Competitive Experience Research Articles

Sport Participation Motives of Young Brazilian Athletes

The objective of this study was to identify the motives for sport participation in a sample of young Brazilian athletes according to sex, age, and training history. A total of 1,517 participants (714 girls, 803 boys) ages 12 to 18 years were included in the study. The Portuguese version of the Participation Motivation Questionnaire was used to identify motives for sport participation. The most important motives were Skill Development and Fitness, whereas the least important were Fun and Achievement/Status. Sex, age, type of sport, onset of training, duration of training, training volume, and competitive experience significantly influenced the motives for sport participation reported by the athletes. These results will contribute to establish intervention programs designed to reduce sport dropout rates among young athletes.

MAIsCap-MARKETING ARCHITECTURAL ISOLATING CAPABILITY AS ANTECEDENTS FOR SUCCESS OFNEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

This study is a basic research for fulfilling research gap in New Product Development studies. Even though a new productdevelopment program is a high cost program, the level of success in entering the market is stilllow. This issue rises a question what should beconsidered in arranging ways to increase the success rate of new product development. This study proposes a concept of MAIsCAp-Marketing Architectural Isolating Capability, together with the concept of Competitive Experience Portfolio and Marketing Resource Flexibility postulated as hold a key role in enhancing the new product development Orgware quality as a prerequisite for enhancing new product marketing performance. Seven hypotheses were developed and tested using the data which were collected from 355 respondents serving as Product Development Manager and Marketing Manager in Indonesia. Data was analyzed using SEM AMOS 21 Statistical Software which supported 6 hypotheses. This study indicated that MAIsCap holds a strategic anchor position for strengthening NPD Orgware Quality in enhancing new product marketing performance.

CHANGES IN LABORATORY AND FIELD-BASED MEASUREMENTS IN HIGHLY TRAINED ENDURANCE RUNNERS ACROSS A TRAINING YEAR

We examined the effects of one year's endurance training on laboratory and field-based fitness measures in highly trained distance runners. Fourteen distance runners (mean±SD: age 28±8 y, body mass 67.0±6.3...

Abnormal hip physical examination findings in asymptomatic female soccer athletes.

Examination of the hip provides information regarding risk for pre-arthritic hip disorders, knee injuries, and low back pain. The purpose of this study was to report a hip screening examination of asymptomatic female soccer athletes and to test the hypothesis that these findings vary by competition experience. Asymptomatic females from a youth soccer club, a college, and a professional team were evaluated. Passive hip range of motion, hip abduction strength, and hip provocative tests were assessed. Data were compared for the grade/middle school, high school, college, and professional athletes. One hundred and seventy-two athletes with a mean age of 16.7 ± 5 years (range 10-30) participated. Professional athletes had less flexion (HF) for both hips (p < 0.0001) and less internal rotation (IR) for the preferred kicking leg (p < 0.05) compared to all other groups. Grade/middle school athletes had more external rotation in both hips as compared to all other groups (p < 0.0001). For the preferred kicking leg, collegiate athletes had less hip abduction strength as compared to other groups (p < 0.01). Positive provocative hip tests were found in 22 % of all players and 36 % of the professionals. In professionals, a positive provocative test was associated with ipsilateral decreased HF (p = 0.04). Asymptomatic elite female soccer athletes with the most competition experience had less bilateral hip flexion and preferred kicking leg IR than less-experienced athletes. Positive provocative hip tests were found in 22 % of athletes. Future studies are needed to show whether these findings link to risk for intra-articular hip or lumbar spine and knee disorders. III.

Using a Case Study Competition as an Intense Learning Experience in Sport Management

Incorporating a national competition with the traditional case teaching method offers a unique and intense learning experience beyond what can be achieved in a typical classroom format. This paper discusses a graduate Sport Administration experience from preparation to presentation for students and faculty in the case study competition annually sponsored by the College Sport Research Institute (CSRI). Included is a thorough review of the case method highlighting what to expect from adopting this alternative teaching technique. The role of the faculty advisor is explained from both a theoretical and functional perspective with particular attention given to advising in a competition format. Student learning experiences were assessed using open-ended survey questions designed to encourage student reflection. Although students reported an immense time commitment, they were overwhelmingly satisfied with their competition experience that included in-depth learning, essential skill building, and real-world application.

Comparação da composição corporal, desempenho aeróbio e anaeróbio entre ciclistas e triatletas competitivos

The aim of this study was to compare anthropometric characteristics and aerobic and anaerobic fitness between competitive cyclists and triathletes. The sample consisted of 11cyclists and 12 triathletes with experience in competitions. The tests were performed on two different days, with an interval of 48 h between sessions. On the first day,the athletes were submitted to anthropometric assessment (body mass, height,and skinfold thickness) and a maximal incremental test to determine maximal oxygen uptake, maximum power, maximum heart rate, maximum lactate, and the first (LL1) and second lactate threshold (LL2). The Wingate test was conducted on the second day to determine peak power, average power, and fatigue index. There were significant difference (p &lt; 0.05), with medium effect size (0.80- 1.5), in mid-thigh skinfold thickness (15.2 ± 6.3 and 10.5 ± 4.8 mm), power at LL1 (195.0 ± 30.9 and 162.7 ± 28.3 W), power at LL2 (247.6 ± 25.0 and 219.7± 37.9 W), and fatigue index (47.2 ± 13.0 and 60.1 ± 16.4%) between cyclists and triathletes, respectively. The other variables did not differ between groups. Anthropometric characteristics are similar in triathletes and cyclists. However, cyclists present higher power outputs at the lactate thresholds (LL1 and LL2) and lower fatigue indexes.

Fatores influenciadores da ansiedade competitiva em atletas Brasileiros

The study of factors influencing competitive anxiety, according to a multidimensional perspective and supported by valid instruments, is scarce among Brazilian athletes of different sports. The present study aims to: i) investigate the theoretical relationship between the different dimensions of the multidimensional theory of anxiety (i.e., cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence); and ii) investigate the effects of gender, type of sport (individual or collective) and competitive experience levels on cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence. A total of 303 athletes (233 males and 70 females), from different sports, aged between 18 and 40 years (M =24.22, SD = 5.07) completed a shortened version of CSAI-2 (i.e., CSAI-2R), about one hour before the start of competitions. Results revealed significant correlations between cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety and self-confidence dimensions, in accordance with the assumptions of the multidimensional theory. Additionally, comparative analyses indicated that female athletes and athletes from collective sports showed higher levels of cognitive anxiety, while male athletes and athletes with high competitive experience reported higher levels of self-confidence. These results were discussed taking into account the theoretical and practical implications of these findings for planning interventions of sport psychology in Brazil with athletes of different contexts.

The Effect of Different Warm-up Procedures on Bat Speed in Baseball

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a new warm-up condition, overloaded arm weights (721 g each arm, [OA]), on the bat speed during warm-up and immediately after warm-up with traditional warm-up conditions such as no-extra mass warm-up (control condition, [CO]) and overloaded bat warm-up (885 g donut on a bat, [OB]) conditions. Twenty male subjects who had competitive baseball experience participated in this study. Electromagnetic motion capture system was used to capture body segment motions. Results indicated that the OB showed significantly slower bat speed than the CO and OA did during warm-up (p<.05) and the bat speeds of OA and OB were similar. There was no main effect of different types of warm-up condition on the bat speed at post-warm-up swings. However, the first trial immediately after the OA and OB showed significant slower than the later trials (p<.05). Conclusively, the overloaded arm weights and overloaded bat did not show statistical superiority than the standard warm-up conditions in the deck circle and recovery time more than 3 minutes after loaded warm-up is recommended.

Sport psychology consulting effectiveness: The athlete's perspective

The purpose of this study was to investigate what athletes perceived to be essential for effective sport psychology consulting and to examine athletes' perceptions of the key components of an effective sport psychology consulting relationship. Nine elite athletes participated in individual semi-structured interviews (6 males and 3 females, mean age = 32.7 years, SD = 11.05, mean competitive experience = 17.9 years, SD = 9.0) from a variety of sports (e.g. cricket, rugby, swimming, triathlon, dressage, and wheelchair rugby). Inductive content analysis indicated that three categories were essential for sport psychology consulting effectiveness; (a) sport psychology consultants (SPCs) were friendly but not a friend; (b) SPC consulting experience; and (c) athlete-centered consulting. Four categories emerged regarding effective consulting relationships: (a) flexibility; (b) open, honest, and respectful; (c) contributions from both the athlete and SPC; and (d) athlete as an active participant in the consulting relationship.

On the Annual Junior Faculty Forum for International Law

The papers presented in the following colloquium for the European Journal of International Law are the result of the inaugural Annual Junior Faculty Forum for International Law, held at NYU School of Law in May 2012. The second Forum will be held at the University of Nottingham this year, and plans are afoot for the third Forum head the University of Melbourne in May 2014. Our Forum is inspired by the Yale - Stanford Junior Faculty Forum established over a decade or so ago. The mission of that initiative was give junior faculty selected through competitive process experience in how scholarly inquiry is located and to enhance the sense of community among legal scholars - particularly among new and veteran professors - by bringing them together for a formal paper submission, selection and presentation program.

Perceived Exertion in Coaches and Young Swimmers With Different Training Experience

Session rating of perceived exertion (SRPE) is a practical method to assess internal training load to provide appropriate stimuli. However, coaches and athletes might rate training sessions differently, which can impair performance development. In addition, SRPE might be influenced by athletes' training experience. The authors studied 160 swimmers of different age groups and different competitive swimming experience and 9 coaches. SRPE was indicated by the swimmers 30 min after the end of a training session and before the training session by the coaches. Training-session intensities were classified into easy (SRPE <3), moderate (SRPE 3-5), and difficult (SRPE >5), based on coaches' perception. We observed that the correlation between coaches' and athletes' SRPE increased with increased age and competitive swimming experience, r = .31 for the 11- to 12-y-old group (P < .001), r = .51 for the 13- to 14-y-old group (P < .001), and r = .74 for the 15- to 16-y-old group (P < .001). In addition, younger swimmers (11-12 y, P < .01; 13-14 y, P < .01) rated training intensity differently from coaches in all 3 categories (easy, moderate, and difficult), while the older group rated differently in only 1 category (difficult, P < .01). These findings suggest that the more experienced swimmers are, the more accurate their SRPE is.

Environmental Challenges and Championship Events: Perspectives from the Serious Dog Sport Enthusiast

How event competitors handle social, emotional, and environmental conditions can have a significant impact on the outcome of their competitive experiences. this article is part of a larger exploration about the role of serious dog sport in shaping life choices, overcoming challenges, and learning about one's self. It was conducted with participants at NADAC's 10th International Championships held at Castle Rock, Colorado in 2004. As I was both a competitor in this event as well as an investigator, I have chosen to use a modified ethnographic approach. Results demonstrated the power of adaptation and coping to achieve goals as well as the role that emotions play in perceptions of accomplishments. Competitors faced challenging environmental conditions, very long hours, and unfamiliar programmatic situations. yet, the majority of the competitors found ways to make the experience one in which they found satisfaction.

In the Cage: MMA Fighters’ Experience of Competition

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a relatively new and rapidly growing sport within contemporary athletics yet, to date, it has received relatively little attention in the sport psychology literature. To shed more light on the sport, the aim of the current study was to examine the experiences of MMA fighters during sanctioned competitions. Audio-recorded phenomenological interviews were conducted with seven participants and the transcripts were qualitatively analyzed to identify emerging themes. The findings revealed that the most important aspect of fighters’ experience was the chaotic nature of MMA fights, which participants characterized as “cage reality.” The results also suggested that fighters’ arousal regulation skills are at least as important as their technical skills for performance success. Taken together, the present findings extend previous research on MMA and suggest several implications for sport psychology consultants interested in working with fighters.

Performing under pressure in private: Activation of self-focus traits

Self-focus and self-presentation traits have been found to predict performance under pressure. The interactionist principle of trait activation indicates that situational demands encourage different traits to be relevant to performance in high-pressure situations. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship of self-focus and self-presentation traits with performance in a private high-pressure setting. Because the private high-pressure situation offered motivational incentives but only minimal self-presentation cues, only a self-focus trait (private self-consciousness), but not self-presentation traits (public self-consciousness and narcissism), was hypothesized to predict performance under pressure in a private setting. After completing personality questionnaires, future physical education university students (N = 59) with experience in sport competitions performed eight throws at a target in low-pressure and high-pressure conditions. The conditions were identical with the exception that the high-pressure condition involved a monetary incentive and a cover story. Participants' state anxiety increased from low to high pressure. Neither self-focus nor self-presentation traits predicted performance under low pressure. Only the self-focus trait, but not self-presentation traits, negatively contributed to the prediction of high-pressure performance. Hence, findings support the applicability of the trait activation principle and underline that the situational demands of private high-pressure situations activate self-focus personality traits.

No Effect of a Single Remote Voluntary Contraction on Performance in Women Soccer Players

Remote voluntary contractions (RVCs) are defined as muscle contractions remote from, yet concurrent with, the prime mover. Previous studies suggest this phenomenon may produce an ergogenic effect on performance. Currently, little research has examined the effects of a single RVC on complex performance in women athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of RVC on kick velocity and throw-in velocity in women soccer players. Fourteen women with competitive soccer experience in the past 2 years participated. Subjects performed 3 maximal effort kicks and 3 maximal effort throw-ins with and without RVC. The RVC condition consisted of maximal jaw clenching on a mouth guard during the concentric phase of each kick and each throw-in. During the control condition (CON), subjects were instructed to keep their mouths open, and no mouth guards were used. Analyses demonstrated RVC had no effect on kick velocity (CON: 65.65 ± 8.38 km·hr(-1), RVC: 66.90 ± 9.40 km·hr(-1) or throw-in velocity (CON: 49.55 ± 5.65 km·hr(-1), RVC: 49.31 ± 3.81 km·hr(-1)). In conclusion, RVC via jaw clenching does not appear to enhance or negate kick or throw-in velocity in women soccer players. Therefore, athletes and coaches may choose to use mouth guards as they see fit.

Declining first-mover advantage in mobile telecommunications markets

First-mover advantage may be more remarkable in the inherently oligopolistic mobile telecommunications market. This study evaluates the impact of market experience and competition on market share and profitability in mobile markets. Specifically, the study estimates regression equations for market share and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) service margin as a proxy for profitability, relying on a panel of mobile network operator (MNO) data from 27 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development member states for the period 1998–2009. The empirical results demonstrate that market experience (relative time in the market) exerted a clearly positive effect on the market share and the EBITDA service margin for MNOs. On the other hand, this first-mover advantage declines over time with accumulated competition experience, especially in the latter half of the 2000s.

Patterns of performance development in elite athletes

This investigation sought to contrast generalised models of athlete development with the specific pathway trajectories and transitions experienced by 256 elite athletes across 27 different sports. All participants completed the National Athlete Development Survey and within it, the Athlete Development Triangle featuring the differentiation of junior and senior competition experience and progression. Developmental initiation; prevalence, magnitude and direction of pathway trajectory; extent of concurrent junior and senior competitive experience; and variability between sports were examined. Three major trajectories were identified in relation to athlete transition from Nil competition to Elite competition, via junior and senior competition phases. These included Pure ascent (16.4%), Mixed ascent (26.2%) and Mixed descent (57.4%). These were further partitioned into eight sub-trajectories, demonstrating a mix of linear, crossover and concurrent competition profiles. Substantial variability with regard to starting age, pattern of ascent and magnitude of transition was apparent. Non-linear trajectories were experienced by the majority of athletes (83.6%), with pure junior to senior developmental linearity evident in less than 7% of cases. Athletes in cgs sports (those measured in centimetres, grams or seconds) were less likely (43%) to experience a descending trajectory in comparison with non-cgs athletes (70%; p<0.001). The collective findings of this investigation demonstrate that, contrary to the popular pyramidal concept of athlete development, a single linear assault on expertise is rare, and that the common normative junior to senior competition transition is mostly characterised by complex oscillations featuring highly varied transitions. More developmental ‘granularity’ is needed to advance our understanding of sport expertise.

Geographic Concentration and Competitive Experience: Postbellum Firearms Firms in the US South

Organizations vary in competitive intensity. This paper argues that this variation can be explained by differences in the type of inter-organizational relationships experienced by organizations in ...

Group cohesion and intramural football

Teams with higher levels of team cohesion more often outperform teams with lower levels of cohesion. The purpose of this study was to compare team cohesion levels between inexperienced and experienced subjects participating in intramural flag football. Null Hypothesis: There was no difference in team cohesion between inexperienced and experienced teams. The population consisted of college males participating in intramural flag football (N=20). Ten were inexperienced (G1IN; n=10) and ten were experienced (G1E; n=10). Skill level varied from no experience through varsity high school football. Two years or less of high school football experience were considered inexperienced. Participants with more than two years of high school football playing experience were considered experienced. The modified questionnaire (Weinberg &amp; Gould, 2007) contained twelve questions formatted to fit a Likert scale. Each group of participants were instructed in the same environment using a script to ensure uniform presentation. Packets were distributed to subjects that included an informed consent waiver, logistics sheet, and questionnaire. Means for both groups (inexperienced and experienced players) were computed. A two-tailed independent t-test was used to assess difference. No differences were found. The null hypothesis was not rejected. Since cohesion was multidimensional, no single factor predicted group cohesion. The amount of competitive experience an individual possessed, past experience in the specific sport, and/or if sports were encouraged in the participant’s household during childhood were other factors of interest in group cohesion predictions.

Exploring the Impact of Service Marketing to Increase Investment in Financial Market of Iran (With Reference to Tehran Stock Exchange)

Since the 1970s, marketing of services has grown into a major sub- discipline of marketing. It is constantly being claimed that the service sector is now a dominant economic activity in developed countries while the two traditional goods sectors, which comprise of manufacturing and agriculture, are now on the decline. This article, however, refutes the claim. In today's competitive world, having expertise, knowledge and marketing experience for financial market activities, especially brokerage firms has proven inevitable. This should be accompanied by performing marketing operations along with intermediary roles and carrying on the daily transactions of shares in the Tehran stock exchange market. The current study attempts to investigate the level of marketing knowledge used in the stock exchange market, to identify the reasons behind deficient use of the marketing knowledge by the financial institutions (financial intermediaries, brokerage firms and etc) and finally to improve the investment in Tehran stock exchange market. The method used is survey-based and the statistical population has been drawn from among the financial institutions active in Tehran stock exchange and the regional branches of the country. The results obtained from th e research display that, during the period reviewed, the active marketing system in the brokerage firms was the traditional system without attending to the modern criteria of financial service marketing in the areas relating to communication and determination of the shares prices, services of conduct transactions of the financial analyses and encouraging the big companies to enter the Tehran Stock Exchange.,.