STRATEGIC OFFSETTING BEHAVIOR: EVIDENCE FROM NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION MEN'S BASKETBALL

Strategic offsetting behavior occurs when a policy is offset by an individual not targeted by the policy. By affecting the payoffs of the target the incentives of a strategic competitor are adjusted, which acts to mitigate the policy. Evidence is presented using data from National Collegiate Athletic Association men's basketball. For the 2008-2009 season, the three-point line was extended. This leads to not only a decrease in three-point shooting and scoring, but also a decrease in the percentage of two-point shots made. This evidence is consistent with defenses adjusting their focus away from the more difficult three-point shot, which strategically offset the policy. (JEL K20, C72)