Sport Organizations Research Articles

The successes and spirit of gravel cycling: providing freedom, challenge, and connection

Gravel, a cycling discipline practiced primarily on unpaved, remote roads, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. Accompanying this growth have been fervent debates about what gravel cycling is and how to define it. However, no research has yet been done to describe this discipline and its meanings to society and individuals. Thus, this case study aimed to understand individuals’ experiences and motivations for gravel participation. Through interviews and a reflexive thematic analysis, three themes were crafted: (1) gravel cycling encourages and provides a sense of freedom, (2) embracing the unknown: participants experience physical, mental, and emotional development through gravel cycling, and (3) gravel cycling provides connection through the convergence of self, community, and nature. We provide conclusions regarding gravel’s significance in light of current trends in adult sport participation and present practical implications for cycling event organizers, grassroots sport organizations, and the adult sport and leisure communities.

Sport-based psychosocial interventions for people suffering from severe mental disorders: EASMH pilot actions from 4 European Countries

IntroductionThe European Alliance for Sport and Mental Health (EASMH) is a partnership of scientific institutions, charity associations and sport organizations, funded by EU-Erasmus+. It aimed at developing good clinical practice in psychiatric rehabilitation through sport-based interventions as an integration of pharmacological and psychological therapies. Within the framework of the EASMH projects, several actions have been promoted including an assessment of the dissemination of sport-based interventions, a training course for specialized coaches and the implementation of pilot actions in four European Countries.ObjectivesTo briefly describe EASMH pilot actions performed in Finland, Italy, Romania and United Kingdom, where trained coaches delivered sport-based interventions to patients with severe mental disorders.MethodsAfter completing pilot actions, charity associations and sport organizations belonging to EASMH network described general and specific aims, sport activities, composition of staff, timing and tools for assessing the outcomes.ResultsIn Italy, “Crazy for Rugby”, including adolescents and young patients, and “Not only headshots”, a football project for adults with severe mental disorders were performed. In UK, a football-based activity called “Imagine Your Goal” and a walking-football program for participants aged more than 40 were delivered. In Romania, two courses including gymnastics, yoga and pilates called “Get fit!” were provided. Different team sport-based activities were implemented in Finland, where “Multiple Sport Group” and “Rehabilitating Sports” aimed at increasing patients’ autonomy. Assessment of psychopathological, social, cognitive and sport/fitness outcomes confirmed the overall beneficial effects of sport on mental health.ConclusionsPilot actions represent the final step of EASMH project, which showed improvement of mental health outcomes by also delivering sport-based rehabilitation to patients with severe mental disorders. Institutions and stakeholders are now called to promote the implementation of such initiatives on a broader scale.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Analysis of the introduction of an athlete's electronic passport in the Russian Federation

The development of digital technologies, in the current reality, is present in almost all spheres of life. Sports are not an exception. The electronic sports passport appeared in the early 2000s. Initially, it was presented as a database on a computer database, then it became available as a mobile application. Nowadays, an electronic sports passport has become an integral part of the lives of many professional athletes and sports enthusiasts. It helps to improve results, monitor workouts and monitor progress.An electronic sports passport can be used to confirm an athlete's qualifications and gain access to competitions. It contains information about sports achievements, results, performance statistics, as well as various events and events in which the athlete has participated. A passport can also be useful for tracking an athlete's progress and identifying his strengths and weaknesses. It is usually conducted by sports federations and organizations to control and regulate sports competitions.The advantage of an electronic passport is its ease of use, the ability to store and transfer data about sports achievements, as well as access to various resources and events. The disadvantages are the possibility of hacking and leakage of the athlete's personal data, difficulties that may arise with the compatibility of different electronic passport systems and the need for software updates.The article discusses the types of electronic passports of athletes, conducted a survey among professional athletes about the availability, convenience and necessity of an electronic passport of an athlete in our time. Based on the data obtained, an analysis of the results was carried out, on the basis of which recommendations were proposed.

Health hazards in sports: Exploring the influence of despotic leadership and perceived organizational politics on well-being

In recent years, the concept of despotic leadership has garnered considerable attention in sports. Despotic leadership significantly reflecting leaders' deviant behavior has today heightened the risk of health hazards in the workplace. In addition, the perceived organizational politics have also yielded a deleterious result on employees’ well-being. In the dynamic landscape of healthcare, understanding the implications of organizational behavior on well-being is paramount for risk management. This study elucidates the relationships between despotic leadership, perceived organizational politics, workplace incivility, emotional exhaustion, person-organization unfit, and health harm, which can pose significant risks in a healthcare setting. The quantitative study was conducted using an empirical survey with respondents representing sports organizations. A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze data from 429 participants using Smart PLS. The study findings suggest that despotic leadership and perceived organizational politics can lead to increased risks, manifested as workplace incivility, emotional exhaustion, and person-organization unfit. These organizational risks subsequently translate to tangible health harm for employees. Mediation analyses revealed that workplace incivility, emotional exhaustion, and person-organization unfit mediate the detrimental health outcomes rooted in leadership and organizational politics. The study underscores the urgent need for risk management strategies to foster a healthier organizational culture and leadership approach in healthcare settings. This will ensure enhanced employee well-being and a reduction in associated health risks, thus aligning with best practices in healthcare policy.

How Does Interorganizational Inclusive Leadership influence Affiliated Sport Organization Employees? A bifactor Structural Model Approach with a Moderator of Power Distance

PURPOSE Inclusive leadership has become increasingly important in sport organizations. Accordingly, this study examines interorganizational inclusive leadership effects on organizational trust and affiliated organizations’ employees depending on power distance.METHODS A total of 250 affiliated sport organization employees participated, and latent moderated structural equation modeling with a bifactor structural model was employed to test the hypotheses.RESULTS The results indicated that macro inclusive leadership as well as its two components significantly enhance organizational trust. Interestingly, power distance positively moderated the macro effect of interorganizational inclusive leadership on organizational trust. Lastly, organizational trust enhanced job performance and well-being, and reduced turnover intention.CONCLUSIONS The results provide meaningful insight into the relationship between lead and affiliated organizations in the context of highly competitive and collaborative sport organizations.

The Impact of Public Sports Organization Members' Perception of ESG Management on Organizational Citizenship Behavior: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Social Value Orientation and the Moderating Effect of Employment Type

The Impact of Public Sports Organization Members' Perception of ESG Management on Organizational Citizenship Behavior: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Social Value Orientation and the Moderating Effect of Employment Type

HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND MODERN INTERPRETATION OF THE FACTORS OF THE PROFESSIONAL SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE

Background and Study Aim. Today, professional sports are a powerful social phenomenon that is developing at a high rate both in terms of sports and in terms of business. It is natural that various factors influence this process throughout the history of its formation and development. Study Aim: to identify the key factors that influenced and influence the formation and development of professional sport in Europe and North America. Material and Methods. The main materials for the research were data from historical and modern materials regarding various factors that determined and determine now the peculiarities of professional sport development in Europe and North America. Methods: analysis and synthesis, historical method, systematic approach, theoretical interpretation and explanation. Results. Given the global phenomenon of professional sport in the modern world, it should be noted that its structure and effectiveness depend from a wide range of factors, both the external environment and those related to the construction of internal mechanisms of professional sports organizations. Among them: globalization, geopolitical and economic trends, transformation of information and communication technologies, crisis social factors, sports migration, population and demographic ratios in the country, monopoly and competition in the professional sports arena in relation to the coexistence of different organizations in one sport, the focus of professional leagues on higher efficiency. Among the factors that have a negative impact on the development of professional sport today should be noted corruption aspects of professional sports activities. Conclusions. The nature of the influence of these factors is determined by the territorial affiliation of professional sport organizations, as there are certain traditions and legal frameworks of their operation in the United States and various European countries, which have significant differences. At the same time, today the North American remains a more effective model of professional sport development in terms of organizational and economic efficiency.

Issues of Organization of Strategic Sports Management

he issues of quality management in sports have special significance today. Back in 2017, the country declared a decade of sports, and there is very posi­tive statistics of involvement in sports and physical culture. However, the structure of sports itself, which has developed in the post-Soviet space, remains illogical and cannot fully meet the needs of society in modern services. The article aims to search the most effective mechanisms for managing sports activities based on the theoretical developments of strategic management. Methodologically, the article is based on lo­gical justification, comparison, deduction of forms and methods of management pre­sent in management theory and strategic management. As a result of the conducted research, we believe that the most important components can be: individually formed mission of a sport or educational organization, individually selected balanced scorecard indicators of efficiency. The parallels presented during the research — from kindergarten to university, taking into account the involvement in sports today, respond to the mass demand for health care. This is why the issue of strategic sports management should remain on the agenda.

Leadership Behaviour Association with Human Resource Management Practice in Selected Ethiopian Sport Federations

Leadership behavior and human resource management practices (HRMP) in sport organizations is crucial for organizational success. Effective leadership behavior can positively influence human resource management practices, while these practices can also impact leadership behavior. By understanding and leveraging this relationship, sport organizations can create a positive work environment, enhance employee performance, and achieve their organizational goals. To objective of the study was to find the association between Leadership Behaviour and HRMP of selected Ethiopian Sport Federations. In this study, the sequential explanatory research design was used. a sample size of 95 respondents (n = 95) from Ethiopian Football Federation and Ethiopian Athletics Federation was selected using stratified sampling technique. The variable of the study was leadership behaviour and HRMP. In addition to this, standardized questionnaires, document analysis, focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were used to collect the data. Quantitative data was analysed using Spearman correlation coefficient while qualitative data were transcribed and interpreted. The result of the study shows that there was significant association between leadership behaviour and HRMP, r = 0.41, p = .001. The study concluded that Ethiopian selected federation leadership behavior has contribution for effectiveness HRMP. However, utilizing modern technology, robust monitoring and evaluation mechanism, adequate guidelines, standards and manuals, employee knowledge, skills and attitudes, physical facilities, financial capacities and satisfaction athletes, coaches, officials and stakeholders were not up to the required level.

The role of soccer and identity in Egyptian society: fans and players

ABSTRACT In Egyptian society, soccer serves as a powerful platform for the expression of national, regional, and individual identities. This study explores the interplay between soccer, identity formation, and societal factors, shedding light on how fans and players shape and are shaped by their involvement in the game. It explores how soccer has become a platform for Egyptians to express their patriotic fervour, regional affiliations, and political ideologies. The paper also explores the experiences of Egyptian soccer professionals and their engagement with identity formation. It investigates how players navigate the complexities of representing their clubs, regions, and country while maintaining personal identity. Understanding the role of identity in Egyptian soccer has implications for stakeholders, including players, fans, policymakers, sports organizations, and advertisers. Recognizing the significance of identity promotes strategies that leverage the emotional connections fans have with their teams and players, leading to meaningful fan engagement and driving positive social change.

ANALYSIS ON OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGY OF SMART UNIVERSITY GYMNASIUM IN CHINA

Introduction. With the continuous development of science and technology and the progress of society, the operation and management of smart sports venues has become an important topic in the new era. Smart sports stadium operation and management uses advanced technical means and management concepts, improve the operational efficiency and user experience of the stadium, to achieve sustainable development. Purpose. This paper will discuss the background and importance of the operation and management of smart sports venues, introduce the concept and characteristics of smart sports venues, put forward corresponding operation and management strategies, and analyze the challenges faced and solutions. Through in-depth research on the operation and management of smart sports venues, it can provide useful reference and guidance for the development of China's sports industry. Methods. Nowadays, the technical difficulties of mass sports are becoming more and more difficult, and the requirements for the quality level of sports services are becoming higher and higher, but the traditional sports infrastructure is difficult to provide the public with scientific and accurate technical guidance and high-quality sports services. Results. This leads to a certain contradiction between supply and demand in China's sports industry market, which restricts the development of mass sports. Such as table tennis, badminton, basketball, football and running are widely loved by the masses of sports, in fact, have higher technical requirements, if the technology is not in place, the action is not standard, not standard, it will not only affect the masses of sports exercise effect, but also may cause sports safety accidents. Conclusion. Through the construction of smart sports venues and the information upgrade of traditional sports infrastructure, it can accurately collect the relevant data information of public fitness, such as sports items, sports consumption, exercise time, and even the health indicators of people in the process of exercise. These data information can be shared by non-governmental sports organizations, sports enterprises, local sports departments and medical and health units through networking.

Recognising, addressing and supporting the challenging nature of community sport coaching work: potential ways forward for research and practice

ABSTRACT This paper critically examines key issues that continue to pervade the domain of community sport coaching. Specifically, we centre attention on a) conceptualisations of policy implementation and enactment, b) neoliberal working conditions and policies and their impact, and c) training and education currently offered to practitioners. For each issue, we map out some of the key concerns in both research and practice and the implications of these for community sport coaching’s ability to achieve its purported objectives. We then present potential future directions for research and practice before outlining, in the final section, specific methodological approaches capable of being deployed to examine and have practical impact for these specific issues in sufficiently complex ways. This article will be of use to community sport organisations, coaches, educators, managers, researchers, and others as they seek to enhance the criticality and interrogative nature of their work.

“Hands off”: responsibilizing low-income citizens through fee assistance programs

ABSTRACT Rationale To critically examine fee assistance programs (FAPs) through the lens of responsibilization and discuss the implications of creating access to sport for low-income families. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 volunteers and administrative staff from community sport organizations in New Brunswick who facilitated FAPs for their organizations. Findings Four themes were constructed and discussed, illuminating how FAPs responsibilize low-income families: (1) Don’t advertise, don’t share: Applicants do all the work; (2) Passive but efficient: Processes of FAPs; (3) It’s always the parent: Communication of FAPs; and (4) You have to take ownership: Families need to be accountable. Practical implications This study is valuable to practitioners interested in understanding how FAPs may cause harm by excluding low-income families. Research contribution This study demonstrates how responsibilization is evident in facilitating FAPs in community sport organizations in New Brunswick and the consequences of creating access to community sport.

The impact of external factors on board decision making in non-profit sport organizations

PurposePressures from non-profit sport organizations’ (NPSOs) external environment influence governance structures and processes. Thus, this study explores the impact of external factors on NPSO board decision making.Design/methodology/approachUsing a sample of six NPSO boards (two national, four provincial/territorial), data were collected via 36 observations, 18 interviews, and over 900 documents. A thematic analysis was conducted via NVivo 12.FindingsResults identified two external factors impacting NPSO board decision making: the sport system structure and general environment conditions. External factors impacted NPSO board decision making in terms of duration, flow, interaction, and scrutiny.Originality/valueResults demonstrate the need for NPSO boards to engage in boundary-spanning activities whereby external information sources from stakeholders are incorporated to make informed decisions. Practically, NPSO boards should harness virtual meetings to continue their operations while incorporating risk management analyses to assess threats and opportunities.

Проблемы цифровизации в управлении физической культуры и спорта, возможные варианты их решения

The article substantiates the need and convenience of using digital systems for the interaction of state and municipal authorities for physical culture and sports, as well as in the management of physical culture and sports organizations. The problems associated with the lack of funding in the regions for the development of IT programs, the insufficient psychological readiness of management workers for digital innovations in management working in remote regions, and the lag of higher education from the digital reality are considered. The difficulties in the regions with hiring highly paid professional managers, marketers who know the specifics of the industry and at the same time master digital technologies, and the inability of employers to satisfy their needs for high wages are becoming more urgent. The author sees a solution to the issues in the use of low-cost paid automated digital systems that are easy to master and help raise the level of management efficiency.

Практика использования нормативно-правовой документации студентами в процессе обучения в вузе

Activities associated with planning and holding of competitions at various levels, management of sports departments and organizations stipulates correct drafting and submission of documents and timely reporting. At the moment, we believe it is relevant for students to obtain practical experience in the development and analysis of statutory documents in the sphere of physical education and sports. Study purposes: 1) development of appeal drafting skills in the selected athletic discipline in bachelors of educational program 49.03.01 Physical Education; 2) involvement of students of educational program 40.05.04 Judicial and Prosecution Activities in an analysis of regulatory documents in the sports sphere. The article examines the work of "student coaches" and "student lawyers", analyzes mistakes in drafting and content of documents developed by students. Results of an educational experiment have shown positive experience of studying, development and analysis of regulatory documents in the sphere of physical education and sports.

Активная доходная деятельность как источник экономического обеспечения деятельности спортивных некоммерческих организаций

The article is dedicated to such source of economic support of activities of non-profit sports organizations as active income-generating operations. The author concludes that there may be different areas of own active income-generating operations of such organizations. Firstly, it is direct production activities if and to the extent permitted by the law and the charter. Secondly, it is the performance of common civil acts not related to production activities but capable of being profitable. Thirdly, the proceeds of investment activities or deposits can be referred to the preceding income type, however, such proceeds have their own well-developed legal regulation resulting in the special structure, interaction means and thus requiring other qualification assessments of arising relations. Fourthly, it is the performance of income-generating operations by non-profit organizations, as stipulated primarily by the provisions of Clauses 4 and 5 of Art. 50 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. Fifthly, it is the use of intellectual deliverables and equaled individualization means for income generation purposes, which is generally associated with activities based on the provisions of Part 4 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation. Sixthly, it is contributions of founders (members) of non-profit organizations.

The In-House Balance: Negotiating Professional Identity, Boundaries, and Ethical Quandaries as an In-House Sports Reporter

ABSTRACT The sports media landscape has shifted to favor outlets with inside access to sports organizations, teams, and athletes. This study interviews 21 NFL in-house reporters working at 19 official team websites to determine how they view their roles as sports journalists, including ethical standards and shifts in media boundaries. Qualitative interviews uncovered that cultivating a positive team image and protecting the interests of stakeholders supersede the production of objective news stories, even from those who started their careers as external sports reporters. Internal reporters are often conflicted with their roles in the sports media ecosystem. Additionally, interviews reveal their efforts to maintain a balancing act between the established ideals of journalism with the positive spin that accompanies public relations. The present study illuminates how such positions both mirror and diverge from the expectations typically placed within sports journalism, while offering fruitful avenues for subsequent scholarly investigation.

Strategy practitioners and the procedural legitimacy of strategic planning in nonprofit community sport

ABSTRACT This study examines how leaders of community sport organizations (CSOs) engage in a strategic planning process through the intersection of institutional work and the strategy-as-practice (SAP) approach. The SAP approach focuses on the micro-level social activities, processes, and practices that inform how organizational leaders engage in strategic planning. A multiple-case study of four CSOs with contrasting approaches to the practice of strategy provides insight into the role of strategy practitioners and their choice of strategy activities. The study also examines how these activities contribute to the procedural legitimacy of strategic planning. The findings highlight four roles that strategy practitioners hold within their clubs (i.e. consultant, board member, staff member, facilitator) and three general types of activities that indicate varying levels of stakeholder involvement in planning. The findings provide evidence of the need for a granular approach to the study of strategic planning and a focus on how organizational leaders’ roles and choice of activities shape strategic planning and its legitimacy.

Research on the Popularization and Development Strategies of Niche Sports in China: A Case Study of Curling

Winter niche sports are gradually gaining prominence in China; however, compared to traditional summer sports, these sports still face various development and popularization challenges. This study takes curling as an example and delves into the current state of winter niche sports in China, with the aim of identifying key issues and feasible solutions. Firstly, this paper reviews the historical development of winter niche sports in China. However, despite these significant governmental efforts, sports like curling, among other winter niche sports, exhibit relatively lower recognition and participation in China, accompanied by numerous challenges. Secondly, the research highlights the characteristics and potential of curling. Nonetheless, when compared to traditional winter sports like skiing and ice hockey, curling's infrastructure and popularity in China still require significant enhancement. Furthermore, the study analyzes the root causes of the challenges in the popularization of curling, including insufficient promotion and education, inadequate infrastructure, and limited knowledge of curling rules and techniques. To address these issues, the paper presents a series of recommendations, such as intensifying the promotion of curling, improving infrastructure development, and conducting curling training and promotional activities, all aimed at facilitating wider adoption of the sport. Lastly, the research summarizes the prospects of winter niche sports in China, underscoring the necessity of collaboration and efforts among the government, sports organizations, and businesses in promoting these sports.