key findings include the realization of long-planned projects, enhancements in sports and urban infrastructure, increased international exposure and the formation of networks. Despite potential negative consequences, such as increased skepticism due to cost concerns, the study highlights the importance of leveraging the bidding process itself for beneficial outcomes. Originality/value This study contributes to existing literature by focusing on the legacies of both successful and unsuccessful bids, a relatively underexplored research area, underscoring the importance of considering the bidding process as a strategic opportunity for urban development and community engagement, regardless of the outcome. By understanding the bid process’s legacy effects, this research offers insights for future bidding cities and organizing committees.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The relationship between the environment and physical activity-related motivational trajectories

  Psychology of sport and exercise · 2024-08-24 · 12 citations

  articleOpen access

  The study explores motivational profiles for physical activity, using self-determination theory’s full continuum of motivational regulations, and examines their stability over three months. Furthermore, it investigates whether physical environment and community characteristics are associated with transitioning between profiles, as well as the sociodemographic differences in these motivational transition pathways. Data were collected from 305 U.S. residents at three time points. The three profiles—‘low in motivation’ (23.5 % of the sample in wave 1), ‘self-determined motivation’ (41.4 %), and ‘ambivalent motivation’ (35.0 %)—were relatively stable. Staying in the low-in-motivation profile was negatively associated with being active in social settings, community support, perceived environmental restorativeness, and availability of physical activity opportunities. Having a higher education and income, being male, employed, married or in a partnership, and identifying as White were associated with being in a motivationally positive profile in the last wave of the study. These profiles reported higher activity and life satisfaction. • We examined U.S. residents’ motivation profiles for physical activity over 3 months. • We identified 3 profiles: low in motivation, self-determined, ambivalent motivation. • People from the latter two profiles reported higher activity and life satisfaction. • Community support positively relates to transitioning to the latter two profiles. • The physical environment-transitioning correlations are unique for each profile.

  PublisherDOI

• Perceived Constraints to Pickleball Participation Among Black Older Adults

  Journal of Aging and Physical Activity · 2023-09-28 · 2 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Pickleball offers sociopsychological and physical activity benefits for older adults but lacks racial diversity. The purpose of this study was to identify constraints to pickleball participation with Black older adults (65+ years) as well as examine differences based on physical activity and sex. A Qualtrics panel included Black older adults (N = 292) who have heard of pickleball and are physically able to play but have not played. Results found Knowledge, Accessibility, Interpersonal, and Interest were the most salient constraints overall. Multivariate analysis of variance found that those who report low physical activity had significantly higher Interpersonal, Psychological, Costs, and Perceived Racism constraints. Additionally, females report significantly higher Knowledge, Psychological, and Cost constraints compared to males. The results further the theoretical application of constraints to physical activity research and provide insights into practitioner implications to grow the sport of pickleball for Black older adults.

  PublisherDOI

• An Exploratory Study of a Health and Wellness Intervention on STEM College Students During COVID-19

  Recreational Sports Journal · 2023-02-03 · 3 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  To address the growing health challenges faced by college students, campus recreation departments have evolved from a primary university intramural sport setting to organizations that have an increased emphasis on student recruitment, retention, and overall wellness. Among the strategies used to attract and engage students in campus recreation programs and services, health coaching shows some promise as a potentially effective intervention strategy. This study examined the efficacy of a university campus recreation health coaching program. Students from Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines (n = 34) were provided with individual, group, and virtual support to assist in developing effective strategies for academic success. Fitbit data measuring participants’ sleep and physical activity were collected along with self-reported measures of stress and perceived happiness and focus group qualitative data focused on participants’ perceptions of the program. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the program to adapt, findings suggest that health coaching may be an effective intervention strategy to help university students cope with the heightened anxiety and stress levels associated with campus life.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Physical Activity Promotion in North Carolina: A Reassessment of Public Park and Recreation Directors

  Journal of Healthy Eating and Active Living · 2023-11-30

  articleOpen access

  Regular physical activity is widely considered by public health and parks and recreation professionals as a key determinant of individual and community health and well-being. Prior research has shown that building sustainable health partnerships with community organizations can help parks and recreation departments meet many US health challenges. This study examined the perceptions of North Carolina public parks and recreation directors regarding physical activity and health partnership practices in their communities. Directors from two-hundred and seventy five North Carolina city and county parks and recreation departments were surveyed in the Spring of 2022 to determine 1) directors’ effort allocation in promoting physical activity toward vulnerable populations, 2) challenges associated with promoting community physical activity, and 3) differences in effort allocation, future priorities, and partnership among varying director and departmental demographics. Results were compared to findings from a 2007 study of NC perceptions of health partnerships, upon which the present study was based. One hundred and twenty three completed questionnaires were returned, resulting in a response rate of 45%. Directors in 2022 allocated similarly higher levels of effort toward older adults, families, and people with low income as did directors in 2007, while youth and adults with disabilities and people with chronic health conditions received lower allocations of effort from directors in 2022. Barriers such as lack of staff knowledge on how to promote physical activity, lack of citizen and political support, and lack of knowledge of under-represented groups’ physical activity preferences were less pronounced in 2022 compared to 2007. Several distinct differences were revealed between female and male directors’ rankings of effort and future priorities, as well as their perceptions of physical activity opportunities for women and people with disabilities. Partnerships with county health departments are being utilized more in counties with the highest health disparities compared to more healthy counties, indicating that partnerships are being targeted and implemented in areas where resources are most needed. This study represents a meaningful extension of research conducted prior to the 2008 Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic and provides recommendations for public parks and recreation departments to consider promoting physical activity and building community resilience in the face of future economic and health challenges.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• The State of Play Between Managing Major Sports Events and Human Rights: a Scoping Review

  Event Management · 2023-03-24 · 13 citations

  reviewOpen access

  This scoping review integrates literature from diverse perspectives to better understand when and how management of major sport events promotes or harms human rights. The authors critically review 130 peer-reviewed English language articles to identify conceptual contributions to research and practice. The findings reveal that politics and political reform, legal frameworks, and organizational actions are crucial influences in when and how management of events promotes or harms human rights. The most frequently considered rights in the literature are: equality, human trafficking related, sport as a human right, worker rights, and freedom of residence. Activism for human rights stimulates change within relevant stakeholders via collaboration, naming and shaming, in-public debates, and media coverage. The committed, transparent, and inclusive consideration of human rights in all stages of managing sport events (from bid preparation, bidding, planning, and hosting to postevent leverage) may increase the likelihood that the event has social benefits.

  PublisherDOI

• Physical Activity Promotion in North Carolina: a Reassessment of Public Park and Recreation Directors.

  PubMed · 2023-01-01

  articleOpen access

  Regular physical activity is widely considered by public health and parks and recreation professionals as a key determinant of individual and community health and well-being. Prior research has shown that building sustainable health partnerships with community organizations can help parks and recreation departments meet many US health challenges. This descriptive study examined the perceptions of North Carolina public parks and recreation directors regarding physical activity and health partnership practices in their communities. The study was also a 15-year follow-up to a study and examined whether park and recreation director perceptions of health partnerships had changed given the many social, economic, and health events that have occurred since the original survey. Directors from two hundred seventy-five North Carolina city and county parks and recreation departments were surveyed in the Spring of 2022 to determine 1) directors' effort allocation in promoting physical activity toward vulnerable populations, 2) challenges associated with promoting community physical activity, and 3) differences in effort allocation, future priorities, and partnership among varying director and departmental demographics. Results were compared to findings from a 2007 study of NC perceptions of health partnerships, upon which the present study was based. One hundred twenty-three completed questionnaires were returned, resulting in a response rate of 45%. Directors in 2022 allocated similarly higher levels of effort toward older adults, families, and people with low income as did directors in 2007, while youth and adults with disabilities and people with chronic health conditions received lower allocations of effort from directors in 2022. Barriers such as lack of staff knowledge on how to promote physical activity, lack of citizen and political support, and lack of knowledge of under-represented groups' physical activity preferences were less pronounced in 2022 compared to 2007. Several distinct differences were revealed between female and male directors' rankings of effort and future priorities, as well as their perceptions of physical activity opportunities for women and people with disabilities. Partnerships with county health departments are being reported more in counties with the highest health disparities compared to more healthy counties, indicating that partnerships are being targeted and implemented in areas where resources are most needed. This study represents a meaningful extension of research conducted prior to the 2008 Great Recession and COVID-19 pandemic and provides recommendations for public parks and recreation departments to consider promoting physical activity and building community resilience in the face of future economic and health challenges.

  PublisherOA PDF

• Editorial: Foregrounding a rights-based agenda for sport events

  Frontiers in Sports and Active Living · 2023-10-02

  editorialOpen access

  Over the last decade we have witnessed an explosion of academic literature and policy papers on the topic of major and mega sport events and human rights, fuelled by media reporting of human rights abuses at various sporting events (e.g. Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup). Even more recently, a number of systematic and scoping reviews have been undertaken exploring the available literature on the topic area and outlining research priorities for those working in this space. We built on these trends to host a symposium ‘Foregrounding a Rights-Based Agenda for Sport Events’ at University of the West of Scotland in 2022 which formed the genesis for this Research Topic. We wanted to publish papers that provided an overview of the state-of-the-art pertaining to sport events and human rights while also exploring specific rights-related issues associated with specific events. To that end, the Research Topic is comprised of 5 original research articles and a mini review. The Research Topic is introduced by a thoughtful mini review from Heerdt (Addressing human rights abuses at mega-sporting events—A shared responsibility in theory and practice), following on from her keynote address at our 2022 symposium. In this review, Heerdt makes the case for a shared responsibility approach and argues that if applied in a preventative and retrospective way and combined with the concept of collaborative remedy, the adverse impacts of mega sport events on human rights can be minimized. Heerdt also stresses the importance of making positive changes sustainable, emphasising that more academic research and better linkages with educational programmes (at secondary and tertiary levels) will make this more achievable. The remainder of this Research Topic focuses on specific rights contexts, with case studies of events and sport settings where human rights issues have been situated in the planning, delivery or legacy of major and mega sport events. First, in the context of disability-rights, Quinn and Misener (‘It's classified: Classification, disability rights and Commonwealth Games’) focus on the impact of the sport classification system on the integration of para sport and athletes at the Commonwealth Games, with a specific focus on how lower resourced nations can be best supported to benefit from the integrated model that event follows. Second, Hanlon and Taylor (Workplace experiences of women with disability in sport organization) draw on an intersectional lens to highlight how women with a disability often experience barriers to employment and career progression in the hyper-masculinised sport sector. They analyse the lived experiences of eight women with varying types of disability working and volunteering in sport organizations in Victoria (Australia) and show that the individual's interpretation of being and feeling valued as a woman with a disability, means not being judged against norms of ableism, and trusting employers to provide supportive workplace adjustments as a matter of course rather than by exception. Two further articles focus attention on other rights agendas around mega sport events. First, De Lisio and Oliver (Rights, Not Rescue: Trafficking (In)Securities at the Sport Mega-Event) examine the impact of fantasies used in the redevelopment of mega sport event cities on host communities; particularly as related to the male-dominated FIFA World Cup and forced prostitution. They challenge existing narratives (event fantasies) in relation to humanitarian aid and the alleged involvement of women and children in forced labour and sexual exploitation, in several FIFA host cities since the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. They argue that the figure of the proverbial sex slave, as a highly racialized and hypersexualized trope, is mobilized through the sport mega-event to further police the bodies of all women in labour and migration and further put them at risk from the male gaze. Second, Bhimani and De Lisio (Sport mega-event fantasies to financialization: the case of Porto Maravilha) examine the relationship between sport mega-event construction and the financialization of housing in Rio de Janeiro, with a focus on the area of Porto Maravilha, constructed prior to the 2016 Olympic Games. They draw on the work of Brazilian architect and author, Raquel Rolnik, to better understand the role of sport mega-event fantasies in the construction of Porto Maravilha—which they come to understand as a ‘speculative logic lubricant for finance.’ Finally, Islam’s paper (How has the Olympic legacy transformed the heart of East London? Understanding socio-economic exclusions and disproportionate COVID-19 impact on minoritised communities through a rights-based perspective) explores the experience of British-Bangladeshi and Black African Caribbean communities living in the areas surrounding London's Olympic Park. Islam argues that games-led regeneration has contributed to an unjust trade-off between pre-existing minoritised ethnic residents and wealthier gentrifiers, ignoring the real needs of the socially and economically disadvantaged ethnic minority communities in East London. Theoretically, this collection of papers draws on a range of concepts to help understand and explain the phenomenon under study. Hanlon and Taylor draw on Critical Disability Theory and Intersectionality to explore the workplace experiences of women with disability in sport organizations. In the same topic area (disability), Quinn and Misener explore various ableist theories to analyse the integration of para-athletes at the Commonwealth Games. Using this lens, they conclude that “classification within the context of Commonwealth Games has evolved to favour the most able, pushing out or rather “classifying out”, athletes with higher support needs and greater impairment”. Islam builds on Lefebvre’s ‘right to the city’ and Purcell’s right to participation when exploring socio-economic exclusions associated with the London 2012 Olympics. Finally, the De Lisio and Oliver and Bhimani and De Lisio articles both drawn on urban studies theoretical frames including financialization and capital accumulation when analyzing the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games respectively. Overall, the contributions to this Research Topic illuminate some of the most important issues in the sport event and human rights landscape, many of which require further critical examination, from both academic and non-academic actors. The papers in this collection also provide practical advice for sport event hosts and other key actors to ensure that rights are prioritised in their planning and delivery. In summary, the Research Topic highlights that sport events can both help and hinder progress with foregrounding human rights and advocating for change. We need to continue the debate to ensure that we harness the potential of sport events to promote human rights. We hope that this Research Topic is shared widely with both academic and non-academic audiences so that those charged with the responsibility to enshrine rights-protecting practices in the bidding, planning and delivery of sport events are drawing on complex, but nuanced, guidance to ensure that these mega projects are rights-enhancing and not rights-infringing.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Michael B. Edwards

  62 shared

• Michael A. Kanters

  North Central State College

  60 shared

• Myron F. Floyd

  North Carolina State University

  31 shared

• Camilla J. Hodge

  Brigham Young University

  28 shared

• Jonathan M. Casper

  North Central State College

  27 shared

• Thomas L. McKenzie

  San Diego State University

  14 shared

• Gareth J. Jones

  Temple University

  10 shared

• Kyle S. Bunds

  North Carolina State University

  10 shared

Labs

• Jason Bocarro LabPI

Education

• Ph.D., Forest Biometrics

  North Carolina State University

  2005

• M.S., Forest Biometrics

  University of Georgia

  2000

• B.S., Forest Management

  University of Georgia

  1998

Awards & honors

• Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor
• Academy of Outstanding Faculty in Extension and Engagement
• 2023 UNC Board of Governor's Award for Excellence in Teachin…