Abstract
Selecting the ‘right’ athletes to competitions and games is crucial in eventually deciding winners and champions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to discuss selections to top-level sport teams using validity concepts as theoretical points of departure. Drawing on data from 14 semi-structured interviews with elite coaches (selectors) in football (n = 8) and alpine skiing (n = 6), this article adds to the knowledge on rationales behind selection decisions in elite sport, how selections are performed and with what consequences. Results point to several key validity concerns in selection processes such as the (non) use of explicit selection criteria, lack of structure in selection processes and coaches’ giving way to gut feelings and their ‘eyes for the sport‘ instead of utilizing various selection aids at hand.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
