Sport Environment Research Articles

“It’s a Balancing Act”: Contradictory Ambitions of Journalistic Media in Addressing Harassment in Sport

Over the last five years, the Finnish sports media has played a key role in disseminating information and stimulating debate on gender equity, sexual harassment, and the structures and culture that perpetuate the latter in sport. Triggered by the Me Too movement, the handling of harassment cases has shifted from the private domain to the public debate in the media, making it political. In this article, I study the perception of the politicisation of harassment within sports media. The article utilises interviews with 16 Finnish sports journalists who have been reporting on harassment cases in national and regional media houses. In the thematic analysis, the facilitators and constraints of harassment reporting are examined in relation to the prevailing power structures, culture, and attitudes in the professional sports environment. While the interviews highlight the changing face of sports journalism and, within it, an ambition to move from entertainment and performance reporting to socio-politically critical journalism, the article also highlights the problematic contradictions embedded in the ambition within sports media to address harassment in sport. The findings of this research suggest that when studying the outcomes of news reporting, it is important to pay attention to news production processes and the gendered aspects that influence them.

How Coaches Make Improvements in Coaching Practice

Sport coaching involves continuous learning as coaches seek to manage the complexity of the sport environment, address the ever-changing aspects of their sport, and find more effective and efficient ways to promote athlete development and maintain a competitive advantage. Therefore, coaches regularly find themselves in situations where they need to strive for continuous learning and improvement, a core coaching responsibility in the National Standards for Sport Coaches. This article presents information on how coaches can engage in lifelong learning experiences and reflective practice to make slow and steady change to improve their coaching practice and provide an even better experience for their athletes.

A new dimension in learning badminton refereeing: A 3D simulation android app with virtual reality integration

Virtual reality (VR) technology has become increasingly popular and widely used in sports environments in higher education, but there are still some challenges that need to be overcome. This research aims to create an Android-based 3D simulation application with the help of virtual reality as a learning tool for badminton refereeing. The methodology used is the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC). The multimedia development methodology consists of six stages, namely concept, design, material collection, creation, testing, and distribution. This application shows great potential for supporting the development of human resources in the field of badminton sports, both for novice referees and players. However, it should be noted that the current research is still at the application creation stage, with effectiveness and distribution tests still to be conducted. Through the optimisation of rendering techniques, test results show good simulation performance on smartphones with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, although the use of VR Box devices may cause eye fatigue in long-term use. This research makes an important contribution to the development of VR-based learning applications for badminton refereeing, with the hope of improving understanding and skills in sports and becoming the basis for the development of sports education technology. Future research should focus on completing the pending stages as well as expanding insights into user interaction and the positive impact that apps can have

Exploring body education in primary school: Perspectives and implications

Physical education is increasingly characterized, thanks to contributions from pedagogical sciences and embodied cognition, as a qualitative form of teaching that addresses the needs and requirements of children. Indeed, Physical Education and Motor Sciences contribute to the school environment, alongside other disciplines, to foster individual growth and promote social and cultural inclusion processes. Starting from the school environment, which is an elective training ground for future citizens, the concept of education through body and movement, emphasizing pleasure, enjoyment, cognitive and emotional involvement, is also influencing sports environments. Consequently, there is a need to emphasize the adoption of a procedural habitus capable of identifying the most suitable teaching and methodological strategies to promote inclusive processes through physical and sports practice that is "for all" and "of each," thus facilitating access to and engagement in physical activity within formal educational settings for all students. This contribution, recognizing the importance and necessity of this qualitative approach to motor education, raises the issue of also paying attention to the quantitative approach in addressing the deficiencies highlighted by current generations at the psycho-physical level. After presenting screening results on a sample, some possible integrated strategies, both qualitative and quantitative, are defined to address emerging well-being issues related to the developmental age.

Creating optimally safe and enjoyable youth sporting experiences within the United Kingdom

Considering recent research and reports, much attention has been given to understanding and addressing issues of abuse in sport. Similarly, attention has been given to enhancing children’s psychosocial experiences within sport. However, to-date, consideration of these two elements together, that is minimising abuse and enhancing enjoyment, has been minimal. Thus, the purpose of the current study was to explore perceptions of the process through which an optimally safe and enjoyable sporting experience can be created for young people. A Straussian grounded theory methodology was used to develop a substantive theory detailing the process through which an optimally safe and enjoyable sporting experience is created for young people in sport. Interviews were conducted with 19 young people, six parents, nine coaches, and five individuals in safeguarding roles. The interviews were analysed through open and axial coding, followed by theoretical integration. The resultant theory highlighted that establishing positive relationships between all young people and key individuals in a physically and developmentally safe environment was a fundamental requirement for fostering an optimally safe and enjoyable sporting experience. Achieving this required consideration of factors both in the immediate and broad sporting context. Specifically, support from sports organisations, access to continuing professional development opportunities, and a network of safeguarding experts are required in the broader environment. While within the immediate sporting environment, visibly displayed and appropriately implemented safeguarding policies and procedures; open, honest, and respectful interactions; shared goals and expectations between parents, coaches, and young people, and; trusting and supportive friendships with shared experiences are required.

Cultural adaptation of the Assessment of Coach Emotions to the Spanish sports context (ACE-E)

Coaches’ emotional expression significantly influences sport environments and is mediated by the social and cultural construction of emotions. Therefore, this study aims to culturally adapt the Assessment of Coach Emotions for the Spanish sports context (ACE-E), provide evidence of its validity and reliability, and propose a suitable model for adapting observation instruments. The study involved coaches, sports psychologists, experts who study emotions, linguists, and translators. It was conducted in three phases. First, a literature review was conducted, and four coaches were interviewed. Secondly, the necessary linguistic and content changes were implemented. Finally, the ACE-E was tested by coding and analyzing 500 min of recordings of eight coaches’ performance and evaluated for reliability, usefulness, and feasibility. The results show that ACE-E receives the same support for validity and reliability as the original instrument in the English language, demonstrating the effectiveness of its cultural adaptation for assessing the emotional expression of Spanish coaches.

Beyond the scoreboard: school-based sport experiences and high school student-athlete well-being

ABSTRACT With an estimated seven million high school student-athletes in the United States participating in school-based sports each year, opportunities exist to examine how recent changes in education and sport are affecting this generation of student-athletes. The COVID-19 pandemic, school cancelations, and emergent trends related to recruiting, name, image, and likeness policies, sport specialization, academic pressures, and adolescent mental health concerns are current factors influencing school-based sports. To examine associations between the United States education and sport environment and student-athlete well-being, this qualitative study sought to understand the experiences of high school student-athletes in this era of sport. Seven focus groups were conducted with 50 high school student-athletes in diverse school districts in one large Midwestern state. Emergent themes indicated structural, contextual, and psychosocial factors are shaping student-athlete experiences and affecting multiple domains of their well-being. Notably, student-athletes overwhelmingly wanted to perform at high levels as they returned to school and sport as COVID-19 restrictions were lifting, yet felt they were struggling to meet these demands. Findings contribute to an important conversation about the needs of high school student-athletes in the United States and can inform future interventions, coach training programs, and school policies.

Impact of a Harmonious Sports Environment on Learning Interest

The study delves into the impact of sports equipment and facilities on students' learning interests within educational environments, with a particular focus on the positive influence observed among physical education (P.E) students. Through a qualitative approach employing the library method, the research explores this influence by dissecting existing literature on related topics, including cooperative learning efficiency in physical education and the motivational dynamics of student-athletes. The findings underscore the vital role played by a harmonious sports environment, marked by sufficient sports equipment and facilities, in fostering physical education, personality development, and lifelong engagement in sports activities. Notably, students with access to such facilities exhibit heightened participation in physical activities, correlating with improved academic performance and enhanced psychological well-being. The study highlights the pivotal role of a supportive sports environment in shaping students' learning interests, boosting academic achievements, and promoting psychological wellness within educational settings. It stresses the necessity of ensuring adequate sports equipment and facilities, coupled with the cultivation of a positive sports culture, to effectively nurture physical education, foster personal growth, and encourage sustained participation in sports activities. Furthermore, the research acknowledges and addresses socioeconomic disparities in sports participation, shedding light on the escalating income inequalities over time, especially among specific demographic groups such as women, middle and high school students, and adults. Moreover, it underscores the potential of group sport participation to mitigate such disparities compared to individual sports, suggesting avenues for fostering more inclusive sporting environments.

A Review: Exploring Nutrition Approaches to Improve Mental Health Among Athletes: Focus on Depression and Disordered Eating

Elite sports environments can increase psychiatric conditions like stress and depression due to social pressure for specific body shapes, encouraging disordered eating behaviors, especially in endurance, aesthetic, and weight-dependent sports. This review aims to investigate eating habits among athletes suffering from poor mental health and identify dietary strategies or nutritional advice to mitigate these conditions in physically active individuals. The review focused on studies conducted after 2010 involving adults in any level of regular physical activity, showcasing psychiatric symptoms related to a disordered relationship with food, including depression and various eating disorders. The search on the literature databases was conducted on 20th October 2023 through multiple electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar) to capture as many relevant citations as possible. Exclusions were made for studies on children or psychiatric patients. The research was sourced from significant databases, emphasizing the correlation between dietary habits and mental health in athletes. Findings reveal that athletes, particularly in ultra-endurance and weight-dependent sports, are susceptible to psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and exercise addiction. Competitive bodybuilders also showed higher levels of depression and orthorexia nervosa symptoms. Tailored nutrition therapy, guided by healthcare professionals and adjusted to each athlete's specific needs and preferences, is crucial for addressing psychiatric symptoms and eating disorders in athletes. A holistic approach to recovery and well-being can significantly enhance both performance and overall quality of life, underscoring the importance of high-quality, balanced diets in supporting mental health and athletes' achievement.

Wearable device for continuous sweat lactate monitoring in sports: a narrative review.

In sports science, the use of wearable technology has facilitated the development of new approaches for tracking and assessing athletes' performance. This narrative review rigorously explores the evolution and contemporary state of wearable devices specifically engineered for continuously monitoring lactate levels in sweat, an essential biomarker for appraising endurance performance. Lactate threshold tests have traditionally been integral in tailoring training intensity for athletes, but these tests have relied on invasive blood tests that are impractical outside a laboratory setting. The transition to noninvasive, real-time monitoring through wearable technology introduces an innovative approach, facilitating continuous assessment without the constraints inherent in traditional methodologies. We selected 34 products from a pool of 246 articles found through a meticulous search of articles published up to January 2024 in renowned databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. We used keywords such as "sweat lactate monitoring," "continuous lactate monitoring," and "wearable devices." The findings underscore the capabilities of noninvasive sweat lactate monitoring technologies to conduct long-term assessments over a broad range of 0-100mM, providing a safer alternative with minimal infection risks. By enabling real-time evaluations of the lactate threshold (LT) and maximal lactate steady state (MLSS), these technologies offer athletes various device options tailored to their specific sports and preferences. This review explores the mechanisms of currently available lactate monitoring technologies, focusing on electrochemical sensors that have undergone extensive research and show promise for commercialization. These sensors employ amperometric reactions to quantify lactate levels and detect changes resulting from enzymatic activities. In contrast, colorimetric sensors offer a more straightforward and user-friendly approach by displaying lactate concentrations through color alterations. Despite significant advancements, the relationship between sweat lactate and blood lactate levels remains intricate owing to various factors such as environmental conditions and the lag between exercise initiation and sweating. Furthermore, there is a marked gap in research on sweat lactate compared to blood lactate across various sports disciplines. This review highlights the need for further research to address these shortcomings and substantiate the performance of lactate sweat monitoring technologies in a broader spectrum of sports environments. The tremendous potential of these technologies to supplant invasive blood lactate tests and pioneer new avenues for athlete management and performance optimization in real-world settings heralds a promising future for integrating sports science and wearable technology.

Shining a light on the unseen athletes: stories of exclusion and resistance among gay athletes in professional team sports

PurposeThis study uncovers the challenges and coping mechanisms related to stigma and discrimination experienced by gay professional team sport athletes.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing interpretive phenomenological analysis, this study recruited six gay athletes in professional team sports. Data were collected through virtual one-on-one semi-structured interviews, along with field notes and reflexive journaling, and were thematically analyzed.FindingsThe first theme highlights the discrimination and marginalization experienced by gay athletes in professional team sports, as well as the perceived differences between these athletes and their heterosexual counterparts. The second theme includes anecdotes illustrating their experiences of exclusion, along with counter-stories that resist marginalization. The last theme comprises stories that underscore the lack of acceptance and advocacy, emphasizing the awareness education aimed at making the sporting realm more inclusive.Research limitations/implicationsDespite the extensive recruiting efforts for this study, numerous sports and countries remain unexplored. Follow-up studies are required to fill this gap. As this study was initiated, additional research is needed to provide information on athletes who are still in the closet. Cross-comparisons between gay athletes and their heterosexual teammates can help bridge the gap in perspectives.Practical implicationsParticipants emphasized collective efforts in creating inclusive and welcoming environments for gay athletes, including anti-discrimination policies related to language use, showers and relocation adjustments.Social implicationsParticipants have put forth concrete recommendations for enhancing inclusivity within team sport environments and society at large, including proposals for early educational initiatives within the school systems.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical study that focuses on the experiences of gay professional team sport athletes.

Exploring the Relationship of Self-Compassion and Gratitude: A Multidimensional Analysis Among Sports Professionals

The aim of this research is to investigate the intricate connection between self-compassion and gratitude among athletes using a multidimensional approach. By delving into the dimensions of both self-compassion and gratitude, this study aims to uncover how these two psychological constructs interact within the context of sports. Through comprehensive analysis, we seek to understand how self-compassion and gratitude manifest in athletes' lives and how they may influence each other. This exploration is vital for enhancing our understanding of the psychological dynamics within sports environments, potentially offering insights into strategies for promoting well-being and performance among athletes. A descriptive research design was employed, with correlational and independent t-test analyses conducted to explore relationships and gender-based differences. Pre-therapy data collection involved assessing participants' baseline levels of negative traits, such as fear, anxiety, depression, and worry, using validated scales, questionnaires, and interviews. Data simulation involved generating random integer values within specified ranges to initialise pre-therapy scores for fear, anxiety, depression, and worry, thereby creating a diverse participant group.Results reveal no significant relationship between gratitude and self-compassion, nor any gender-based differences. However, cognitive-behavioural therapy significantly reduced fear, anxiety, depression, and worry among participants. The p-values of 0.0000 for all measures indicate highly significant differences between pre-therapy and post-therapy scores, affirming the therapy's effectiveness. This highlights the importance of cognitive-behavioural interventions in addressing psychological well-being. While this study provides insights into gratitude and self-compassion among volleyball players, further research is needed to explore interventions enhancing these psychological factors.

Examining the coach–athlete relationship for facilitators and barriers to healthy sport participation for cyclically menstruating athletes: A systematic review

Menstrual function is an integral component of the overall health and well-being of cyclically menstruating athletes, impacted by and affecting their participation in sport and athletic training. This review used the coach–athlete relationship to examine the sport environment for factors that facilitate or hinder healthy sport participation for cyclically menstruating athletes with respect to their menstrual cycles. Four databases were searched until June 30, 2023, for studies that explored the experiences, perceptions and knowledge related to the menstrual cycle among athletes training under a coach and coaches of cyclically menstruating athletes. The search produced 2511 studies, which, following screening for relevance and eligibility, resulted in 34 studies of moderate-to-high quality. Thematic synthesis and integration of qualitative and quantitative data from 7558 athletes and coaches from elite to amateur level uncovered 4 main themes pertaining to the coach–athlete relationship and the menstrual cycle that constituted barriers (menstruation taboo, lack of knowledge and awareness, and lack of communication among stakeholders) and facilitators (presence of female coaches, positive experiences of communicating about the menstrual cycle, and trust) to healthy sport participation. A final theme summarised the needs of athletes and coaches related to the menstrual cycle. Greater education, representation of females in sporting roles, and improved collaboration among the various stakeholders emerged as the primary factors for driving a culture-shift in the sporting environment, in order to abolish the taboo against menstruation and promote healthy sport participation for cyclically menstruating athletes.

Festival quality, value, and sports environment affecting students’ satisfaction and loyalty: basis for continuous extra-curricular activity offering

Festival quality, value, and sports environment affecting students’ satisfaction and loyalty: basis for continuous extra-curricular activity offering

Importance of mental health in the sports environment

The objectives of this study are focused, firstly, on understanding the levels of cognitive anxiety, self-confidence, and pre- and post-match somatic anxiety. Secondly, to analyse the impact of the match outcome (win-loss) on the mentioned dimensions according to the Home-Away condition. The research involved 70 volleyball players (28 home and 42 away) belonging to cadet categories from different volleyball teams competing in the School Sports Program in the province of Araba, specifically in the city of Vitoria Gasteiz. Participants completed the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory in Sport (CSAI-2) (Martens et al., 1990), consisting of 27 items, adapted and validated in Spanish by Capdevila (1997), and subsequently reviewed and used by other researchers (Arruza et al., 2001; Telletxea, 2008). The results show that somatic anxiety significantly decreased between pre and post-match in the home condition, and there are significant differences between home players and away players in response to a victory outcome. The ability of coaches, monitors, and fitness trainers to understand and address athletes' anxiety states is crucial for optimizing their performance and overall well-being, as well as adherence to physical activity.

Stress and sport performance: a PNEI multidisciplinary approach.

Stress control is essential for avoiding a state of anxiety in sport competitions, as this state may have negative effects on other psychological variables of athletes, decreasing their self-confidence and harming their attentional control. In the present contribution a distress intervention model developed from a PNEI perspective will be sketched out. Our theoretical-methodological proposal consists of the definition of an integrated protocol of psycho-biological assessment and intervention on the allostatic load and on the levels of distress/eustress detectable in the sport environment, in relation to the person's health/well-being condition and the impact of this condition on the quality of sport performance. This paradigm has the potential to explore both the psychological dimension of stress management and the psycho-educational and psycho-physical dimension, according to a truly integrated approach to the athlete's health and psychophysical well-being. Its multidisciplinary nature requires close cooperation between different professional figures, such as the mental coach, psychologist, nutritionist, osteopath, and physiotherapist, as well as biologists, physicians and kinesiologists, both in planning and in implementation and monitoring at all stages. The potential impact of the model on sport performance will be deeply discussed.

Categories of Sport-Environment and Condition of the Sports

This paper explores the relationship between sports and their environment by categorizing sports based on the different level of control exerted over the environment. The four categories of sports environments include total control(sports that will not be affected by surrounding environment), partial control(sports that only with strict regulations of fields and courts but will be affected by climates), framed environmental conditions(sports that have specific restrictions of where to compete), and no control of the environment(sports that take place in natural environments where athletes have no control of environment and climates). This paper examines how each category impacts the players of the sports in terms of gameplay, injury potential, and fairness. Additionally, this paper describes the effects that sports events have on the environment, such as the damaging effects of pollution and noise pollution. Finally, the paper addresses potential solutions that will create a more sustainable relationship between sports and the environment.

Good use, non-use and misuse: safe sport reporting systems in context

ABSTRACT Reporting systems constitute an essential part of today’s safe sport initiatives across the world. Informed by literature on reporting wrongdoings in organisational contexts and a political sociology approach to policy instrumentation, this article examines how abuse reporting systems are utilised in youth high-performance sport environments. Drawing from 51 interviews with both user and provider groups of South Korea’s reporting facilities, the results offer three main uses of the country’s safe sport reporting mechanisms: (1) ‘good use’ that relies on their communicative capacity to signal changing organisational culture; (2) ‘non-use’ that derives not only from the fear of reprisals, but from more subtle relational and situational concerns, such as teams’ dissolution; and (3) ‘misuse’ of the systems as a tool to advance individual agendas as opposed to protecting victims. The findings of this study not only provide evidence for both positive and perverse effects of safe sport reporting facilities per se, but also illuminate the importance of social and institutional conditions that can both enable and constrain this newly implemented policy measure for athlete safeguarding.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Sports: The Scope of the Problem, Implications for Athletes' Health and Avenues for Collaborative Public Health Action.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a global threat, leading to increased mortality and necessitating urgent action-however, its impact on athletes and the world of sports has hitherto been neglected. Sports environments (including athletic and aquatic) exhibit high levels of microbial contamination, potentially contributing to the spread of resistant microorganisms during physical activities. Moreover, the literature suggests that travel for sports events may lead to changes in athletes' gut microbiomes and potentially impact their antibiotic resistance profiles, raising questions about the broader implications for individual and public/global health. The prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) among athletes (particularly those engaged in contact or collision sports) ranges between 22.4% and 68.6%, with MRSA strains being isolated in up to 34.9% of tested individuals. Factors such as training frequency, equipment sharing, delayed post-training showers, and a history of certain medical conditions are linked to higher colonization rates. Moreover, MRSA outbreaks have been documented in sports teams previously, highlighting the importance of implementing preventive measures and hygiene protocols in athletic settings. In light of the growing threat of AMR, there is a critical need for evidence-based treatment guidelines tailored to athletes' unique physiological demands to ensure responsible antibiotic use and mitigate potential health risks. While various initiatives-such as incorporating AMR awareness into major sporting events-aim to leverage the broad audience of sports to communicate the importance of addressing AMR, proactive measures (including improved AMR surveillance during large sporting events) will be indispensable for enhancing preparedness and safeguarding both athletes' and the general public's health. This narrative review thoroughly assesses the existing literature on AMR and antibiotic usage in the context of sports, aiming to illuminate areas where information may be lacking and underscoring the significance of promoting global awareness about AMR through sports.

Social representation of masculine and feminine sports among Saudi adolescents.

This study examined how certain sports are represented as masculine or feminine in Saudi adolescents, namely, which sports adolescents associate with males and which sports they associate with females. Previous research aligned with this concern was conducted within Western culture; however, there is a need to shed light on how the issues of social representation of masculine and feminine sports affect other cultures such as Middle Eastern cultures. A survey was completed by 280 Saudi adolescents, aged between 12 and 17 (M = 13.5, SD = 1.3). The survey contained open-ended recall questions that asked participants to name three masculine, feminine, and natural sports. Most participants were familiar with using feminine and masculine terminology to describe sports, and nearly half had personally used gendered terms to describe sports. Overall, the participants generated 2,195 names of various sports, with the majority classified as natural (appropriate for both men and women), many masculine, and the fewest feminine. The connection between specific sports and masculinity or femininity can restrict the activities of adolescents who do not conform to traditional gender roles. Also, adolescents who are interested in sports that are not typically associated with their gender may experience social stigma or exclusion, which can discourage their participation. Therefore, it is important to establish inclusive environments in sports, regardless of the gender.