Community Sport Research Articles

Concept mapping perceptions of climate impacts on sport participation: perspectives from community-level managers

ABSTRACT Rationale Community sport is an important setting for managing sport participation, yet few studies have investigated the impacts of climate change on sport. Even fewer studies have investigated climate impacts from the perspectives of sport managers at the grassroots level. The research aim was to understand how frontline community sport managers perceive climate change impacts on their sports. Methods Concept Mapping (online) with managers at nineteen organisations delivering community sport situated across four Australian climate zones. Findings A five-cluster concept map was selected as the most appropriate representation of participants’ sorting data: (1) Management & Planning Impacts, (2) Financial & Infrastructure Impacts, (3) Changes to Events, (4) Emotional & Social Impacts, and (5) Health & Safety Impacts. These clusters were grouped into three impact domains: Management & Infrastructure Impacts; Activity Impacts; and People Impacts. Practical implications The five clusters of impacts shed new light on managing climate change complexity for community sport. The impact clusters can assist sport managers design interventions to reduce disruption to sport participation. Listening to the perspectives of frontline staff who deliver sport is essential for managing these impacts. Research contribution A cluster map of perceived climate impacts provides a new framework for scholars investigating climate change impacts on sport.

An exploratory qualitative study of the experiences of women in volunteer non-player roles in Australian community football clubs.

Women are underrepresented in volunteer non-player roles in community sporting clubs, particularly in traditionally male sports such as football (soccer), where participation rates for men and boys remain higher than women and girls. Experiences of women volunteering in community sporting clubs are not well-represented in research literature. By exploring women's experiences volunteering in community Australian Football clubs, the present research aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators of women's participation in volunteer non-player community sport club roles. Our intention is that our findings will provide empirical basis for the design of efficacious evidence-based interventions and initiatives to help close the gender gap of volunteerism rates and experiences, thus facilitating equal opportunities for women to access associated individual social, physical, and mental health benefits of sports volunteering. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with six women from four Australian Football clubs, to determine barriers and facilitators to volunteering. Reflexive thematic analysis of barriers generated six themes: high expectations of self, intersectionality (of gender with motherhood or race), constrained resources, interpersonal disconnection, lack of organisational support and structure, and gender role assumptions and stereotypes. Analysis of facilitators produced six themes: having or building confidence, positive reinforcement, social connection, deliberate efforts to engage women, role autonomy and shaping, and supportive culture within a club or governing body. Findings revealed that impacts on women's development in non-player roles exist at the individual level, including the interaction of gender, race, and parental status, but also extend beyond this to personal, interpersonal, organisational, and sociocultural factors. Given our research findings we make seven recommendations for governing bodies and community football clubs to enhance volunteering gender equity: 1. Establish support for women by dividing work evenly among volunteers; 2. Provide clear descriptions of non-player roles; 3. Match the skill sets of new women volunteers to suitable roles; 4. Implement mentorship programs to aid collaboration among women who volunteer; 5. Educate communities about gender biases and assumptions; 6. Monitor and seek feedback on gendered task allocation to ensure women's unpaid labour is not disproportionate to men's; and 7. Promote and publicise women in non-player roles to enhance women's visibility and acceptance in community football clubs.

Sports and nationalism: When imagined communities become national

AbstractCan expressing nationalism be conditional? Literature on sports and nationalism suggests that people experience nationhood when they involve themselves as spectators during international sporting events. Therefore, expressing a nationalistic feeling under such circumstances appears logical. However, the question of what kind of nationhood is experienced and how it can be facilitated or impeded by social media affordances needs to be explored. This study attempts to answer these questions by analysing the tweets made during India's matches during the International Cricket Cup 2019. It locates the study of nationalism at the core of where it operates today: in popular social media‐based discourse. This discursive approach towards nationalism (see Fox and Miller‐Idriss (2008)) of imagined sporting communities suggests that mere international competitiveness is insufficient grounds for nationalistic expression to emerge as a dominant discursive theme. Instead, nationalistic expressions are activated when two competing nations share an existing rivalry and it forms part of its popular culture. Nationalism during sports, therefore, is proposed as a conditional phenomenon. Moreover, the idea of the expressed nation and who comes to belong to it remains malleable and fluid to elevate the embodied gaming experience.

Community sports leaders' perceptions of the risks and benefits of gambling sponsorship in community sport.

Gambling sponsorship of professional sport, particularly relating to online wagering, has been a key focus of global regulatory reform efforts to address the normalization of gambling. In Australia, gambling companies and venues (including community clubs and hotels) also sponsor and develop relationships with community (non-professional) sports teams and clubs. In-depth interviews (n = 24) were conducted with senior leaders in community sporting organizations in Australia with an aim of understanding the factors that shape decisions about accepting or refusing gambling sponsorships and partnerships. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis was used to construct three themes from the data. First, participants considered the alignment of values between the sponsor and the community sporting organization. While most stated that gambling and sport should not be aligned through sponsorship, some forms of sponsorship (for example from community clubs) were perceived as less harmful than others (such as online wagering). Second, some thought that while there were ethical ways to engage with gambling sponsors such as not promoting sponsors' products, they were concerned about how gambling sponsorship might have an overall impact on the community. Third, was the impact of gambling sponsorships on the organization's reputation, and balancing this with a need for financial stability. Decisions to accept (or reject) gambling sponsorship were influenced by a range of perceived risks and benefits. Addressing the acceptance of gambling sponsorships among community sporting organizations could involve several approaches to interventions, including regulation, formal policies to guide sponsorship decisions and education about the risks of accepting these sponsorships.

한국인의 스포츠 가치관과 미래 선호가치 조사

This study aimed to analyze the sports values and future preferences of South Koreans, providing key data for policy development. Indicators were developed through an integrative literature review, and a survey was conducted with 800 participants across diverse age groups. The findings show that South Koreans perceive the future as 11-20 years ahead, with the highest expectations for their own future, followed by global and national futures. Sports are seen as a means to enhance quality of life, with high expectations for policies related to community sports, facilities, and safety. Current sports policy issues are influenced by people, population & society, and the economy, while future issues are expected to shift toward population & society, people, and IT. South Koreans anticipate positive changes through sports, including improved quality of life, economic growth, and cultural advancement, and they hope for increased equity and welfare support for marginalized groups.

Penyuluhan Fisioterapi Upaya Pencegahan dan Penanganan Awal Cedera Pergelangan Kaki pada Komunitas Olahraga Lansia Pakis Kembar

Community physiotherapy is one form of physiotherapy approach in improving understanding of health and maintaining body movement function among the community. Sports have a major impact on survival, this kind of activity can benefit many things, especially in improving physical quality, helping to develop the brain and emotional stabilization. In East Java, lower limb injuries were found to be 54.2%, and the type of sprain or dislocation injury was 40.1%. Ankle sprain is one of the musculoskeletal injuries that is often experienced by most people when doing activities or exercising. To overcome this, you can do strengthening with several exercises that focus on the ankle and first aid using the PRICE method as first aid. This counseling had 28 participants. The method used was to provide physiotherapy counseling that focused on strengthening and handling ankle injuries with posters and leaflets. The results obtained before and after the presentation of the material, there was an increase in understanding about strengthening and handling ankle injuries in the Lanisa Pakis Kembar sports community.

Developing injury prevention programmes for ladies Gaelic football: a Delphi study

BackgroundHigh injury rates are evident in the community sport of ladies Gaelic football, and the costs associated with these injuries have major implications for players and the governing body. Injury...

Improving basic football skills through first touch training: a comprehensive study

Football is a popular community sport that provides numerous benefits, including the development of physical, mental, and social skills. In this context, the first touch technique is critical because it influences the player's ability to control the ball and determine the direction of the attack. However, many young players at the Tarogong Kidul club, particularly at SSB Anpal FC, are less effective at first touch due to a lack of use of modern training methods. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of the first touch training program on the fundamental techniques of the first touch, as well as the impact of the first touch training program on the player's competitive playing abilities. The method used in this study is quantitative (experimental), with a pre-experiment and one group pretest-posttest as the research design. The results showed that the first touch training program significantly improved players' technical skills and playing performance, with an average increase of 75.00 from pre-test to post-test (178.57). This training program is appropriate for improving the first touch techniques of players aged 10 to 13.

The power of play and community – managing exercise at work by combining institutional logics

PurposePlay and exercise at the workplace have been promoted as ways to counter the development of lacking physical activity and improve workplace health. Through a reappraisal of the critical literature on workplace exercise, the analysis seeks to answer two questions: How do managers perceive employee health in the intersection between individual responsibility and collective community? How can the performative potentials of workplace exercise be critically understood?Design/methodology/approachWe use an institutional approach along with critical theories on management in which we argue that specific logics guide certain practices, values and beliefs within organizations. This qualitative study relies on insights from three diverse Danish workplaces that have implemented exercise during workhours.FindingsAdopting exercise and play as elements inspired by community sports becomes a powerful managerial technique. Managers combine practices such as play and voluntarism with the logics of profession and corporation. This gives rise to practices known from community sport that can lead to micro-emancipations during work as well as to subtle forms of managerial power by hiding explicit references to employee health.Originality/valueBy combining an institutional logics perspective with critical views, the study contributes to the growing body of research on workplace exercise by pointing to the potentials and constraints of adopting a community logic into practices. The study adds nuances to the view on workplace exercise in the critical management literature as well as illustrating the conditions necessary to make exercise and health promotion reconcilable with existing managerial practices.

Sport, Choice and Social Class: Reading Indian Female Sports Life Writings

Sports form a continuous part of any culture, created and sustained for entertainment, pleasure, competition and bonding; founded on certain standards, interests, requirements, and resources of the sports community. Yet, the classification of some sports as ‘elite’ goes unrecognised simply because it appears to be natural and moreover it is always ‘how things are’. Traditional theories of class indicate that economic differentiation is the reason for various choices in the society. On the other hand Bourdieu has suggested that economic capital is not the only element influencing one’s choice and there are other multiple non-economic criteria too. Taking into account Bourdieu’s class concepts we seek to identify the non-economic factors that have led sportspersons in India to their choice of sport. Narrative analysis is performed for autobiographies of two female sportspersons, Saina Nehwal and Mary Kom, to highlight the different parameters that have influenced their choice of sport. The identification of such non-economic factors like a person’s mental strength, level of angst, resilience, emotional and financial well-being, and others, provide insight into the stratifications that impact sports culture in India.

Eating disorders among athletes: systematic review

Eating disorders in the sports community are increasingly common, yet still considerably hidden diseases. Over the past decades, studies have shown a higher prevalence of eating disorders among athletes than in the general population. The risk of suffering an eating disorder differs in relation to gender, characteristics, and sports categories. The review article summarizes the available information on eating disorders in relation to endurance sports. The author also categorizes and identifies the risk factors leading to an eating disorder, common for both the general population and athletes.

Utilisation of New Zealand Rugby's concussion management pathway: A mixed methods investigation.

Concerns around concussion highlight the need for strategies to improve the implementation and translation of concussion guidelines in community sports. This study assessed players' utilisation and compliance with New Zealand Rugby's Concussion Management Pathway (CMP). This pragmatic, mixed methods study comprised of concussion injury surveillance and mapping of players' healthcare touchpoints through the CMP. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to understand stakeholders' experiences. Over the season, 27 different healthcare pathways were identified with 28% of players progressing through all phases of the CMP (ideal pathway). Of the 206 suspected concussions reported over the season, 70% were logged in the CMP phone App, and 89% of these had an associated valid baseline concussion assessment. Prior to returning to contact training, 64% of players obtained a medical clearance. One theme, 'belief in the value of pathway' was identified as a facilitator across all CMP components. Themes such as 'concussion knowledge and the nature of concussion'; 'communication between stakeholders and sufficient information on the process'; and 'strong relationships and clarity around responsibilities' were identified as facilitators across several pathway components. Other facilitators included 'ease and timing of general practitioner access'; 'the phone App as facilitator to logging'; and 'spotting for concussion as a team'. Additionally, the findings signify baseline testing as a potential pre-cursor to overall CMP compliance. Strategies that support the facilitators identified in this study may further enhance compliance.

Factors Affecting Women Sports Officials’ Intention to Leave Across Europe

This study examines the factors affecting women officials’ intention to leave their chosen sport, including personal, work-related, and sociocultural factors. The empirical analysis is based on survey data of women officials in 69 different sports across Europe (n = 3,214). Overall, 10.7% of women expressed a turnover intention. Regression analyses indicate that this intention is higher for women who have more officiating experience (16–20 years), officiate at lower levels of sport (grassroots, junior), frequently experience abuse, and dislike the stress and time commitments of officiating, lack of support from the federation, and their lack of opportunity to progress. Younger women (≤24 years) with a mentor, who enjoy being part of a sport community and live in a more gender equal society are less likely to leave. The findings suggest that multiple factors are at work, which need to be addressed by sport managers to retain women in officiating roles.

Sport Organization Transgender Policies and Community Biases Relate to Gender Equity and Organizational Performance

Sport Organization Transgender Policies and Community Biases Relate to Gender Equity and Organizational Performance

Sporting clubs’ perceptions about harmful industry sponsorship: Lessons from gambling research

Abstract Background Unlike tobacco, there are no restrictions relating to gambling sponsorship in Australian sports. While some sporting teams have voluntarily refused sponsorship deals with gambling companies and other harmful industries, many are still actively entering into or renewing such deals. There is limited understanding of why, despite widespread public concern, sporting organisations continue to engage in commercial partnerships with gambling companies and venues. This study aimed to qualitatively explore the ethical and related practical issues associated with gambling sponsorship. Methods In-depth interviews were held with 24 key decision makers in Australian community sporting organisations. Participants were asked questions relating to attitudes towards gambling, decisions about gambling sponsorship within their clubs, and issues relating to alternative sponsors and sponsorship disparities. Data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Interviews revealed the difficulty for sporting organisations to avoid harmful industry sponsorship. When deciding to align with gambling companies, sporting organisations had to consider their own values and the reputational impact of such deals, and balance this with the financial viability of the sporting organisation. Despite sporting organisations relying heavily on sponsorship deals, some stated they would refuse gambling sponsorship for ethical reasons but recognised that sporting clubs in poorer financial positions may be more vulnerable to taking up gambling sponsorship. Conclusions As elite sporting organisations begin to move away from gambling sponsorship, gambling companies may target community sport. The authors consider practical strategies to protect communities from sponsorship from harmful industries. Key messages • Sporting organisations navigate ethical dilemmas when considering gambling sponsorships, weighing values, reputation, and financial viability. Policy action is needed to protect local communities. • Community sporting organisations face increased risk of gambling sponsorship as elite sporting clubs move away, prompting the need for protective strategies.

Using sport to promote the well-being among Latinx immigrants in the United States

Drawing upon the theoretical frameworks of Latino Critical Race Theory (LatCrit) and Sport for Development and Peace Theory, this study seeks to examine the potential of sport participation, physical activity, and community programs as mechanisms for addressing the challenges confronted by Latinx immigrants in the United States. The research is anchored by two primary questions: What social, legal, and economic challenges are encountered by Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, undocumented individuals, and the broader Latinx community in the United States, and how might involvement in sports, physical activity, and community events help mitigate these challenges. To investigate these questions, an ethnographic methodology was adopted, with data collected over a 13-week period in a predominantly Latinx community in Houston, Texas. The research findings underscore the resilience demonstrated by these individuals in response to the complex challenges within US society and highlight the crucial role of community-oriented sports and cultural programs in fostering inclusivity. The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of the findings and offer recommendations for future practical initiatives centered on community-oriented approaches.

The Impact of Illegal Mining on Sports Participation and Community Well-being in Ghana: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Development

This study aims to evaluate the effects of illegal mining on sports participation and community well-being in Ghana. The study specifically seeks to determine the impact of galamsey activities on community health, athlete development, sports infrastructure, and general sports participation in areas affected by mining. This study evaluates the effects of illegal mining on sports engagement and community well-being in Ghana. The Galamsey, an illegal small-scale mining practice, negatively impacts social infrastructures, particularly community well-being and sports participation. The report suggests that there are health hazards from environmental pollution, deteriorating sporting facilities, and a decline in youth involvement due to unlawful mining activities. However, the shift towards mining has disrupted sustainable livelihoods and communal cohesiveness, impeding local talent and community growth. The study used a qualitative research technique to examine the effects of illicit mining on Manso Datano and Keniago in Amansie West and Amansie South Districts. Thirty participants, including youth leaders, teachers, coaches, health workers, and community elders, were interviewed. This study highlights the devastation of sports facilities, health risks, and mitigating measures. It also highlights the decline in parental and school involvement in sports, as well as the absence of equipment, upkeep, and enthusiasm for sports activities. The study recommends community engagement tactics, public awareness campaigns, school assistance, community activities, and legal actions to lessen these effects. Policy reforms, funding for sports infrastructure restoration, and the integration of health and sports activities are proposed as vital steps towards sustainable development and recovery in affected areas.

The Positive Impact of Participation in Student Sports Community Activities of Zhangjiajie Aviation College in China on the Mental Health of College Students

This article aims to explore the positive impact of participation in student sports club activities of Zhangjiajie Aviation College in China on the mental health of college students. Through a questionnaire survey, the data of 300 college students were collected, and statistical analysis methods were used to deeply analyze the relationship between the frequency and type of participation in sports community activities and the mental health status of students. The research results show that universities that actively participate in sports community activitiesBorn in emotional stability, social ability, self-awareness and stress coping, etc. have all shown significant positive changes. This article further analyzes the specific mechanisms of these positive effects, and puts forward suggestions to promote students' participation in sports clubs and improve mental health.

Benefits and barriers of participating in community sport for individuals with an intellectual disability.

In recent years, there is an increasing number of individuals accessing integrated community sport clubs in Australia. The objective of this study was to explore the benefits and barriers of participating in community sport directly from the perspectives of the individuals with the intellectual disability. This qualitative study provided an appreciation of the lived experienced of participating in community sport for individuals with intellectual disabilities. A total of 29 participants shared their personal lived experiences in a series of focus groups. Data from the focus groups was transcribed and coded using a thematic analysis. Results highlight that participation in community sport increased exposure to social capital, ameliorated interpersonal skills, confidence, leadership, and respect, in addition to enhancing ability to develop and achieve personal goals. Findings illustrate the need for increased awareness about community integrated sport in schools and communities to increase participation in the programs.

Performance Environment Parallels: How Community Sport Coaches and Youth Workers Can Model Practice to Improve Young Peoples’ Life Skills and Prosocial Behaviours

Whilst both community sport coaches and youth workers use sport and physical activity to assist young peoples’ development, there is a lack of research related to any best practice that both fields may share. This study explored, through semi-structured interviews with eight workers with experience in both community sport and youth work, how practitioners identified best practice and interactions between the two fields relative to the use of sport. Results demonstrated that, when contextually applied, there are a number of significant parallels that can be drawn between the fields of performance sport coaching and youth work/community sport coaching.