Recreational Sports Programs Research Articles

Perception Matters: Attitudes Toward Transgender Inclusion in Campus Recreational Sports

The participation of transgender individuals in sporting spaces continues to receive increased attention in both popular media and in academic scholarship. However, while attention is growing, little is known about the attitudes the general public holds toward transgender sport participation. This is particularly true when it comes to attitudes participants hold toward transgender persons and their participation in recreational sport programming. As such, this study quantitatively explores the attitudes of intramural and club sport participants across the United States toward transgender persons and transgender participation in recreational sport programming. Specifically, results emphasize (a) the general attitudes of recreational sport participants toward transgender persons, (b) the attitudes of recreational sport participants toward the participation of transgender persons in recreational sport programs, (c) differences in attitudes by gender, and (d) differences in attitudes by program area (intramural vs club sport). Discussion of these differences and practical implications for recreational sports are considered.

The effect of a recreational sports program on some biochemical variables and the quality of life of patients with type II diabetes

The effect of a recreational sports program on some biochemical variables and the quality of life of patients with type II diabetes

The Scope of Risk Management Policies and Practices Within Collegiate Recreational Sports: Reinvigorating the Conversation

Risk management is an essential component of effective campus recreational sport programming. However, research on risk management policies, procedures, and practices within recreational sports is both limited and outdated. As such, this study provides an overview of current risk management policies, procedures, and practices across North American collegiate recreational sports departments. Specifically, the results emphasize current training practices for both part-time and full-time staff, practices in establishing and updating emergency action plans, and contents covered in emergency action plans. The results suggest that while the vast majority of recreational sport programs have established risk management procedures and engage in risk management training, they diverge in best practices related to emergency action plans and in terms of contents covered in such plans. Applications of these results for practitioners and institutions are emphasized, including discussions around best practices in risk management.

Multidimensional Approaches for Reforming Sports Programs Participation in Teachers Colleges: A Student Teacher Perspective

Research indicates the diversity of benefits associated with student teachers’ participation in sports. Nevertheless, it has yet to be determined which sports and sports programs are frequently participated in and are more impactful. This study provides insights into student teachers’ perceptions toward participation, involvement in, and importance of sports. Data were collected in four teachers colleges in Tanzania by triangulating the data using surveys and interviews with 393 participants. Findings show that the majority participated in football, netball, and basketball while they participated less in gymnastics, swimming, and tennis. Competition sports programs, training, and coaching sports programs were the most frequently participated programs. However, screening programs for sports talent recognition and recreational sports programs were less participated. The data reveal significant differences in perceptions toward involvement in planning and assessing sports programs between the two gender groups (p < 0.05). It also showed insignificant differences in perceptions toward involvement in designing and setting sports programs between males and females (p > 0.05). Correspondingly, the data reveal insignificant differences between males and females in perceptions of the importance of sports programs (p > 0.05). However, there are challenges to participating in sports. The college administrators and sports stakeholders need to set more strategies to outspread the accessibility of sports programs. Not limited, but the possible strategies include appropriate deployment of resources, preparing different forums to support sports programs, requesting support from sponsors and other sports stakeholders and being more creative in organizing different sports programs.

Improving the Management of Physical Activity and Recreational Sport Program to Promote Health and Wellbeing for EU Citizens using Mathematical Simulation

Improving the Management of Physical Activity and Recreational Sport Program to Promote Health and Wellbeing for EU Citizens using Mathematical Simulation

The effectiveness of the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic for veterans with probable posttraumatic stress disorder.

Recreational and adaptive sports programs may be beneficial therapeutic interventions for improving psychological outcomes among veterans and service members with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because they provide opportunities for exercise, socialization, respite, and time outdoors. Although there are an increasing number of sports programs for veterans and service members with PTSD, data evaluating the outcomes of such programs are limited. The sample included 74 U.S. veterans who participated in the National Veterans Summer Sports Clinic (NVSSC), an annual, week-long adaptive sports program in San Diego, California. Participants were categorized into two subgroups: those who met criteria for probable PTSD using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (n = 20) and those who did not (n = 54). Participants completed self-report assessments before and after each daily activity, before and after the program, and 3 months following program completion. Over the course of NVSSC program participation, the diagnostic subgroups (probable PTSD vs. no PTSD) did not significantly differ on changes in depression, positive affect, negative affect, or insomnia. Compared to those without PTSD, veterans with PTSD experienced greater reduction in generalized anxiety during the program (MD = -3.07, p = 0.034). Veterans with PTSD also experienced significant improvements in PTSD symptoms at postprogram (MD = -23.76, p < 0.001). For both groups, significant benefits were shown during the program but rebounded by the 3-month follow-up. Over the course of each daily activity, positive affect (MD = 2.71, p < 0.001) and depression/anxiety scores significantly decreased (MD = -0.75, p < 0.001), with no differences between PTSD diagnostic groups across time (ps = 0.714 and 0.961, respectively). Veterans with and without PTSD benefited from participation in the NVSSC. Participants with probable PTSD experienced greater improvements in generalized anxiety at postprogram only; there were no other significant differences between the two groups at postprogram or at 3-month follow-up. In line with prior research, benefits for those with PTSD were lost by 3-month follow-up, suggesting that regular engagement in recreational and adaptive sports may be necessary to sustain psychological health improvements.

The Inclusive Adaptive Sport Program on a College Campus: Changing the Narrative

More often than not, students with physical disabilities are not provided equitable access to recreational sport programs or clubs, even though they often pay the same fees as their peers without disabilities. Involvement in recreational sports is a large component of the college campus experiences, yet those living with disability are likely to experience a variety of challenges associated with participation, which may inhibit them from fully engaging in sports with their peers and pursuing an active lifestyle. To examine the impact of involvement in an inclusive adaptive sport program on the college experience, a qualitative phenomenological approach was implemented with a convenience sample of 8 college students currently participating in a CTRS-driven inclusive wheelchair basketball program. A semi-structured interview procedure was utilized to elicit the participants' experiences of involvement in the adaptive sports program. Of 8 college students, five were individuals without, and 3 were individuals with an identified physical disability. The adaptive sports program had a positive impact on both groups of students. Four themes and 10 subthemes emerged from the data analysis. Four themes identified were: (a) Sense of Community; (b) Access to Resources and New Opportunities; (c) Inclusive; and (d) Personal Growth.

Campus Recreational Sports Participation and Academic Cheating: A Pilot Study

College student participation in extracurricular activities is recognized as a contributing factor to an increase in academic cheating behaviors. National Intramural and Recreational Sport Association (NIRSA)-sponsored sports emphasize that all participants demonstrate appropriate ethical behaviors (i.e., sportsmanship) throughout competition. This study explores the impact that participation in recreational sports programs in college has on the frequency of self-reported instances of academic cheating. Specifically, we assess whether participation in NIRSA-sponsored activities which focus on the development of ethical behaviors in sports (i.e., sportsmanship), translates into ethical behaviors in the classroom, as measured through self-reported instances of academic dishonesty. Results show that participation in NIRSA-sponsored programs is directly related to an increase in self-reported instances of academic cheating.

Investigating Strategies Used to Foster Quality Participation in Recreational Sport Programs for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Perceived Importance.

Quality experiences in sport programming for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can promote physical and psychosocial benefits and long-term quality participation (QP). Unfortunately, children with ASD often experience sport participation barriers and, consequently, participate less in sport compared with children without disabilities. This study investigated QP priorities and strategies that could foster QP for children with ASD. Caregivers (n = 13), volunteers (n = 26), and staff (n = 14) involved in sport programming for children with ASD rated experiential elements of QP using the Measure of Experiential Aspects of Participation. In addition , a two-round Delphi survey with staff (Round 1: n = 11; Round 2: n = 13) generated 22 strategies for promoting QP-each rated highly with regard to importance (5.69-6.85 on a 7-point scale). Strategies were substantiated with published research evidence. Findings informed the development of a QP tool designed to help instructors implement identified strategies in hopes of improving sport experiences for children with ASD.

The effectiveness of a recreational sports program to improve the quality of social life among female students at Al-Qasim Green University in Babylon, Iraq

The effectiveness of a recreational sports program to improve the quality of social life among female students at Al-Qasim Green University in Babylon, Iraq

The effect of a recreational sports program on anxiety among first-year female students in physical education and sports sciences

The effect of a recreational sports program on anxiety among first-year female students in physical education and sports sciences

The effectiveness of a recreational sports program to enhance tolerance among students of Al-Qasim Green University in Babylon, Iraq

The effectiveness of a recreational sports program to enhance tolerance among students of Al-Qasim Green University in Babylon, Iraq

THE STATE OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL TOURISM IN SARAJEVO CANTON IN THE PERIOD FROM 2011 TO 2021

The past decade within Bosnia and Herzegovina and thus in the Sarajevo Canton has shown that tourism has become a significant segment of the economy with a pronounced constant positive growth. He is one of the most important trump cards in economic development and positive recognition of the Sarajevo Canton and thus the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The paper analyzes the current state of sports and recreational tourism in Sarajevo Canton in the period from 2011 to 2021 and its possibilities through the sports and tourism offer. The research covered the administrative borders of Sarajevo Canton, which consists of 9 municipalities: Centar, Hadžići, Ilidža, Ilijaš, Novi Grad, Novo Sarajevo, Stari Grad, Trnovo and Vogošća. The paper analyzes the number of registered business entities (tourist units), the number of tourist arrivals (countries from which tourists come and by months of the year), the number of overnight stays, tourist arrivals individually or organized, the analysis of sports facilities and infrastructure for sports and tourism offer (mountaineering, sport climbing, athletic stadiums, swimming pools, bike and mountain bike trails, sports halls, golf courses, mountain walking trails, racetracks (equestrian sports), skating rinks, football stadiums and football fields, ski lifts, ski lifts, snowboard, point and toboggan runs, cross-country skiing, tennis courts). For the purposes of this research, a combination of: primary field research related to the state of sports facilities and sports infrastructure in the Sarajevo Canton as well as a secondary method of data collection through available official data, databases and reports of relevant public, private institutions, media, sports associations. By analyzing the situation and the results we have obtained, we can determine the direction for the development and expansion of services in terms of sports and recreational tourism in Sarajevo Canton. This does not require large investments, especially in the rural parts of Sarajevo Canton, which has all the benefits for further development of sports and recreational forms of offer in the direction of hiking, mountaineering, cycling, running, alpine, touring and Nordic skiing. Sarajevo Canton with its sports and competitive heritage as well as the existing specific sports infrastructure and facilities provide a great opportunity for tourism development and positive recognition of the Canton and the city of Sarajevo. Keywords: Seasonality, sports facilities, sports infrastructure, sports and recreational services and sports programs.

HOLDING RECREATIONAL SPORTS IN THE GUNDALING HILLS OF BERASTAGI AS A SOURCE OF THE SPORTS INDUSTRY

ABSTRACTThis study aims to find out how big the opportunity for Gundaling Hill to be used as a Sports Industry Source by holding Recreational Sports on the Hill. The method that will be used for this research is descriptive qualitative. This research is a research that has not happened at all in Karo soil. And it has not been done at all in the Karo land area, especially in the Gundaling Berastagi hill. The subjects in this study were human resources in the Gundaling hill area of Berastagi, Tanah Karo. The data collection technique in this research is using interview, observation, and documentation guidelines. The data analysis of this research is by data reduction, data presentation and verification. The guidelines that have been carried out based on interview tests are obtained that the opportunity to create a recreational sports program as a sports industry can be developed in the Gundaling Hill area. Based on the data that will be met with various questionnaires and interviews and documents obtained from support for approval as the Gundaling hill area which is used as a sports industry by opening up opportunities to create recreational sports programs will be realized.Keywords: Development, Recreational Sports, Sports Industry

Effectiveness of a Mastery Climate Cognitive-Motor Skills School-based Intervention in children living in poverty: Motor and Academic performance, self-perceptions, and BMI

ABSTRACT Background: Children living in poverty often are exposed to situations that negatively affect various aspects of their development. So, it is important to propose interventional programs that minimize the negative effects of living in poverty on these children. Objective: To verify the impact of a mastery climate cognitive-motor skills school-based intervention on academic and motor performance, body mass index, and perceptions of competence and self-worth in children living in poverty. Method: 280 children (50% girls), 7- to10-years-old, from Ceará state – Brazil, participated in this study. Intervention (IG, N = 140) and comparison (N = 140) groups were composed. The Test of Gross Motor Development – 2, the Self-Perception Profile for Children, the School Performance Test (reading, writing, math), and the Body Mass Index (BMI) were used. Children in the IG participated in a mastery climate intervention and children in the CG in a recreational sports program for 12 weeks (36 sessions /140 min each session/ three times a week) with 60 min of academic activities, 20 min recess and snacks, and 60 min of motor practices. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvement from pre- to post-test, and higher motor, academic (reading, math), perceived competence, social acceptance, and self-worth scores than the comparison group at pos-test (p from 0.031 to <0.001). Conclusion: Mastery climate cognitive-motor intervention positively impacts the motor and academic performance and the self-perceptions of the children living in poverty, reinforcing the need for these interventions to helping children become more proficient and assured about their competences.

Impact of an LGBTQ Campus Recreation Student Employee Training Initiative on Professional Competencies

Campus recreational sport programs strive to create an environment that is accessible to diverse participants, including LGBTQ population groups. While improvement has been made in promoting resources and workgroups related to diversity management practices, little empirical evidence exists as it relates to the efficacy of diversity trainings for recreational sport employees. This study analyzed the impact of a diversity training program geared toward the development of affirming recreational sport practices for LGBTQ populations and exploring the professional competencies related to LGBTQ inclusion that are practiced within in a collegiate recreational sport setting. Results indicated that the targeted training initiative was effective in statistically improving employee confidence as it relates to LGBTQ professional competencies ( p &lt; .000), while nonattendance at the training showed no statistically significant differences in such competencies. This study serves as a starting point for investigating the impact of LGBTQ-specific diversity training programs on recreational sport staff members.

Content Analysis of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in theRecreational Sports Journal, 2005–2019

While its content and editorial decisions are independent of NIRSA, the Recreational Sports Journal is NIRSA’s scholarly communication outlet and supported by the NIRSA Foundation. Both the organization and journal share a common interest in shaping the future of college recreational sports programs. In response to and reflective of growing diversity on college campuses, that future prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusion. This study sought to determine the extent that equity, diversity, and inclusion content has appeared in the Recreational Sports Journal during the time period of May, 2005–April, 2019. A retrospective content analysis was conducted on 200 research articles from the journal. To date, equity, diversity, and inclusion has not been addressed in a meaningful way, at least in this forum and during this time period. There is an urgent need for researchers to address this void. The journal is encouraged to assert greater influence in shaping this future.

Social influences in recreational sport programs for emerging adults with a disability: A preliminary examination using a mixed methods approach

The purpose of this study was to examine the social experiences of emerging adults with disabilities within recreational sport programs. Focusing on the nature of social experiences during practice sessions as well as experiences transitioning into adult sport programs, the current research involved qualitative interviews and a group interview, along with researcher observations of athlete interactions during training sessions. A further goal was to develop an observational tool for coding social interactions within disability sport programs. Seven athletes from disability sport programs were observed and interviewed (28% female), with an intellectual impairment, as well as social, physical, or sensory impairments. Qualitative interviews and the group interview were thematically analyzed. A single training session in each program was recorded and coded using observational software, followed by analyses to describe the frequencies of social interactions and associations with athlete engagement. Observational findings demonstrated relatively greater interactions with coaches as opposed to teammates, with two athlete-cases illustrating associations between certain social interactions and engagement within the program. Interviews and the group interview provided insights into how social interactions influence athletes&#8217; transition into adult programs &#8211; with a focus on the salience of parents as well as a reflection on how peers and coaches have influenced their sport experiences. In addition to providing a lens for exploring sport transitions, this research involved the preliminary development of an observational tool for social experiences in disability sport programs that may be used in further research and practice.

Effects of the “MAMI Deporte®” Family Sports Program on Parents’ Motivation towards Sport Participation: A Randomized Controlled Intervention

As most parents do not meet physical activity (PA) recommendations, new PA promotion strategies need to be developed considering the role of motivation as an essential underlying factor of PA behavior. Recreational sports programs practiced in the family would represent an effective strategy to promote PA for the entire family in general, and for parents in particular. Building upon self-determination theory, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the Active Methodology for Improving Sports Initiation (MAMI Deporte®) program on parents’ behavioral regulation. The participants were 58 parents (50% men) and 78 children (48.71% boys), who were randomized into a control group (29 parents and 39 children), which followed its habitual sports activity over 8 months, and an experimental group (29 parents and 39 children), which completed the MAMI Deporte® program. Specifically, the MAMI Deporte® program focused on simultaneous participation between parents and children in multisports activities, including 32 lessons distributed into 2 h/week for 8 months. Pre-and-post-intervention measures were collected. The results showed significant differences in the parents’ level of intrinsic motivation, integrated regulation, identified regulation and introjected regulation in favor of the experimental group. Nonsignificant effects were found for gender. These results were discussed, highlighting the internalization process of the value of sport in the family experienced by parents after the MAMI Deporte® family-based sports program.

A Scoping Review of Recreational Sport Programs for Disabled Emerging Adults

ABSTRACTPurpose: Recreational sport programs are a critical but overlooked pathway for enhancing social participation of emerging adults with disabilities. Specifically, the experiences of recreational sport program members are important for continued community engagement among emerging adults. To address this gap, this scoping review examined the published studies on recreational sport programs for emerging adults with disabilities with the aim of providing future directions for practice (e.g., program instruction) and research (e.g., measurement). Method: Using the PRISMA-SR guidelines, six electronic databases were searched using key terms of disability, age, and recreational sport; findings were extracted and summarized according to the quality parasport participation framework (autonomy, belonging, challenge, engagement, mastery, meaning) and other outcome measures of the included studies. An online 26-item survey was sent to the included studies’ authors to further explore the programs’ conditions. Results: There were 16,818 records screened with seven articles included. Studies indicate positive outcomes for emerging adults with disabilities immediately following participation in sport programs (e.g., improved self-esteem, autonomy, friendship skills, and balance). No longitudinal studies have been conducted on sustained participation in sport programs or transfer effects of participation. Conclusion: Despite the limited literature, this scoping review provides the foundation for the development of evidence-informed, participant-driven sport programs for emerging adults with disabilities. This study highlights areas for further development for both researches (e.g., evaluating and reporting quality) and practice (e.g., program evaluation).