In the realm of sports, it is a popular notion that there is a benefit to playing games on a team’s home-turf rather the opposing team’s. But is there really an advantage?
It is difficult to decipher whether there is validity to this idea, but there is something to be said about both sides. The necessity of travel when it comes to non-home games can affect a team’s focus and their energy levels depending on how long the drive is. Traveling to another place for a game means that athletes may not know where the locker room is or where they need to be at a certain time, and that lack of familiarity could affect a team’s overall performance if their head is not focused on the game. On the other hand, if a team is committed regardless of distractions, then it might not matter whether they play on home soil. Additionally, the travel time spent in a small van or bus gives teams the opportunity to bond, which has the potential to impact a team’s performance regardless of location.
However, some aspects could be considered an advantage when a team gets to play at home, such as a sense of familiarity and the support of fans across the student section and community members.
“I loved being able to play in front of the community at Northwestern having a great support system,” Ellie Karlovitz, who played on the NW Women’s Basketball team for two years, said. This could be considered an advantage to getting to play at home, since most students and many community members come out to support Raider athletics during home games and not nearly as many travel to away games.
The Raider Men’s Basketball team demonstrates that it may not matter if a game is played at home or elsewhere. So far this season the team has a 21-4 record. The team endured the loss of its undefeated streak this year in a home game against Dordt. The team’s subsequent losses were played in Seward, Neb., Orange City again, and Sioux Center.
NW Women’s Tennis has a record of 4-2 this season. Their only two losses thus far were in matches in Orange City and at the University of Minnesota. Three of their four wins were played here at home.
While there is some evidence to suggest there are benefits for sports teams getting to play at home, it seems to be that a standard of excellence, commitment to hard work and dedication to being disciplined in all areas are better indicators of success than the competition’s location.
