What might a criminologist ask about this game?
A criminologist might ask the following questions:
How safe is this event?
Why do people commit crimes at events like this?
What is the incidence of violent crimes? Property crimes? Crimes against person? Sexual assaults?
Do people’s perceptions conform to the actual risk of crime victimization?
Do crimes occur at these events that are not being reported by the police or covered by the media?
What policing strategies work best in this environment to maintain order?
How does this environment change normative behavior (e.g., profanity, aggression, under-age drinking, etc.)?
Why does violent “mob behavior” occur at times at events like this? How can it be prevented?
How can the state regulate celebration rituals that are prohibited by criminal law (e.g., burning couches, tearing down goal posts, etc.)?
Why is there tacit approval/acceptance of celebration rituals that violate the law?
Why is violence on the field celebrated, but violence in the stands is prohibited?
How are the laws in the stands enforced? How are they different from and similar to enforcement of rules on the field?
Why is alcohol such a big part of this event? Does this event encourage alcohol abuse?
Does alcohol abuse increase the risk of crime victimization? How many of these fans will drive home after the game? What are the broader safety implications of this for the rest of the community?
How many arrests occur? What are the charges? How does the stigma of arrest affect those arrested and their families?
Why is "hooliganism" so common in other countries at events like this?
How does Morgantown or WVU identity manifest itself at a game?
How does masculinity affect displays of support and crime/violence/disorder?