Perceptions Of Players Research Articles

Balancing sport and academic development: Perceptions of football players and coaches in two types of Norwegian school-based dual career development environments

Sports-friendly and elite sport schools seek to support pupils by providing balanced support which is intended to facilitate success both in sport and in academic work. This study investigates how ambitious football players in Norway experience the advantages and challenges of undertaking a ‘dual career’ as student-athletes. Eight players and five coaches (two club coaches and three school coaches) in total were interviewed from two sports-friendly schools and two elite sports schools, and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. In the Elite Sport Programmes, the close integration of the school and club settings enabled coaches and student-athletes to plan and manage the overall workload and development of the student-athletes more easily. In contrast, players in the less structured Sports-Friendly Programmes experienced more concerns related to workload coordination but were also given more responsibility for their own decision making. This helped to facilitate better self-determination among the student-athletes but also increased their risk of overuse injuries. Our results indicate how different dual career development environments offer varying benefits, risks and developmental opportunities for student-athletes.

Effects of Soundscape on Flow State during Diabolo Exercise.

“Soundscape” is defined as “an acoustic environment as perceived or experienced and/or understood by a person or people, in context.” The research focuses on the physical properties of sound, paying attention to the relationship between the soundscape and people. Sports provide a comprehensive context, including the athletes, their behavior, the environment, spectators, and other elements. Soundscape in sports has many important functions, such as indicating the movement process, promoting positive emotions, and enhancing the entertainment atmosphere. It is also related to the physical and mental health of people who are exercising. As a technical sport with multidimensional soundscape qualities, diabolo is very popular among older adults in China due to its easy portability and operation. In order to explore the influence mechanism of the soundscape on the mental health of older players and better guide the shaping of soundscapes at sports venues, this paper focuses on soundscape perception and proposes a two-channel (direct and indirect) model of the influence of the diabolo soundscape on the psychological perception of older players. At the same time, we introduce the flow state as an indicator to evaluate mental health, and use the Short Flow State Scale (SFSS) to measure the flow state. By setting up a control experiment using the diabolo with and without sound and using the two-channel (direct and indirect) influence model to compare the differences in flow state scores under the two states, we analyzed the influence mechanism of the diabolo soundscape on the flow state of elderly groups. The results show that the scores of various flow state dimensions and total flow scores in the silent state of diabolo exercise are significantly lower than those in the sound state (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001), and the main differences are in the three dimensions of unambiguous feedback, sense of control, and autotelic experience. The two-channel influence model can effectively explain the differences in older adults’ flow state, which provides a new comprehensive perspective to study the effect of the soundscape in sports on people’s mental health.

Performance and organizational stressors in the junior-to-senior transition in football

Both elite sport and the road to elite sport performance could be described as stressful. The junior-to-senior transition has proven to be difficult for many talented football players because of the often non-normative nature of the transition. The aim of the current study was to investigate junior football players perception of performance and organizational stressors in the junior-to-transition. Ten players (5 junior-elite, 5 junior non-elite) were inter-viewed, and the data were thematically content analysed. The highlighted performance stressors were pressure to perform, and preparations related to performance issues. Among organizational stressors were increased level of performance and uncertainty of outcome related to environmental issues. Difficulties related to dual career and prioritizing football before friends were related to personal issues, lack of coaching were leadership issues, and maladaptive communication were related to team issues. The overall findings in one of few studies on junior players in football indicate access to performance arenas, while lack a social affiliation to the senior team players and lack of feedback from the senior team coaches and lack a mastery arena including social support. The results from this would highlight the importance of adjusting stressors for players in the junior-to-senior transition in football.

Tennis and Socioeconomic Class: The Change in Perception of Tennis

The common perception of the correlation between socioeconomic status and tennis has shifted within the past two decades. The traditional perception of tennis players — wearing all white on Centre Court, eating strawberries and cream, while drinking champagne — is no longer the narrative. By analyzing influential political changes, the psychology behind decision-making, and the income disparity, this paper will investigate how tennis has devolved from its original status as a sport of the landed-gentry — suggesting that it has departed from its conception as an upper-class sport.

THE INTERACTION OF SOCIAL IDENTITY AND PERCEPTION OF SOCIAL SUPPORT IN FOOTBALL

This study aims to examine the interaction between the social support perceptions of the football players and their social identity. In the research, a descriptive research model based on the relational analysis technique, which is one of the quantitative research methods, was used. The study group of the research consists of 210 male football players. According to their level, 32 of the football players are professional, and 178 are amateur athletes. In the research, the perceived available support in sport questionnaire, and social identity questionnaire for sports were used as data collection tools. After applying the normality analysis in the data analysis, the data analysis process has started. Path analysis was used to test the hypotheses created in the research. In addition, moderator analysis was applied to evaluate the variables in the research in accordance with the research model. According to the results of the research model, emotional support and esteem support had a significant positive effect on social identity (β2= 0.01* and β2= .009*), and informational and tangible support did not have a significant effect (β2= .524 and β2=.475). In conclusion, it was concluded that social support in sports has a significant effect on social identity (p&lt; 0.01).

Examining the relationship between religious perception and psychological well-being levels of university football players

Background and Study Aim. The relationship between sport and religion is one of the most important research topics of sport psychology recently. In the relevant literature, this relationship mostly focused on sports and Christianity. The present study examines the psychological well-being levels of athletes of the Islamic religion. This study aims to examine the relationship between the religious perception of university football players and their psychological well-being levels.&#x0D; Material and Methods. For this purpose, 288 university students attending different universities in Turkey, completed the Religious Orientation Scale and Psychological Well-Being Scale. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between variables. Path analysis was applied to test the hypotheses developed in the study. The hypotheses created were tested by the path analysis method using Amos software. Moderator regression analysis was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 23 program (SPSS Inc. Chicago. II. USA). P-value was set at p&lt;0.05.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results. According to the findings obtained from the study data, positive and significant relationships were determined between the religious perceptions of the university football players and their psychological well-being (p&lt;0,01).&#x0D; Conclusions. In conclusion, it was concluded that the religious perception of the university football players was a significant predictor of their psychological well-being (p&lt;0.01). It can be stated that in Turkish-Islamic culture, similar results to the relationship between Sports and Christianity have been achieved. Since religion is a universal phenomenon, it can be stated that the institution of religion has a special meaning for football players.

The Uptake of Nordic Hamstring Exercise Program for Injury Prevention in Major League Soccer and Its Barriers to Implementation in Practice.

It is well demonstrated that Nordic hamstring (NH) program has poor compliance across European soccer clubs, but little is known about its implementation in Major League Soccer (MLS). The authors aimed to investigate MLS hamstring prevention practices and compliance with the NH program and understand the reasons for its inclusion or exclusion. A cross-sectional electronic survey was completed by 24 of the 26 (92%) MLS top-division soccer clubs. The survey, based on the Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework, was sent to team medical staff. Medical staff were also asked for opinions on barriers to implementation. Eighteen clubs (75%) reported a formal hamstring injury prevention program, with eccentric exercises (94%; 95% CI [confidence interval], 74%-99%), high-speed running (94%; 95% CI, 74%-99%), and NH exercises (89%; 95% CI, 67%-97%) the most common strategies adopted. Fifteen clubs partially implemented the NH program, but only 5 (21%; 95% CI, 9%-40%) completed the full program and were classed as compliant. A total of 20 respondents reported that player perception and muscle soreness (83%; 95% CI, 64%-93%) were barriers to the implementation of the NH program. On a 5-point Likert scale, respondents "partially agreed" (4.13 [0.80]) that the NH exercise could substantially reduce injuries and would be "effective" at their own club (3.88 [0.61]). The NH exercise was valued, but negative player perception and muscular soreness were identified as barriers to implementing the full program. Manipulation of volume and frequency should inform future "effectiveness" research to prospectively assess such modifications in the context of MLS.

Perceptions of professional soccer coaches, support staff and players toward virtual reality and the factors that modify their intention to use it.

A small evidence base supports the use of virtual reality in professional soccer, yet there is a lack of information available on perceptions and desire to use the technology from those employed at professional soccer clubs. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare and quantify the perceptions of virtual reality use in soccer, and to model behavioural intentions to use this technology. This study surveyed the perceptions of coaches, support staff, and players in relation to their knowledge, expectations, influences and barriers of using virtual reality via an internet-based questionnaire. To model behavioural intention, modified questions and constructs from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology were used, and the model was analysed through partial least squares structural equation modelling. Respondents represented coaches and support staff (n = 134) and players (n = 64). All respondents generally agreed that virtual reality should be used to improve tactical awareness and cognition, with its use primarily in performance analysis and rehabilitation settings. Generally, coaches and support staff agreed that monetary cost, coach buy-in and limited evidence base were barriers towards its use. In a sub-sample of coaches and support staff without access to virtual reality (n = 123), performance expectancy was the strongest construct in explaining behavioural intention to use virtual reality, followed by facilitating conditions (i.e., barriers) construct which had a negative association with behavioural intention. Virtual reality has the potential to be a valuable technology within professional soccer although several barriers exist that may prevent its widespread use.

Elite female football players’ perception of the impact of their menstrual cycle stages on their football performance. A semi-structured interview-based study

ABSTRACT Objectives This study assesses how female footballers perceive how their menstrual cycle impacts their physical and psychological performance, informing future research and intervention. Methods Semi-structured interviews, developed using piloting and peer review took place with fifteen elite female footballers from two English WSL clubs (age: 25.2 [18–33]). Data was audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically using NVivo. Results All players (100%) perceive their menstrual cycle to negatively impact performance. Analysing 27,438 words of data revealed five themes: A) symptoms, B) preparation, C) performance, D) recovery, and E) management. Over half (53%) of players experienced decreased appetite and sleep quality prior to performance during menstruation. Competitive performance was perceived to be most negatively impacted during menses (54 references) following by the pre-menstrual stage (23 references). During menstruation, the most impacted physical performance indicators were power (93%) and fatigue (87%). Psychologically, confidence, focus, and reaction to criticism were commonly affected (66.7%). Players reported missing training (13.3%) and matches (13.3%) due to severity of impact. Recovery was affected during the pre-menstrual (26.7%) and menstrual (66.7) stages. Players self-manage symptoms using over the counter (66.7%) and prescription (26.7%) medication, some prophylactically prior to competition (46.7%). Conclusions This first attempt to ascertain player perception in football exposes a clear negative impact on performance. The complex interplay of biopsychosocial and logistical factors, lack of awareness and education highlight the need for further research. Intervention is necessary and immediate initiation would be prudent, starting with simple measures such as basic self-management advice, education, and provision of sanitary products.

Player perceptions of athlete leadership and leadership development in an English Premier League football academy

The effective leadership of, and within, sports teams has consistently been highlighted to be an important factor impacting upon a range of outcomes including team performance, and team functioning. However, while there has been an increasing focus on athlete leadership and leadership development in recent years there is little research exploring leadership (rather than leader) development in youth sport. As a result, the aim of this study was to explore athlete perceptions of athlete leadership and the development of athlete leadership skills in a professional football youth academy. Participants were 34 professional football club youth academy players, arranged into 9 focus groups (depending upon age). The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, with six first order themes emerging (Leader behaviors, selection criteria, shared leadership, growth and development, changing environmental constraints, and leader development). The results highlight a good level of awareness of leadership amongst the youth footballers, but also major limitations in the degree to which they felt they were developed as leaders.

The Quest for Motivation

Studies have shown Tabletop Role Playing Games (TRPGs) to be effective motivational learning tools that can be utilized in various subject matters. However, limited research has analyzed the elements within TRPGs that enable them to provide motivation to the users. As such, this study conducted an in-depth examination of the elements of TRPGs through the perception of players. Self-determination theory helped frame the study, while the Generic Qualitative Inquiry approach was used for the methodology. Semi structured interviews were conducted with six participants. Data revealed several themes that aligned with the motivational frame related to competency, relatedness, and autonomy. The findings indicate the importance of the roleplaying element and the connection between the player and their in-game character, as well as the effect choices within the game have on the players and other elements of TRPGs. Implications regarding design of TRPGs as learning tools are discussed.

Perceptions and Attitudes Towards Shoulder Padding and Shoulder Injury in Rugby Union

PurposeTo develop an understanding of the role of shoulder padding in rugby union by investigating player perceptions and attitudes towards shoulder padding and extending research into shoulder injuries in rugby.MethodsAn online survey was distributed to past and current rugby players over 13 years old in 2018. Questions related to the participants’ demographic, attitudes to shoulder padding and shoulder injury history.ResultsSix hundred and sixteen rugby players responded to the survey; 66.1% of respondents had worn shoulder padding at some point. The age group 24–29 years old (∆R2 = 0.03, B = − 0.53, P = 0.015) had an inverse association with padding effectiveness while playing experience groups 1–2 years (∆R2 = 0.03, B = 0.8, P = 0.032), 3–5 years (∆R2 = 0.03, B = 0.70, P = 0.002) and 6–9 years (∆R2 = 0.03, B = 0.41, P = 0) had a positive association. There are 37.1% of respondents considering shoulder padding to be effective at preventing cuts and abrasions with 21.9% finding it very effective; 50.3% considered it to be effective or very effective (9.7%) at preventing contusion; 45.5% wore padding for injury prevention, while 19.2% wore padding to protect from reoccurring injury. Sprain/ligament damage (57.5%) and bruising (55.5%) were the most commonly reported injuries.ConclusionsThe primary reason for wearing shoulder padding was as a means of injury prevention. Research should focus on quantifying the injury preventive capabilities of shoulder padding. Bruising, cuts and abrasion injuries to the shoulder are prevalent presenting new findings that these injuries are underreported.

Futsal As a Means of Improving Women Football Players' Playing Skills : A Qualitative Assessment of Player Perceptions

The purpose of this study was to determine whether futsal could help improve playing skills for women football player. Some researchers claim that futsal can help in enhancing football playing skills. However, no studies have been conducted on women football player; the research was conducted on men's football players. Futsal was created as an indoor variant of football. With that in mind, it is fair to suggest futsal as many of the techniques and skills required are similar to football, such as controlling the ball, shooting, passing and shooting. This research is qualitative, data collection using open questions conducted through the google form application.The participants in this study were amateur women football player who had participated in futsal. This article wants to show that futsal can positively impact improving skills for women football player.

An overview of BIM adoption barriers in the Middle East and North Africa developing countries

PurposeIn an attempt to attain a better understanding of the research work on building information modeling (BIM) adoption, this study aims to examine the criticality of BIM adoption barriers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) developing countries from the lens of the sociotechnical theory. Further, the study investigates the differences in the perceptions of various constructions players (owners, contractors and designers) to BIM barriers, as well as possible discrepancies in the perception of BIM users and non-BIM users to the significance of the perceived constraints.Design/methodology/approachTo reach this aim, the study starts with a systematic evaluation and a critical review of the literature on BIM barriers. A set of 22 BIM adoption limitations was drawn from the literature which was used to design the survey. To capture a broad perception, a mixed approach was used, and data were collected through an interview study and a survey involving Architecture, Engineering and Construction professionals in the MENA construction sector. The collected data were analyzed using the mean score, standard deviation and nonparametric tests. The further principal component analysis (PCA) grouped the barriers to uncover the latent factors of BIM barriers.FindingsThe actors ranked the barriers as follows: lack of knowledge and BIM awareness, commercial issues and investment cost, lack of skills and BIM specialist, interoperability and lack of client demand. The examination of the PCA resulted in four underlying BIM limitation factors namely: human, technological, structural and financial. The analysis of the ranking indicated that 16 of the 22 barriers are considered critical in the MENA area. The results of the Mann–Whitney test indicated that there is a statistically significant difference in perceptions of BIM users and nonuser for seven barriers, pointing out that users care most about the financial barriers; however, nonusers are mostly concerned with structural and technological barriers. However, the results of the Kruskal–Wallis test indicated that there is no statistically significant difference in the perceptions of the three categories of stakeholders in ranking all BIM barriers.Practical implicationsThe outcomes will back policymakers and construction participants with the knowledge to develop policy propositions that can positively affect BIM adoption in the construction industry. The significance of this study lies in being one of the very first explorative investigations that comparatively and empirically explored BIM adoption barriers across the whole MENA developing countries.Originality/valueWhile several research studies have examined BIM adoption barriers in various countries, none to the best of the authors' knowledge have attempted to study the whole MENA region as one entity, and none highlighted the impact of user's roles on their perception of adoption barriers within their community. The results contribute to the discussion of the relationship among practitioners' level of involvement in BIM projects and their perception of adoption barriers which is underrepresented in extant studies. The above can assist with prioritizing the barriers that are considered to be more significant given the characteristics of the community under study. The result revealed the value of the structural and human attributes in prioritizing BIM adoption barriers within the MENA construction industry.

Sharing lessons learnt: Reflections on a novel approach to developing the contextual activity template

AbstractIntroductionThere have been few published applications of the second phase of Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA), Control Task Analysis, particularly the Contextual Activity Template (CAT). The current study aimed to share lessons learnt from utilizing an online survey as a novel approach to development of a CAT. The application domain was sport, specifically football goalkeeping. A secondary aim was to apply the CAT to the goalkeeping role and gain the perceptions of both goalkeeping coaches and players on the functions and situations specific to a goalkeeper during match‐play.MethodsTen SMEs with high‐level expertize in goalkeeping coaching and/or playing participated in an online survey including a series of demographic, Likert scale and open‐ended questions regarding goalkeeper specific functions and match‐play situations. Eight goalkeeper match‐play situations and 18 specific functions were included.ResultsA CAT model was created demonstrating the match‐play situations where specific goalkeeper functions occur. Three function groupings were identified: broad (six or more functions), moderate (between three and five functions), and specific (below three functions).DiscussionUtilizing online surveys to develop a CAT model is a novel approach within the Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) literature. Further, the CAT represents a first of its kind analysis in the football performance literature. Strengths and limitations of using online surveys for the development of a CAT are discussed. In conclusion, the work suggests flexible approaches can be used to develop HFE models.

Athletes With Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Prospective Study on Player Perceptions of Injury and Treatment.

Background:Many in-season athletes choose to delay or avoid surgery in order to continue playing and avoid downtime such as missed games or seasons.Purpose:To learn about the attitudes toward the injury and treatment of in-season shoulder instability in competitive athletes who have suffered a shoulder dislocation.Study Design:Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.Methods:A study-specific questionnaire about athletes’ perceptions of injury and treatment was administered to injured players. Secondary outcomes included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI). Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated, and between-group analyses with t tests were performed to compare the ASES and WOSI scores. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for analyses performed on the following groups: early operative versus nonoperative management; age <18 versus ≥18 years; first-time dislocators versus recurrent dislocators; self-reducing subluxations versus dislocations requiring assistance; and dominant arm affected versus nondominant arm.Results:There were 45 patients included in this study (33 male, 12 female) with a mean age of 18 ± 2.8 years. Several sports were represented, with the most common being football, baseball, soccer, and rugby. In this study of in-season athletes with shoulder instability, 13 (28.9%) chose early surgery, 4 (8.9%) chose surgery at season’s end, while 28 (62.2%) chose physical therapy followed by a wait-and-see approach, with 13 (46.4%) of these patients ultimately requiring surgery. Athletes who chose nonoperative treatment were statistically more likely to believe that their shoulder would heal on its own (P < .001) or with physical therapy (P < .025); they were also more likely to agree that they would rather stop sports than undergo surgery (P < .04). Athletes with worse ASES and WOSI scores at injury were more likely to choose surgery (P < .03 and P < .05, respectively). Athletes with >1 dislocation were less likely to believe that the shoulder would heal without surgery (P < .025). Most athletes agreed that seasonal timing and recruitment prospects were an important factor in their decision in favor of surgery (P < .038), and most agreed that their doctor influenced their ultimate treatment decision (P < .006). Most athletes also agreed that a repeat dislocation would cause further injury to the shoulder.Conclusion:Treatment decisions were most strongly related to the athletes’ perceptions of injury severity and the influence of the treating surgeon.

Relación entre la participación de los padres y el compromiso deportivo de futbolistas juveniles

The present study evaluates the forms of parental participation and their relationship with the current and future sports commitment towards sports practice, from the perception of soccer players belonging to club formations in the city of Quito. The sample is made up of 100 male adolescents between the ages of 12 and 14. The instrument used is based on the Spanish versions of the Questionnaire on Parental Involvement in Sport and the Scale of Degree of Commitment to Sport. The results show that when there is parental participation, especially with demonstrations of support and understanding, this favors the satisfaction and fun of the youth soccer players, influencing their current commitment to sports practice.

Player Perceptions Of Headgear Safety In High School Girls’ Lacrosse

Player Perceptions Of Headgear Safety In High School Girls’ Lacrosse

Unionization Perception of Professional Football Players in Turkey

Bu araştırmanın amacı profesyonel futbolcuların sendikalaşmaya ilişkin algılarını belirlemektir. Profesyonel futbolcularda sendika faaliyetlerine katılım ve sendika bilincinin oluşması, futbolcu-kulüp ihtilaflarının çözümünde sendikanın rolü bu çalışmanın teorik alt yapısını oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden görüşme tekniği uygulanmıştır. Maksimum çeşitlilik örnekleme yöntemine göre seçilen 44 profesyonel futbolcuyla yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme soruları hazırlanarak görüşme yapılmıştır. Profesyonel futbolcuların sendikaların işleyişine, faaliyetlerine ve sorunlarına yönelik görüşleri belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Türkiye liglerinde profesyonel futbolcuların, futbol sendikalarına yönelik düşüncelerini belirlemek için toplanan veriler Maxqda programı kullanılarak içerik açısından analiz edilmiştir. Bu süreçte kodlar, kategoriler ve temalar haline dönüştürülmüştür. Araştırmanın tema özetlerine göre; profesyonel futbolcuların sendika konusunda olumlu bir algıya sahip olmadıkları saptanmıştır. Bunun yanı sıra birçok futbolcunun etiketlenme korkusu nedeniyle sendikalara üye olmadığı, sendikaların düzenlemiş olduğu etkinliklere katılımın çok düşük olduğu, futbolcuların kulüpleriyle ihtilaflarının çözümde sendikanın sınırlı rol oynadığı, hak arama noktasında menajerlerin daha fazla yol gösterici olduğu anlaşılmaktadır. Araştırma sonuçlarına dayalı olarak sendikacılıkta sadece futbol çalışanlarını değil, diğer spor çalışanlarını da içine alacak şekilde ortak platformlar yaratılması önerilebilir.

An Empirical Evaluation of Evaluation Metrics of Procedurally Generated Mario Levels

There are several approaches in the literature for automatically generating Infinite Mario Bros levels. The evaluation of such approaches is often performed solely with computational metrics such as leniency and linearity. While these metrics are important for an initial exploratory evaluation of the content generated, it is not clear whether they are able to capture the player's perception of the content generated. In this paper we evaluate several of the commonly used computational metrics. Namely, we perform a systematic user study with procedural content generation systems and compare the insights gained from our user study with those gained from analyzing the computational metric values. The results of our experiment suggest that current computational metrics should not be used in lieu of user studies for evaluating content generated by computer programs.