Sports Associations Research Articles

Discrimination in access to sports associations: the effects of gender, origin and income

Discrimination in access to sports associations: the effects of gender, origin and income

장애인체육 주요 정책 및 관련 기사의 토픽 이슈 비교 분석 : 토픽모델링의 적용

The purpose of this study is to explore and compare the key topics related to issues in para-sports and related policies through objective information analysis and topic modeling using text mining techniques. To achieve this, we selected the BIGKINDS media database for news data and the first to third editions of the Long-Term Development Plan for Disability Sports for policy-related documents. The results of this study are as follows: First, the main keywords related to para-sports policies were found to be: community sports, participation encouragement, public sports facilities, sports services, information sharing and smart technology. The key keywords in related news issues were: Disability Sports Association, para-sports for daily life, sports competitions, sports facilities, disability-specific sports facilities, and relevant laws and policies. Second, the main topics of para-sports policies and related news issues were identified as four main topics. The key topics of policies included: encouraging participation in sports by type, expanding sports services, providing sports services for people with disabilities, encouraging participation in community sports, and building sports organization systems through informatization. The key topics of news issues were: laws and policies regarding disability-specific sports facilities and sports facilities, competition support and athlete development by type, creating stable training environments centered on regional disability sports organizations, and activating disability sports for daily life. Third, the time-series comparative analysis of para-sports policies and news issues showed that in the first phase of the first long-term development plan and news articles, keyword clusters similar to community sports appeared. In the second phase of the second long-term development plan and news articles, keyword clusters centered on community sports and infrastructure, such as sports facilities, were observed. In the third long-term development plan, keyword clusters such as specialized sports, infrastructure, and programs appeared, while in the third phase of news articles, keyword clusters centered on strengthening the capacity of the Disability Sports Association and infrastructure, like sports facilities, were observed.

Between laughter and effort. An analysis of the physical and emotional engagement of migrants in sports associations in France and Germany

Voluntary organisations in several European countries have developed numerous sports programmes in the wake of the ‘European Refugee Crisis of 2015–2016’. In the space of ten years, these programmes have gone from being rare, original and innovative to being relatively widespread practices whose values are widely recognised by national and European institutions. Initial research on the policy objectives and impact of these sport programmes highlighted the diversity of these types of organisations and their policy objectives. Drawing on Elias’s sociological theory of social figurations, this article examines the ways in which refugees conform to, submit to, or appropriate political categorisations in sport activities. Based on an ethnographic study conducted in French and German sports associations, the findings show that refugees internalise a tension between the pleasure dimension of sport and efforts to integrate culturally and professionally into their past and present relational and (trans)national networks. The article concludes that sporting configurations give rise to a sociogenesis of emotions that reflect the macro-sociological tensions at work in the political categorisation of refugees in France and Germany.

An unbeatable opponent? Coaches’ perspectives on the impact of climate change in outdoor sports

BackgroundAthletes in outdoor sports particularly experience several consequences of climate change.ObjectivesTo take up the experiences and expectations of coaches in outdoor sports regarding climate-related health risks in sport and to systematize them.MethodsThis nationwide, cross-sectional study was conducted among adult outdoor sports coaches from the ten largest outdoor sports associations in Germany. Their experiences with climate-related changes where were collected and qualitative content analysis was conducted.ResultsOut of 1,771 participating coaches, the content-analytical evaluation resulted in eight disjointed topics. These comprise heat-related risks, accident and injury risks, UV-related risks, respiratory risks, infection risks, mental risks and also positive effects of climate change. Besides, statements of respondents not expecting any significant changes due to climate change were recorded.ConclusionsIn the course of climate change, sport-specific risks will continue to increase and especially the risk setting of outdoor sports will be confronted to them. In order to be able to practice sports successfully and safely in the future, the study results emphasize the necessity to develop comprehensive, flexible and cost-effective prevention concepts for climate adaptation in sports.Clinical trial numberClinical trial number: The study protocol was pre-registered with the German Clinical Trials Registry (registration number DRKS00027815) on January 18, 2022 (https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00027815).

Six teaching strategies to support meaningful PE experiences in early primary schools – results from an action research project

ABSTRACT Background In recent years, there has been a growing interest in research on meaningful physical education (PE) that aims to establish pedagogical principles to foster pupils’ meaningful experiences in PE. However, few studies have explored meaningful PE among early primary school pupils. The present study seeks to provide insights into how meaningful PE can be implemented in this age group. Against that background, it explores what supports meaningful experiences for pupils in early primary schools in Denmark. Method The study draws on a theoretical framework of enactive cognition that revolves around embodiment, intersubjectivity, intentionality and affectivity. It applies action research involving practitioners’ experiences and visions to develop new teaching strategies for meaningful PE and change practices in early primary schools. The empirical basis consists of field notes from workshops and observations of PE classes where teaching strategies were tried out by teachers. In total, the study comprises 21 summaries from workshops and 70 field notes from teaching observations. The data analysis of the ethnographic field notes adopts a thematic approach. The study is a collaborative effort between the Danish School Sports Association, VIA University College, University of Southern Denmark and four Danish public schools. Results The findings comprise six teaching strategies: (i) broadening the curriculum, (ii) the body as a teaching resource, (iii) narratives, (iv) experimental approaches, (v) framing the PE class and (vi) ‘just-right’ challenges. They grow out of PE practices and are thus based on the everyday work of teachers in schools, which will help make future implementation more likely. Conclusion The teaching strategies for meaningful PE in early primary school presented in this paper represent a shift towards more inductive teaching principles that support freedom, curiosity, creativity and a desire to experiment that can support meaningfulness in early primary school pupils. The findings contribute to existing principles and features of meaningful PE with an attentiveness to how bodily involvement plays a significant role in experiences of meaningfulness in early primary school and pupils’ subjectification in PE.

To survive and strive in football industry as a woman: An auto-ethnography

This paper explores how the intricate dynamics of Confucianist gender roles, ageism, and the prevailing South Korean (from now on Korea) workplace culture, deeply ingrained within Korean society, impact the status of women. It examines how these factors delineate women's roles, shape societal expectations, and perpetuate systemic inequalities that hinder their advancement and representation in various spheres of life. Employing a qualitative approach, which integrates the researcher’s personal experiences and reflections to illuminate cultural phenomena, this study seeks to provide a firsthand perspective on the experiences of women working in the football industry in Korea. Through the lens of personal experiences within the sports association, the findings underscore the sluggish progress of gender equality in Korea, particularly within workplace contexts, highlighting the urgent need for cultural transformation to dismantle entrenched biases, foster inclusive environments, and ensure equal opportunities for all genders in the pursuit of professional endeavors. This study suggests the importance of addressing cultural norms, promoting gender equality initiatives, and creating inclusive environments to facilitate the advancement and representation of women in the workplace and society at large.

Strategies for person-centredness at meeting places arranging group exercises for community-dwelling older persons– A focus group study from a stakeholder perspective

BackgroundHealth-promotive interventions targeting older persons are important for active and healthy ageing. Hence, physical group exercises for community-dwelling older persons are arranged by various stakeholders via meeting places within the municipalities. Increased knowledge of how group exercises via meeting places can be arranged to promote health for the older population is needed. Therefore, the aim was to explore involved stakeholders’ experiences of group exercises for older persons arranged via meeting places in municipalities in relation to health promotion.MethodsSix focus group interviews were conducted online with 25 stakeholders from seven municipalities in Sweden. The stakeholders were managers of prevention units, municipal coordinators for physical activity, group exercise leaders, stakeholders from study associations, sports associations and private stakeholders, and non-profit stakeholders who arranged group exercises via the meeting places. The data was analysed using focus group methodology, where the focus of the analysis was to obtain the stakeholders’ collective understanding of the topic.FindingsThe analysis resulted in two main themes and seven categories. In the main theme Strategies to strengthen empowerment and exercise habits among older persons, the stakeholders highlighted strategies on an individual level. Strategies of importance to attract new participants and supporting them in maintaining their exercise habits, empowering them through social belonging, adapting to older persons through responsiveness and evaluation, facilitating participation in decision-making, and enabling older persons to lead group exercises. The other main theme, Strategies to strengthen the arrangement of group exercises over time, highlighted strategies on an organisational level concerning financial resources, supportive environments, the importance of human resources, competence development as well as collaboration.ConclusionsPerson-centredness emerges in health-promoting strategies both at the individual and organisational level. The study contributes to an understanding of how person-centredness is significant when working with health-promotive interventions for healthy ageing. Thus, a potential implication is to use a person-centred approach in the encounter with older persons and in the organisation when arranging group exercises for community-dwelling older persons.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Development of Motor Skills of German 5- to 6-Year-Old Children.

The closure of educational institutions, playgrounds, and sports facilities has had a significant impact on children's levels of physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, there are only a few studies available that address the consequences of these pandemic-related restrictions on the development of motor skills in younger children. The aim of the present study was to gain insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the development of children's fine and gross motor skills by comparing cohorts of German preschoolers. For this purpose, data from annual (years 2015 to 2018 and 2020 to 2024) routine examinations of children's (n = 1426; mean age: 5.46 ± 0.29 years) motor development conducted in the child daycare centers of the SportService des Landessportbund Brandenburg e.V. [Federal Sports Association of Brandenburg, Germany] were subjected to a secondary analysis. While no effects on overall motor performance as measured by the MOT 4-6, a standardized motor skills test, were found for the groups of preschoolers, a more detailed analysis revealed that the cohorts of children differed with respect to certain motor domains, i.e., jumping performance and fine motor skills. The findings are relevant for designing targeted remedial measures for children affected by the pandemic-related restrictions.

Psychological Factors and its Effects on Nepalese Athletes

This study aimed to investigate the psychological factors affecting sports performance. Five variables of psychological factors were included in the study: Motivation, Dedication, Stress and Anxiety, Satisfaction, Group Dynamics as independent variables. On the other hand, Sports performance as an indicator is its dependent variable. Systematic random sampling was applied as a sampling technique. Population of this study comprised the Athletes form different sports of Nepal. 230 respondents were distributed questionnaires. Only (200) responses were valid for the test. Descriptive and analytical methods was used for analysis. Study has shown that attributes such as Motivation, Dedication and Satisfaction have a significant positive correlation relationship with Sports performance of Nepalese athletes. Improvement in such factors will help in developing positive mindset towards desired Sporting goal on athletes of Nepal and will help in improving the performance of Nepalese athletes. Stress and Anxiety has Negative correlation with sports performance. And Group dynamics has no significant relationship with dependent variables. As such, the researcher recommends Sports associations, Coaches and Athletes of Nepal have give specific attention on psychological part of sports which will help in performance of an athletes. This research also concludes that athletes having positive mentality or without any mental pressure can give a better performance.

Beyond the Scoreboard: Bibliometric Insights into Accounting and Financial Management in Sports Clubs and Associations

Beyond the Scoreboard: Bibliometric Insights into Accounting and Financial Management in Sports Clubs and Associations

Too hot to handle? Heat-illness knowledge gaps and prevention shortfalls among German sports coaches

Abstract Aim Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent, longer and more intense in the future. Outdoor athletes are particularly vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change as heat can result in life-threatening heat illnesses such as heat stroke. Coaches play a crucial role in the prevention of heat-related illnesses in sports. This study aims to investigate the knowledge and practices of coaches in relation to heat-related risks in sports. Subject and methods This nationwide representative study was conducted among 1200 outdoor sports coaches from the ten largest outdoor sports associations in Germany. To assess the coaches’ preventive knowledge, the Knowledge of Heat-Related Illness Symptoms Index was used. In addition, the prevention practices index evaluated the implementation of preventive measures. Results There were significant differences in knowledge of heat symptoms across various sports. The implementation of preventive measures was also insufficient, especially in terms of hydration. Institutional support for heat protection was limited, with coaches requesting more information and training. Factors such as geographical location, coaching qualifications and type of sport impacted the extent of heat protection provided to athletes. Conclusion In Germany, coaches are insufficiently prepared for the health hazards of heat. Promoting educational programmes and providing appropriate equipment is essential to ensure safer sports environments.

The experiences of women coaches in community sport

ABSTRACT This study examined the experiences of community-level women coaches in three sports. Data collection included a content analysis of the policies and practices of each sport organisation in relation to the governance of sport coaching and their recruitment and support strategies for women coaches, semi-structured interviews with managers and staff who support their coaching workforce, and community-level women coaches. Data were analysed using an iterative reflexive thematic analysis process. We found a lack of representation of women in the governance of sport coaching that women coaches are on the periphery of the coaching ranks within sport clubs and face unique time pressures to pursue coaching roles. This study highlights how women coaches’ experiences can be impacted by the behaviour of others. We conclude that there is a need for more purposeful and intentional interventions from state sport associations and community sport clubs to improve the experiences of women coaches.

Comparative Analysis of Concession Operations in the Context of Property Rights between Chinese and American Professional Basketball Events

Concession operations in sports events, as a crucial part of the event franchise system, have become a pivotal source of revenue for event resource development. This paper, from the perspective of property rights, compares the concession models in professional basketball events between China and the United States through literature review, field research, and comparative analysis. The findings indicate that in terms of property rights structure, the property rights of professional sports events in China are attributed to individual sports associations and are under government jurisdiction; in contrast, the property rights of professional basketball events in the United States are collectively owned by the teams and are market-driven. Regarding the supply model, there is no significant difference between the concession supply of the CBA and the NBA; however, in practice, the CBA, due to the absence of a standardized concession system, exhibits low efficiency and a failure to become widespread. In terms of the consumption model, most CBA venues offer limited and sparse concession products and services, and the number of fans attending games in person is significantly lower than that of NBA events. Based on these observations, the following recommendations are proposed: firstly, to enhance the involvement of social capital by promoting cooperation between the government and social capital and encouraging social capital to actively participate in operations; secondly, to establish a standardized concession system by clarifying and confirming the interests of public and private sectors and by explicitly defining property rights and operating rights; and lastly, to improve and diversify products and services.

Leave No One Behind? Analysing Sport Inclusion Policy‐Implementation for Persons With Disabilities in Ghana

Sport inclusion policies for persons with disabilities are prevalent in many countries; however, actual support in local communities is lacking or inadequately addressed. In this article, we analyse the implementation of sport inclusion policies and the extent to which they exclude or include disabled sport associations in Ghana’s District Sports Units. Using document analysis, focus group discussions, and semi‐structured interviews, we collected data from representatives of state and non‐state organisations, drawing theoretical insights from ableism and policy networks to analyse the implementation of sport inclusion policies. The findings reveal that despite inclusion provisions at the local level, the policy implementation process presents challenges for District Sports Units. These challenges include the lack of funding, conflicts among network actors, deliberate disregard, membership gaps, and the absence of an integrated programme for disabled sport associations. These findings further inform our understanding of collaborative alliances, local autonomy, and the implication of ableism for policy networks.

Sport in the Swiss Research and Innovation Landscape

Research and development are central to long-term success in sport. Surprisingly, research and development in and with sport plays a minor role in Switzerland as a center of research and innovation. Sport is barely visible institutionally at universities, universities of applied sciences or teacher training colleges. Sport hardly benefits from the funds available from the federal government. Research and development are not very present in the private sector. Research and development in and with sport is not institutionally anchored in sports associations and organizations. A number of studies are currently being carried out to learn more about the situation research and development in sport and determine how and in which areas sport could become more and better embedded in Switzerland strong research and innovation system. In the workshop on "Sport in the Swiss Research and Innovation Landscape", three small studies will be presented in a compact one-hour format. They all provide insights into the institutional embedding of sport in Switzerland research, development and innovation system and make suggestions for strengthening research driven innovations in sport and in sport science.

Management Performance Evaluation of Nonprofit Organizations. Case Study on Sports Organizations

The economic growth and the standard of living, in addition to the undeniable advantages, also brought negative changes in the lives of everyday people: transport accessibility and the online possibilities to perform countless tasks led to convenience in the daily physical movement of the population, which has the effect of increasing sedentarism. This trend has serious effects on physical and mental health, so it is essential to understand the impact of physical activity on health and promote an active lifestyle. Nonprofit organizations such as sports associations have a major role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Evaluating sports nonprofit organizations and their performance is essential to understanding the real impact they have on communities and the promotion of sport. This article aims to evaluate the performances of some non-profit sports organizations from the Central region of Romania, using the SWOT and Balanced Scorecard methods. The evaluation results reveal the existence of chronic insufficiency of material resources and managerial expertise. These organizations face difficulties in achieving their goals and ensuring the sustainability of their activities.

State control of public sports associations: administrative and legal aspect

The article examines the administrative and legal foundations of state supervision over public associations of sports in Ukraine. Sports federations are considered key institutions that ensure the development of sports infrastructure, the organization of national and international competitions, the promotion of a healthy lifestyle among the population and the implementation of national interests in the international arena. However, modern legislation does not fully meet the needs of effective control over the activities of these associations, and the current supervision mechanisms are often superficial. They do not take into account the specific features of sports activities and limit the capabilities of federations to make operational decisions, which negatively affects their ability to respond quickly to challenges and develop the sports movement. Particular attention is paid to the experience of France, which has successfully implemented a control model that combines the autonomy of sports federations with effective state supervision. The French system provides for transparent funding procedures, regular reporting, training of highly qualified specialists for supervisory bodies and continuous monitoring of the use of state resources. This approach contributes to the rational use of funds and increases the efficiency of sports federations, which is a valuable reference point for reforming the Ukrainian system. Based on this experience, it is proposed to introduce similar control standards in Ukraine. In particular, this includes the development of criteria for assessing the efficiency of sports federations, improving the skills of state control specialists, creating a systematic monitoring of their activities and updating the legislative framework for more transparent financing. This will allow achieving better interaction between the state and sports associations, which will ensure support for sports at all levels. Thus, reforming the administrative and legal mechanisms for supervising sports federations in Ukraine is an important step towards creating favorable conditions for the effective development of sports. This will also strengthen Ukraine’s position in the international sports arena, contributing to the integration of Ukrainian sports into the global context and laying the foundation for stable and competitive development of the sports industry at the national level.

ATai Chi Program Improves Physical Performance Measures in Adolescents With Down Syndrome and Enhances Their Parents' Psychological Well-Being: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To investigate the effect of a 6-week tai chi (TC) training program on physical performance in adolescents with Down syndrome and its influence on the psychological well-being of their parents, in a randomized controlled design, 25 male adolescents with Down syndrome (age 14.4 ± 1.30years) were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 10) or a training group (n = 15). Before and after thetraining period, lower limb explosive strength, upper limb strength, flexibility, and balance were assessed in all participants, as well as their parents' psychological well-being. Using 2 × 2 repeated-measures analysis of variance, significant Group × Time interactions (p < .05; .33<ηp2<.87) were found for physical measures and parents' depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. A 6-week TC program significantly improved lower limb explosive strength (p < .001; d = 1.21), upper limb strength (p < .001; d = 1.49), flexibility (p < .001; d = 1.11), and static balance (p < .001; d = 1.99) and reduced depression (p < .001; d = 1.89), anxiety (p < .001; d = 1.74), and stress scores (p < .001; d = 1.88) in parents in the training group compared with those in the control group. TC programs improve physical measures in adolescents with Down syndrome and psychological well-being of their parents. Establishing TC programs in sport associations could positively impact this population's physical performance.

An Examination of the Problems and Optimization Paths of China's Sports Market Environment in the Post-Detachment Era

The de-administration reform of sports associations has been ongoing for over 30 years and has entered the post-de-administration era. This reform not only has a significant impact on enhancing the capabilities of sports associations and their self-sustaining functions but also enables sports associations to gradually grow and develop by relying on the market, making full use of social and market resources to nourish the sports market and promote the development of China's sports industry. Based on this, this paper uses methods such as literature review and logical analysis to explore the problems and optimization paths of the sports market environment in the post-de-administration era in China. The research suggests that in the post-de-administration era, the sports market environment in China still faces issues such as scarce market resources, difficulties in the survival of sports associations, an unstructured market supervision system, and weak top-level design, which need to be further strengthened. Therefore, it proposes optimization paths such as integrating the sports resource environment, improving its flow efficiency and development intensity; clarifying the functions of sports associations and fostering their self-development capabilities; improving the regulatory environment and deepening multi-party collaborative governance; and optimizing the top-level design environment to effectively build an active public institutions externally.

Football in a multiethnic society of Ternopil Province in the years 1920-1939

The objective of this study is to present the sports discipline of football in a multiethnic society within Ternopil Province during the years 1920-1939.The area of Ternopil Province was located in the south-eastern part of the Second Polish Republic, and sports clubs and associations within the province that ran football sections were affiliated with the Lviv Regional Football Association (Lviv OZPN). The establishment of the aforementioned sub-region had a positive impact on the development of football in the area discussed, with the number of clubs and associations running football sections increasing in the 1920s and 1930s. Football was played by Polish, Ukrainian and Jewish citizens inhabiting Ternopil Province. This proliferation of clubs contributed to an enhancement in the calibre of football in Ternopil province. The following football teams were the most prominent in Ternopil province: the Military-Civilian Sports Club (Wojskowo-Cywilny Klub Sportowy –WCKS) Kresy Tarnopol, WCKS Janina Złoczów – uniting Polish citizens; the Jewish Sports Club (Żydowski Klub Sportowy (ŻKS) Jehuda Tarnopol, ŻKS Złoczów – uniting Jewish citizens, and the Ukrainian Sports Association (Ukraińskie Sportowe Towarzystwo) Podilla Tarnopol – uniting Ukrainian citizens. In the years 1927-1930, the footballers of Janina Złoczów played in class A (the highest class) matches of the Lviv OZPN.