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- Experience Quality Scale for Fitness Centers (EQSFC): Validity and
Reliability Study
Abstract: This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable tool for measuring the perceptions of quality of experience for fitness center members. The research was conducted with two different sample groups who are current members of fitness centers. A total of 317 (141 females, 176 males) fitness center members volunteered to participate in the explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis survey, and 250 (102 females, 148 males) fitness center members volunteered to participate in the criterion-dependent validity survey. For the validity and reliability studies for the scale, explanatory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, criterion-dependent validity, Cronbach’s alpha internal consistency, and composite reliability were used. As a result of the exploratory factor analysis conducted to indicate the structural validity of the scale, a five-factor scale with 17 items included in i) communication quality, ii) physical environment quality, iii) outcome quality, iv) access quality, and v) entertainment quality was identified, explaining 63% of the total variance. According to the analysis results for criterion-related validity, a statistically significant positive relationship was detected between communication quality (r=.422, p<.001), physical environment quality (r=.582, p<.001), outcome quality (r=.597, p<.001), access quality (r=.458, p<.001), entertainment quality (r=.697, p<.001) and satisfaction. The results indicate that the scale can be used as a valid and reliable tool to measure the quality of experience perceived by individuals concerning the fitness center where they are members. In addition, it is thought that this scale, which details the factors that influence the customer experience in fitness centers for the first time, will provide an important contribution to the literature.
PubDate: Thu, 23 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Causes and Consequences of Iranian Elite Athletes’ International
Migrations
Abstract: This study aimed to identify the causes and consequences of international migrations of Iranian elite athletes. This research was conducted using the qualitative method and Glaser grounded theory approach. The statistical population included senior managers in the Ministry of Sports and Youth and national sports federations, expert researchers in this field, professional athletes who have emigrated or were on the verge of emigration, and coaches in professional sports teams in Iran. Twenty-six people were selected through theoretical sampling and snowball methods. The data collection tool was a semi-structured individual interview. The Glaser approach was used to analyse the data, including two main stages of actual and theoretical coding. During the actual coding process, 468 primary statistical codes were identified, and 68 subcategories and 11 main categories were subsequently identified. The categories were divided into three general dimensions: “Factors affecting”, “Consequences”, and “Strategies” concerning “elite athletes’ emigration “; in the theoretical coding stage, the final model of the research was outlined. Identifying the causes and consequences of the emigration of elite athletes can significantly help the authorities to recognise problems in this area and provide appropriate solutions to retain adequate human capital in the country. We attempted to examine and present the causes and consequences of the emigration of Iranian elite athletes in the form of a model.
PubDate: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Analyzing the Relationship Between Individual Time Management Skills and
Business Attitude of Sports Science Students
Abstract: Individual time management skills and a business approach are two fundamental abilities required for success in any life. The goal of this study is to look at the connection between the individual time management skills and business attitudes of sports science students. The quantitative, descriptive study used structural equation modelling (SEM) as its methodology. Students from Tabriz city’s physical education and sports sciences departments helped collect the data. IBM® SPSS® AmosTM 23 was used to process the results of the study for model and hypothesis testing. This findings revealed a substantial relationship between individual time management abilities and business views of 126 students. Other research hypotheses examining the relationship between the business attitude and its constituent elements were similarly supported. According to the findings, prioritizing the notion of planning in personal and business life is one of the most effective time management approaches, and students should educate themselves concerning time management and business attitude.
PubDate: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Hygge in Iran' The Lived Experience of Physical Activity of Older Adults
in the Neighborhood Environment in Tehran
Abstract: Physical activity is considered one of the most important components of daily activities and a healthy lifestyle for the older adult to achieve well-being. The purpose of this study is to explore older adults’ views on physical activity in the neighborhood environment. This study is qualitative and interpretive in nature. In this research, thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze and report patterns in the qualitative data, employing Braun and Clarke’s six-step inductive approach. Twenty-four active seniors in the Ekhtiarieh neighborhood of Tehran were interviewed in person. The purpose of the interview was to probe into the deep layers of the interviewees’ mindset and obtain valid information. The analysis of the data yielded Hygge as the global theme, and the three main themes of joyful emotions and behavior (Wellness Hygge), perceived social support (Neighborhood Hygge), and safety and security, as well as eight sub-themes. Although Hygge derives Danish culture and its national identity, The creation of a Hygge subculture in the neighborhood through physical activity can be considered as a collective effort to deal with the contradictions in the society with happiness. The findings of this research have been chosen as inspiring concepts for a better and healthier life, to reproduce simple cultural elements that do not exist in the situation of the local culture, by borrowing from the the culture of Denmark, the happiest country in the world.
PubDate: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- An Evaluation of Athletes’ Opinions on Communication Barriers Caused by
Coaches in the Interpersonal Communication Process
Abstract: Communication between athletes and coaches is essential in areas ranging from sporting performance to team cohesion, and a lack of proper communication between coach and athlete can cause many problems. This study aimed to assess the communication barriers caused by coaches as perceived by young adult athletes. Q methodology was used in the research design. The study group was recruited using the snowball sampling method, and a total of 27 athletes who met the criteria participated in the study. Principal component analysis was applied to analyze the data. It was concluded that the participants could be grouped under two factors, and a significance value of 0.50 was reached. In addition, communication barriers with athletes caused by coaches were analyzed in order of importance by giving Z-scores. As a result, the communication barriers arising from coaches were identified as discrimination, self-centeredness, bringing problems in their private life to work, having goals that conflict with the goals of athletes, inadequacies in knowledge transfer, and excessive expectations. This study reveals the adverse effects of communication barriers with coaches, especially early career athletes. It is also expected that the communication barriers identified will contribute to improved communication between coaches and athletes.
PubDate: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Motivations and Expectations of Olympic Volunteers: Building a Legacy of
Personal Development as a Key Factor for the Success of Sports Mega-Events
Abstract: The scientific breakthrough in understanding the role of sports volunteers, as well as the importance of motivation and expectations management in decision-making, has boosted several studies, helping to reinforce the conceptual idea of a sports legacy, especially in relation to the participation and involvement of Olympic volunteers. In this sense, and reinforcing this idea, this study aimed to analyse and measure the perception of sports volunteers regarding the motivations and expectations arising from their participation in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The study followed a quantitative-descriptive and inferential methodology, with a validated sample of 828 responses collected through a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the original VMS-ISE motivation scale. The results point to a reinforcement of the perceived importance and value associated with participation in the Olympic Games that translate into high levels of motivation and satisfaction by most of the volunteers involved. The most valued factors were the feeling of pleasure promoted by the experience, the possibility of personal and professional development, the passion for the Olympic Games, and the passion for sport. The majority of the candidates validated the post-event expectations as having exceeded their initial ones, and 92.0% of the volunteers would participate in a similar event again. The study allows the reinforcement of sports volunteers intentions and expectations, while validating and confirming previous studies on the importance of motivation and personal development in a successful recruitment strategy that fosters regular and consolidated participation of previous volunteers.
PubDate: Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Those Fighting with Burden on Their Back: Elite Taekwondo Players’
Perfectionism and Fear of Failure
Abstract: This study aimed to examine levels of perfectionism and fear of failure of elite athletes in the Turkish national taekwondo team through qualitative research methods. A total of 11 national team athletes (6 females and 5 males) participated in the research. The data were collected using a semi-structured interview technique. In the study, opinions, emotions and thoughts of elite national team athletes about the concept of perfectionism and fear of failure were determined. In the theme of perfectionism, there were 7 categories and 35 codes; in the theme of fear of failure, 6 categories and 36 codes were revealed. It might be concluded that perfectionism and fear of failure have a more complex structure than it seems for elite and high-ranking athletes, and this might affect their motivation in many positive and negative ways. In addition, it was found that when the coach is a family member, two concerns of athletes (the coach is upset due to failure, and the family is upset due to failure) come together. Therefore, those who are both a coach and parent should be more careful with their children/athletes. It should also be kept in mind that while perfectionism is a great source of motivation and self-confidence, it has the potential to make athletes drop out of sports.
PubDate: Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Participation and Reasons for Non-participation in Sport and Recreational
Activities Before and After the Outbreak of COVID-19: Analysis of Data
From the 2016 and 2021 Poland National Sports Participation Survey
Abstract: The ongoing study of factors that hinder physical activity (PA) supports the adaptation of intervention strategies to changing conditions and the creation of a more conducive environment for active lifestyles. The aim of the study was to analyze the barriers to Polish participation in sports and recreational activities (SRA) before and after the pandemic. Face-to-face interviews were conducted twice with a representative sample of Poles (in 2016 N=12183 household members, in 2021 N=8351). Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted using frequency and relative frequency (%). A Chi-square test of independence was used to analyze relationships between perceived barriers of non-participation in sports or physical recreation in 2016 and 2021 and the gender and age of respondents. In 2021, 38.8% (36.7% of women and 41.0% of men) declared participation in SRA (regularly or occasionally), with a 7.6 % point decrease in the number of those active compared to 2016. 20.6% of respondents participated in sports and recreation regularly in 2021. Compared to 2016, (21.7%) the difference was not statistically significant. Men declared regular participation more often than women (23.1% vs. 18.1% – 2021). Four main barriers were identified: (1) lack of free time – especially among 30 to 39-year-olds, 40 to 49-year-olds and men; (2) lack of interest, willingness or preference for passive leisure activities – especially among 15 to 19-year-olds; (3) having a medical condition and doctor’s contraindications – among 50 to 59-year-olds and 60 and older; and (4) age – especially among 60-year-olds.These barriers have not been overcome over time, and persisted or even gained in importance during the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to medical condition and doctor’s contraindications. We therefore turn our attention to eliminating these barriers, taking into account their importance in specific populations. It is essential to motivate people to overcome internal barriers through social support, health care, and government actions.
PubDate: Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Productive Organisational Energy and Performance in Estonian Football
Organisations
Abstract: Sports governance is a broad domain in which many ambitious goals are expected to be considered by top management. Attending to productive organisational energy may be the key to consolidating and amplifying efforts by members of sports organisations at individual, group and organisational levels in order to achieve those wide-ranging goals. The aim of the article is to discover whether Estonian football organisations with higher results for the dimensions of productive organisational energy also show higher performance. Overall, we reached about 14% of the population of players, coaching staff and management from football organisations in Estonia. Productive organisational energy was measured using affective, cognitive and behavioural dimensions (Cole et al., 2012). Rankings in the league tables for 2020, 2021 and 2022 reflected the performance of the football clubs. The results demonstrated that football clubs that had higher levels of productive organisational energy were mostly placed in the top half of the league table. All three dimensions of productive organisational energy were similarly relevant in regard to performance. The connection between productive organisational energy and performance has so far been analysed only in business organisations and in one health service organisation. We brought the topic to the sports context and distinguished three dimensions of productive organisational energy while comparing the performance of organisations, which has not been done before. We also conducted the first empirical study that considers whether dimensions of productive organisational energy are balanced in better performing clubs.
PubDate: Sat, 05 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Philosophy of Sports: Analyzing Sports Effects for Leadership Excellence
Abstract: Leadership effectiveness is one of the significant concerns in the business world. While attaining goals, leaders offer direction, encouragement, and inspiration. They aid in creating a vision and uniting people behind a common goal. The literature on leadership has shown that leaders are less effective, affecting organizations, the environment, and society. This ineffectiveness is believed to be due to their rigidity, arrogance, narcissism, and ill-being. The research on leadership has shown that, among other factors, stress is one of the leading causes of this inefficiency, affecting leaders’ well-being, attitude, relationships, and organizational productivity. As a result, leaders have poor awareness of how their environment is evolving. For that reason, stress management and a leader’s well-being (mental and physical fitness) become the primary concern for business organizations. Leaders are the frontrunner of organizations, leading organizational objectives such as profit maximization, continuous improvement, employee management, and stakeholder satisfaction. In order to manage the corporate goal and workplace stress, they must ensure their well-being (mental and physical fitness). This paper proposes sports to enhance leaders’ well-being and team-building ‘we’ attitudes, which help leaders to improve the organizational productivity. This paper employs content analysis methodology to justify how sports enhance leadership effectiveness. The time has come to understand the philosophy of sports, which has several benefits that guide practitioners to maintain a balance in their professional and personal life. This paper highlights sport as a vehicle for social change and personal development in leadership effectiveness.
PubDate: Fri, 04 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Does Digitalization Accelerate the Winner-Takes-All Effect in the Sports
Industry'
Abstract: Today media and sports are indivisible, having a kind of inseparable, mutually influential relationship. Media attracts audiences and generates profit through sports. In its turn, sports content is disseminated, transmitted, and popularized through the media. Thus, theoretically, sports and media exist in symbiosis. However, practically, this relationship is complex and includes many factors. First of all, in recent decades, the process of overall digitalization (and digital transformation) of all fields of life has had a crucial impact on sport, media, and their interrelationship. This paper aims to conceptualize and analyze the possible impact of digitalization on “winner-takes-all” (WTA) (winner-takes-most, WTM) dynamics in the professional sports industry, notably for spectating audiences, and answer the question: “Can digitalization be seen as a driver of ecosystem change and how it should be tested'” This conceptual model paper seeks to construct and develop a theoretical framework that can explain and predict relationships between concepts of digitalization and key sport spectating variables: audience, TV rights, and revenue through a prism of WTA. We found that the technological change in the sports media market and the greater global-orientated strategy of leading sports organizations have re-sorted and compressed many market shares, but the effect of technological disruption has been significantly less pronounced for the most powerful digital leaders in the industry. To this end, we represent digitalization as the main accelerating factor of the WTA effect (along with other auxiliary effects) in the sports industry and propose future research directions and perspectives.
PubDate: Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- How to Improve Sports Fans’ Attitudes Toward the Sponsor Through Brand
Management' A PLS and QCA Approach
Abstract: The aim of the article is to explain attitudes towards the sponsors of a sporting event from brand management, especially considering the perceptions of congruence with the sponsor, quality, value, and two less common variables of innovation and popularity. The analysis has been carried out using two methodological approaches: a Partial Least Squares (PLS) model and a Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA). PLS results indicate that congruence, innovation and popularity significantly predict attitudes towards the sponsor, explaining up to 61% of it. On the other hand, QCA analysis shows nine interactions capable of producing the expected result, where congruence, quality innovation and popularity have shown a relevant role. This study has implications at a theoretical and practical level, contributing to understanding consumer behaviour in the context of sporting events and providing marketing managers with valuable information to help improve the performance of their sponsorships.
PubDate: Sat, 15 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Beginner-Coaches and Connectivity of Knowledge: Real-World Coaching and
Self-Reported Importance of Prior Playing Experience
Abstract: In what amounts to essentially being a part two to our previous work with six beginner-coaches that found noticeable benefits to reflective practice, yet a number of possible drawbacks such as time constraints and at times over-focusing on negative emotions (Hamblin & Crisp, 2022), we build upon the aims of that study that related to what beginner-coaches (in recreational sport fields) considered ideal coach learning within in-situ, practice-based contexts. Through revisiting the data of the first study (Hamblin & Crisp, 2022) and exploring an additional theme related to how the beginner-coaches identified sporting experience as a beneficial prerequisite to their own coaching practice, the present study sought to further investigate, and build upon, the findings and aspects of the first study. Continuing to explore how beginner-coaches who operate more within recreational (although still competitive) sport fields perceive in-situ, ideal learning, and continuing the same methodological approach, the present study conducted semi-structured interviews with another five beginner-coaches, adding to the six in the first study for a total of 11 participants.Transcriptions were analysed using thematic analysis and the themes found included sporting experience, traditional learning, and the benefits of reflective practice which highlights the ways all of the beginner-coaches (within both ‘part one’ and the present study – ‘part two’) felt they learn best. Importantly, these findings showed the self-reported importance of actually coaching (‘real world’ applications) and, of particular note, what were considered by the beginner-coaches to be the significant benefits of having accrued playing experience prior to starting coaching. These findings then may well provide further evidence to uphold and develop methods of coach education in the future to facilitate learning.
PubDate: Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Analysis of Selection Criteria and Alternatives to Renewing Membership in
Fitness Centers Using an Analytical Hierarchy Process
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the most suitable fitness center for members by using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, which identifies the criteria fitness members consider when choosing a fitness center. First, interviews were conducted with 20 fitness center members to determine the criteria. Then, the values obtained from the comparisons between the criteria, made by experts, were analyzed and evaluated using the AHP method. Eight criteria were determined: instructor qualification, interactions, cleaning, price, staff qualification, atmosphere, accessibility, equipment modernity and variety. Then alternatives to fitness centers were defined (low price, middle segment, premium) and a group of five experts was formed, consisting of members of various fitness centers and experts in sports sciences, and academics who conduct customer behavior research in fitness centers. Based on the opinions of experts, three alternatives and eight selection criteria were used in the evaluation. Alternatives are listed based on the findings. In the first phase of the study, weighting of the criteria and consistency calculations were performed, after which each criterion was weighted in relation to every alternative. As a result, the best alternative was calculated. According to the findings, price was determined to be the most important criteria in renewing fitness center membership, while premium fitness centers were determined to be the most important alternative. The research provides suggestions for reducing dropout rates and for the decision to renew memberships in fitness centers (such as flexible pricing, customer interaction, quality, and equipment modernity).
PubDate: Sat, 17 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Perceptions and Experiences After Participating in a Two-Year Outdoor
Adventure Programme
Abstract: Physical activity levels are alarmingly low and new strategies must be adopted to prevent this trend. This study focuses on examining the impact of an outdoor adventure education programme on adolescents. The participants were 75 adolescent students aged 12–14. The programme lasted two school years. Students participated in extracurricular schoolyard outdoor activities and outdoor adventure activities conducted during the two one-day and one four-day trips in both school years. A qualitative methodology was used with data collected using semi-structured interviews. At the end of each school year, 12 students were interviewed. Data analysis revealed that the programme promoted basic psychological needs. More specifically, adolescents reported that schoolyard activities and outdoor adventure activities promoted their satisfaction with autonomy, competence and relatedness. Interestingly, the programme gave girls the autonomy to choose activities that promoted their competence and interaction with peers in a better way than a typical PE lesson. Modifying existing curricula with innovative practices or planning new ones could improve the general quality of life.
PubDate: Sat, 17 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- How do Girls and Boys Feel Emotions' Gender Differences in Physical
Education in Primary School
Abstract: The main objective of the study was to analyze the emotional intensity experienced by school-age boys and girls when participating in traditional sports games. A total of 152 students from two primary schools participated. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was applied to verify the distribution of the data, followed by Student’s parametric t-test for independent samples and Levene’s test for homogeneity of variance. Girls registered more intense positive emotions in games of lower decisional complexity (oppositional, cooperative, and individual games) and in non-competitive games compared to boys, who experienced positive emotions with greater intensity in cooperative-oppositional games and competitive games. Reducing sports stereotypes is necessary if the meaningful outcome of physical education is to promote shared emotional and relational well-being among all students. Therefore, traditional sports games can be an excellent tool for creating a positive impact on students’ social and emotional learning, as interpersonal relationships are key to the development of the game.
PubDate: Fri, 09 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Academic Identity, School Belongingness, Athletic Identity, and Athletic
Expectations as Predictors of Academic and Athletic Time Use of College
Athletes
Abstract: Time demands are among the primary challenges for college student-athletes. They have to attend to classes and study halls as well as athletic-related activities such as training and competition. Both academic and athletic tasks require tremendous amount of time. Thus, it is argued that academics and athletics compete for the student-athletes’ attention. This research examined the impact of academic and athletic factors on student-athletes’ time use in academics and athletics using a subset of the 2015 United States National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) GOALS data. The relationships of academic identity, school belongingness, athletic identity, and athletic expectations with academic time use and athletic time spent were tested. Differences on the variables of interest according to race, gender, and division level were also investigated. Our findings revealed that academic identity is a positive predictor of academic time use and a negative predictor of athletic time use, while athletic identity is a positive predictor of athletic time spent. We also determined a contrasting influence of athletic expectations in time commitments. Lastly, we likewise found significant effects of race, gender, and division level on the academic and athletic engagements of college athletes. Our findings have implications on the development of programs for athletic department to optimize the academic and athletic experiences of college student-athletes.
PubDate: Sat, 13 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Self-Efficacy Versus Dispositional Optimism and Life Satisfaction of
Fitness Industry Employees
Abstract: The article consists of theoretical and empirical parts. The theoretical part presents the most important issues related to such concepts as self-efficacy, dispositional optimism and life satisfaction among fitness industry employees. Reference was made to the most important findings of researchers in the fields of philosophy, psychology and sociology. The aim of the theoretical part was to present the issues studied and discussed in the empirical part as accurately as possible.The main objective of the presented study was to check whether there were any correlations between the sense of generalized self-efficacy, life satisfaction and dispositional optimism among fitness industry employees. In the process of achieving this goal, Pearson’s r correlation analysis was carried out. The study covered 105 respondents. The level of significance was α = 0.05. The results of the analysis showed a statistically significant, strong positive correlation of the three variables r = 0.84 and r = 0.88. It turns out that in the case of people working in the fitness industry, along with the increase in satisfaction with their own lives, the level of dispositional optimism and the level of generalized self-efficacy increased. It was found that three elements are interdependent among corporate employees: the belief that the higher the goals they set, the stronger their commitment to the intended behaviour, even in the face of increasing failures, satisfaction as a relatively permanent assessment of life as wholeness and optimism that inspires motivation, and perseverance and determination to achieve specific goals and make decisions.
PubDate: Sat, 06 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Influence of Teaching Digital Competence and Professional Competencies on
the Professional Performance of the Soccer Coach
Abstract: The main objective of this article is to design a structural equation model to evaluate the predictor variables of professional performance in soccer coaches (PPSC), digital teaching competence (DTC) and professional competences of soccer coaches (PCSC). A sample of 612 coaches was taken from the different training levels of the Valencian Community (FFCV) in Spain, managed by UEFA.. The results of the causal relationship model showed a good overall fit of the model. A statistically significant positive relationship was found to exist with the professional performance of soccer coaches in both the use of digital competencies (DTC) and the professional competence of soccer coaches (PCSC). A statistically significant positive relationship was also observed between the use of digital competencies and the professional competence of soccer coaches. From the results obtained, it can be affirmed that the change generated by UEFA in the training of coaches in emerging technologies increases their professional performance.
PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
- Impact of Covid-19 on the Psychology of Coaches
Abstract: The development of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), raises concerns about heightened stress and anxiety in people’s lives. The purpose of this research was to investigate the emotional influence of COVID-19 that professional coaches faced and how they managed to deal with social seclusion during the second wave of COVID-19. More precisely, it was investigated whether the age and educational level of coaches had an impact on their psychological condition during this period. The sample consisted of 605 Greek National coaches, 398 men, 206 women, and one coach who did not indicate sex preference, between the ages of 18-67 (M=38.18, SD=11.19). The results indicated the age differences between the youngest and oldest groups, and between high school and Ph.D. graduates. Overall, it was found that the Greek version of ERQ constitutes a reliable instrument for measuring emotion regulation situations in a professional sports environment.
PubDate: Wed, 03 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT
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