Abstract:

The purpose of this study is to discuss and evaluate the so-called home advantage in the context of the Muğla Province Super Amateur Soccer League competitions. The data used in the research were obtained from Mugla Amateur Sports Clubs Federation. The study particularly investigates the number of wins for the home and away games in the context of different seasons and teams. The formula developed by Pollard (1986) was used to determine the home advantage. The obtained data were recorded in SPSS 16.0 program, home advantage of Super Amateur League were determined and frequency and percentage values were calculated and interpreted. In the 5 seasons (2012-13 / 2016-17) of the Muğla Super Amateur Football League, the average of home advantage is 59,98%, while home field teams have 260 wins (47,10%), 97 draws (17.57%) and 195 defeats (35.32%). The data reveal that the home advantage of the champions is over 50% across five seasons. Ortaca Municipality Sports, the champion for the three out of five seasons, gained equal points in home field and away field in the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 seasons with a home advantage ratio of 50.00%.  In 2014/2015 season when they moved up to the Regional Amateur League, the team has acquired a 58.82% home advantage by winning all the matches. The other two season champions, Milas and Yatağan, were found to have a home advantage of 53.84% and 54.90%, respectively. Home advantage is a significant factor influential on the outcomes in almost every stage of football. As a result, it can be said that home advantage in the amateur football has a significant effect on the result of the competition and league ranking.

Keywords: