Sports Facilities Research Articles

The relationship between life satisfaction and risk preferences of couch potatoes, recreational and elite athletes: the impact of mental dispositions and attitudes

IntroductionThis study examines the relationship between physical activity and mental wellbeing among students not playing any sport (“couch potatoes”), recreational athletes and “dual career students”, i.e., students who are at the same time elite athletes. It addresses three closely related, yet different questions: (i) Do couch potatoes, recreational and elite athletes differ in their level of affective well-being or happiness? (ii) Are there any differences in cognitive wellbeing or life satisfaction between these groups? and (iii) Are there any differences in risk preferences and attitudes?MethodsIn our empirical analysis, we use a large cross-section dataset with detailed information on nearly 4,700 students enrolled at 24 different universities and universities of applied sciences all over Germany to identify the relationship between the individuals' personalities and their life satisfaction and risk preferences using standard regression models.ResultsOur findings indicate that, first, elite athletes report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction than recreational athletes and couch potatoes. Second, both groups of athletes display higher levels of risk tolerance than couch potatoes. Third, and most important, we find significant personality differences between elite athletes and the other two groups of students that drive most, yet not all of our results.DiscussionSince dual career students are often role models for other students, universities should consider investing in their sports facilities and offering sports classes on campus to increase the athletic involvement of the general student body.

Analysis of Football Pitch Performances Based on Different Cutting Systems: From Visual Evaluation to YOLOv8

The quality of sports facilities, especially football pitches, has gained significant attention due to the growing importance of sports globally. This study examines the effect of two different cutting systems, a traditional ride-on mower and an autonomous mower, on the quality and functional parameters of a municipal football field. The analysis includes visual assessments, measurements of grass height, and evaluations of surface hardness, comparing the performance of the two cutting systems. Additionally, studies of turfgrass composition and machine learning techniques, particularly with YOLOv8s and YOLOv8n, are conducted to test the capability of assessing weed and turfgrass species distribution. The results indicate significant differences in grass color based on the position (5.36 in the corners and 3.69 in the central area) and surface hardness between areas managed with a traditional ride-on mower (15.25 Gmax) and an autonomous mower (10.15 Gmax) in the central region. Higher height values are recorded in the area managed with the ride-on mower (2.94 cm) than with the autonomous mower (2.61 cm). Weed presence varies significantly between the two cutting systems, with the autonomous mower demonstrating higher weed coverage in the corners (17.5%). Higher overall performance metrics were obtained through YOLOv8s. This study underscores the importance of innovative management practices and monitoring techniques in optimizing the quality and playability of a football field while minimizing environmental impact and management efforts.

A Study on the Role of Physical Education and Sports in Promoting Social Skills of High School Students

This research analyses the importance of physical education and sports in fostering social skills. Few high school students have empathy, leadership, teamwork, and communication the most. This offers them an opportunity to sharpen those qualities and more when they are practicing sports through physical education. The present study employed a descriptive design, and 200 high school students from Dharwad, Karnataka, were selected to fill out a structured questionnaire related to the demographic data and the extent of attitudes toward physical education as well as social skills. Results showed that 70% had moderate and 14% scored high in social skills (predicate) but were not low. Still, 16% of students were in the very low social skills category, so these results suggest a need for targeted social skills training during physical education. The findings highlight the importance of an aspect usually linked to physical health. However, when implemented effectively, it can also positively impact a wider variety of social and emotional results, which is crucial for the overall development of students. In light of this, the study recommends that schools introduce broad physical education curricula with a substantial focus on social skills training along with trained educators and improved sports facilities to ensure a rounded social and emotional development among students.

Exploring the Symbiotic Growth of Urban Sports Facilities and Ecology Within the Framework of “Internet+” Strategy

This study investigates how sports facility construction affects pollution levels, specifically nitrogen concentrations in venue waters and sunny day frequencies. The authors find a clear link between the proliferation of facilities and ecological changes. Increasing technological equipment types from three to six raises water nitrogen levels from 10.3 mg/L to 24.7 mg/L, highlighting the correlation between tech intensity and pollution. Additionally, sunny days decrease by roughly 20% comparing low to high-tech sports zones, emphasizing the significant environmental impact. They propose actionable strategies based on empirical data to promote harmonious growth between sports facilities and their ecological surroundings. Limiting tech gadget deployment to 150 or fewer can reduce nitrogen levels by up to 15%, enhancing ecological health. Leveraging official websites and video promotions can boost facility visibility and utilization by 20%, encouraging community involvement and environmental responsibility. This study fosters the harmonious advancement of sports facility construction and ecology.

Towards social sustainability in urban communities: exploring how community parks influence residents’ social interaction during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 outbreak and associated lockdowns have heightened the challenges of social isolation in urban communities. Social interaction is recognized as a key factor in promoting people’s health, wellbeing, and social sustainability within urban communities. Public open spaces serve as a vital link between communities’ environment and individuals’ wellbeing. However, there has been limited research exploring how community parks impact residents’ social interaction in urban communities during the pandemic, particularly a lack of in-depth qualitative research in this area. To address this gap, this research investigated the impact of community parks on social interaction in master-planned communities in Sydney, using a qualitative case study method. A total of sixteen residents living in two selected communities—Breakfast Point and Liberty Grove—were interviewed during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022. It was found that three themes and seven underlying subthemes of park-use factors influence residents’ social interactions: (1) quality of park spaces (rest spaces, BBQ/picnic recreation spaces, children’s playgrounds, sport facilities, and nature amenities), (2) pedestrian integration of parks (interconnected park network and well-dispersed small parks), and (3) pedestrian connectivity with surroundings. The findings provide theoretical, empirical, and practical implications for promoting social wellbeing and community sustainability in the post-COVID era.

China’s ‘Stadium Diplomacy’ in West Asia and North Africa: Soft-power Tool for Political and Economic Influence

China’s ‘Stadium Diplomacy’ in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) is a soft power strategy used to increase its regional political and economic influence. This strategy is part of a broader trend in which China increasingly uses soft power tools to project its global influence. Chinese companies are involved in building and funding large-scale sports facilities and stadiums used as venues for major international sports events. By investing in sports infrastructure, China can project an image of economic and technological prowess and gain access to raw materials, mineral resources, and markets while fostering closer diplomatic ties with countries in the region. Nevertheless, there are also concerns that China’s soft power efforts are being used to mask more strategic and geopolitical goals. While stadium diplomacy can be an effective soft power tool for building economic relationships and increasing influence, it must also be scrutinised and understood in the context of China’s broader strategic goals and interests.

Parent-spectators’ misbehaviour in grassroots football: an explorative qualitative study

The overall purpose of the present study was to explore the behaviour, comments and unsporting reactions of parent-spectators at football matches. For this, a non-participant naturalistic observation was carried out on 52 groups of parent-spectators of Spanish grassroots football. The observations were supplemented by informal interviews with three referees, a field delegate and three sports facility workers. The results of the study show, on one hand, how parent-spectators often make negative comments about referees, coaches and players. They ridicule and complain about referees’ actions to pressure in favour of their team and may also make gratuitous remarks about their physical appearance. Parent-spectators criticise and occasionally even insult coaches, belittling some of their decisions and even supplanting them in their comments to the players in their team. Players of the opposing team receive negative comments for unsporting actions and those in their own team may receive negative comments on their play. Parent-spectators remain passive in the face of their own and other children’s negative behaviour and may even unconsciously encourage unsporting behaviour in players and coaches. This study examines different implications for the improvement of the social-moral climate at grassroots football matches.

Design and evaluation of a standalone electric vehicles charging station for a university campus in Argentina

The increasing popularity of electric vehicles in recent years has led to a growing demand for charging stations. In this context, universities are an ideal setting for their installation, as they have a large number of students, professors, and staff who could benefit from them and, at the same time, it serves as teaching material to raise awareness in the use of renewable energy. This work presents the design and proposal of an electric vehicle charging station for the campus of the Universidad Nacional de Rafaela (UNRaf). The station will be located in an area of the campus where the construction of more buildings and sport facilities is planned. This area will not be connected to the electrical grid and instead, will have an energy storage system to guarantee supply. The station will have the capacity to simultaneously charge 4 bicycles and 2 light electric vehicles, with an average energy demand of 0.786 kWh per hour. Homer Pro software was used for the calculations. The most economically viable option was a 100% renewable solution powered only by solar energy. It is expected to consist of a 15-kW solar system that will produce 22,922 kWh/year and a bank of 30 batteries of 3 kWh plus a single battery of 1 kWh. The installation of the electric vehicle charging station on the UNRaf campus will contribute to promoting the adoption of sustainable transportation, which will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions without using the public power grid.

Empowering sports facilities and sports physiotherapy performance with Integrated Management Information System (IMIS): Enhanced user experience and service quality

This study investigates the development of Integrated Management Information Systems (IMIS) to improve user experience and service quality in sports facilities. This research conducts a systematic review (2018-2023) of 7 articles from Scopus, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar to explore how IMIS can address evolving industry needs. The system facilitates user access to information, online transactions, and feedback mechanisms while enabling personalization and recommendations. However, the review also highlights the potential of IMIS to revolutionize sports physiotherapy through enhanced athlete care, data-driven treatment plans, and streamlined operations. Successful IMIS implementation requires careful planning, stakeholder involvement, and continuous adaptation to emerging technologies like AI and IoT. By overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities, IMIS can usher in a new era of personalized, effective, and efficient athlete care. IMIS implementation involves evaluating facility needs, staff training, and introducing the system to users. Data security and privacy are paramount. Future integration of AI, IoT, and mobile applications holds promise for further enhancing IMIS effectiveness. Overall, IMIS implementation has demonstrably improved user experience and service quality. By prioritizing user experience and adapting to technological advancements, sports facilities can remain competitive in a digital age.

Factors influencing youth sports participation in India: A narrative review

Through this narrative review, we attempted to summarize and dissect the multiple dimensions affecting youth sports participation in India, using current literature to cover a broad spectrum of socio-cultural, economic, educational, and policy infrastructure; physical health; as well as media and technology perspectives. The analysis reveals that youth sports engagement is significantly influenced by familial, peer, and community dynamics, alongside cultural attitudes and gender disparities. Economic barriers, including affordability and accessibility of sports facilities, pose challenges, particularly for marginalized communities. Educational institutions play a pivotal role in fostering sports participation but face challenges in balancing academic pressures. Policy and infrastructure deficiencies hinder participation, necessitating robust interventions and community-based initiatives. Health considerations underscore the importance of managing injury risks and promoting inclusive programs. Moreover, media and technology emerge as powerful influencers, shaping youth attitudes and behaviors towards sports. This review also emphasizes the need for nuanced interventions and further research to more effectively reduce disparities and ensure inclusive youth sports participation in India.

A Study on Policy Directions to Resolve Conflicts in the Public Sport Facility Utilization

A Study on Policy Directions to Resolve Conflicts in the Public Sport Facility Utilization

Evaluating Policy Shifts on Perceived Greenspace Quality: Applying Regression Discontinuity During the COVID-19 Reopening Period

Abstract: Urban greenspaces have been essential in supporting residents’ well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly under strict lockdown measures. However, the impact of changing containment policies on residents’ perceived greenspace quality remains insufficiently explored. This study utilized online survey data collected between 11 October and 29 December 2022, in Shanghai, coinciding with the major policy shift on 5 December 2022. A probability proportionate to size sampling was adopted to survey residents aged 18 and above who had lived in the city for at least six months, yielding a total of 577 valid responses. We assessed residents’ perceived greenspace quality using 20 park- and community-level variables, focusing on both overall quality and specific features of greenspaces. A regression discontinuity design (RDD) was applied to evaluate how the lifting of the COVID-19 policies influenced residents’ perceptions of parks and community greenspaces. Our RDD estimation indicates no statistically significant change in residents’ overall perceived quality of parks after the policy shift, except for increased satisfaction with specific features such as plant diversity, maintenance, seating areas, trails, and large open spaces. In contrast, residents who responded after the policy shift reported a significantly higher perceived quality of community greenspaces compared to those who completed the survey before the shift (0.609 score difference, p < 0.01), with notable increases in satisfaction regarding plant diversity, maintenance, and seating areas. Perception of plant quantity remained unchanged in both types of greenspaces. Residents expressed greater satisfaction with sports facilities in parks, while community greenspaces were preferred for their water features and esthetic qualities. By adopting an RDD with a unique dataset, this study contributes empirical evidence to the current ongoing debate on the role of urban greenspace during the later stages of COVID-19. Specifically, it examines how changes in public health policy and the resulting increase in mobility might affect residents’ perceived greenspace quality. The findings can assist decision-makers and urban planners in developing more adaptive strategies to address the diverse needs of residents for greenspaces during the transitional period of a public health crisis.

The Impact of Illegal Mining on Sports Participation and Community Well-being in Ghana: Challenges and Prospects for Sustainable Development

This study aims to evaluate the effects of illegal mining on sports participation and community well-being in Ghana. The study specifically seeks to determine the impact of galamsey activities on community health, athlete development, sports infrastructure, and general sports participation in areas affected by mining. This study evaluates the effects of illegal mining on sports engagement and community well-being in Ghana. The Galamsey, an illegal small-scale mining practice, negatively impacts social infrastructures, particularly community well-being and sports participation. The report suggests that there are health hazards from environmental pollution, deteriorating sporting facilities, and a decline in youth involvement due to unlawful mining activities. However, the shift towards mining has disrupted sustainable livelihoods and communal cohesiveness, impeding local talent and community growth. The study used a qualitative research technique to examine the effects of illicit mining on Manso Datano and Keniago in Amansie West and Amansie South Districts. Thirty participants, including youth leaders, teachers, coaches, health workers, and community elders, were interviewed. This study highlights the devastation of sports facilities, health risks, and mitigating measures. It also highlights the decline in parental and school involvement in sports, as well as the absence of equipment, upkeep, and enthusiasm for sports activities. The study recommends community engagement tactics, public awareness campaigns, school assistance, community activities, and legal actions to lessen these effects. Policy reforms, funding for sports infrastructure restoration, and the integration of health and sports activities are proposed as vital steps towards sustainable development and recovery in affected areas.

Assessing distributional justice around Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) provided by urban green areas: The case of Bologna

Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) and related flows of benefits – heavily influencing societal and individual health and wellbeing - are usually ascribed non-consumptive values. However, despite the increasing recognition of their contribution to citizens’ quality of life, the intangible nature of CES makes it difficult to quantify them and hard to be integrated in decision making and planning processes. Nevertheless, the assessment of the societal relevance of CES would largely help to improve people wellbeing and quality of life. CES depend not only on the characteristics and features of urban green areas, but also on preferences and needs of the users that interact with them and that contribute to co-produce ES related benefits and values. These diverse needs, coupled with the uneven distribution of urban green area and diverse ways of managing them in the city, could affect the way ES are produced and further exacerbate existing inequalities and disparities. This contribution investigates the case study of the city of Bologna, introducing a spatial approach based on a new and pluralistic notion of urban green area that consider sport facilities and Green Stewards activities, to assess the related CES co-production paths and distributional dimension of justice in the city. Results show a good accessibility to urban green area throughout the city of Bologna (around .70 %). Nevertheless, CES co-production paths are limited in those areas of the city with higher population vulnerability index, due to lower urban green area facilities and green stewards activities, thus highlighting areas with higher distributional and procedural injustice path.

Game Day Traffic and Sports: Evidence From Yankee Stadium in the Bronx

This article investigates the impact of sports games on taxi trip times near a stadium in the Bronx. The traffic outcome variable comes from data on individual taxi trips in New York City. These trip-level data contain information on pick-up and drop-off times and locations, and trip distance. We analyze over 280,000 taxi trips on weekday evenings between March and September 2019. Under the assumption that taxi trips represent traffic conditions in the city, the results indicate that travel time increases on a game day. Travelers experience 1.3% longer travel times on game days. Game-related traffic increases travel time by 6.3% for the trips that pass through the stadium area, and by 17% for trips before the game starts. Local economic value of lost time from games amounts to about $2 million per year. Governments should consider these negative externalities when providing subsidies for new sports facility construction.

Analysis of Problems of Physical Education Teachers in Planning and Implementing Learning at State Senior High Schools in Southwest Aceh Regency

Physical education teachers are faced with challenges in carrying out an effective learning process. This requires teachers to have skills in designing adaptive learning methods. The lesson plan is a document that guides teachers in preparing the learning process. This research aims to determine the ability of physical education teachers to compile lesson plans and implement learning, as well as the problems faced by physical education teachers in the Public High School of Aceh Barat Daya Regency. The approach in this research is qualitative with a descriptive research type. The research subjects were 12 physical education teachers actively serving in the State High School of Southwest Aceh Regency. The data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, and documentation studies. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that 1) The ability of physical education teachers to prepare lesson plans at Senior High Schools in Aceh Barat Daya Regency has not been able to be implemented by the development of the applicable curriculum. Physical education teachers have not been able to design the objectives and stages of learning activities, as well as follow-up and assessment to determine the quality of the learning process, so it is limited to only one activity that is the same for all students. 2) The implementation of physical education learning at Senior High Schools in Aceh Barat Daya Regency has not been running optimally. Physical education teachers do not carry out systematic assessments. In addition, teachers do not apply cooling that is by the characteristics of the material being taught, and summarize the learning material by involving and guiding students. 3) The problems of physical education teachers in preparing learning plans and implementation at Senior High Schools in Aceh Barat Daya Regency are setting objectives formulating appropriate learning indicators and selecting learning methods to the conditions of facilities and infrastructure. Limitations in computer skills are also a problem for physical education teachers in preparing lesson plans. The availability of inadequate sports facilities makes it difficult to actively involve students in the learning process and to carry out accurate evaluations.

Legal Protection of Social Security and Forms of Providing Accountability, Coaching, and Welfare for Indonesian National Athletes

The aim of this research is to analyze the legal protection provided by athletes for those who are not included in the social security program in the event of an injury and old-age pension security. National athletes have basic rights such as the right to education, health and protection from exploitation. They also have the right to receive appropriate rewards for their efforts and achievements in sports. Legal protection is necessary to ensure that these rights are respected and protected. The government has an important role in the legal protection of national athletes, including in terms of funding, coaching, accountability, training, sports facilities and sports promotion. The government also has an obligation to protect athletes from exploitation and discrimination. In order to achieve brilliant sporting achievements, strong legal protection for national athletes is very important. This provides encouragement for athletes to fully commit to their sport without having to worry about any legal issues that may arise. Thus, legal protection for national athletes is an essential aspect in advancing sports and encouraging future generations of athletes to achieve higher achievements.

Harnessing Physical Training Resolve through the Modernization of Large-Scale Sports Venues in Selected Colleges in Henan Province, China

The results of this study highlight the relationship between the modernization of large-scale sports venues and the physical training resolve of students in selected universities in Henan Province, China. The findings indicate that while the modernization of sports facilities generally improved public accessibility and provided students with better infrastructure, it did not significantly influence all aspects of physical training resolve. There were significant correlations between public accessibility and students' motivation to participate in diverse sports activities, as well as between government-market dynamics and the duration of physical training sessions. However, areas such as social influence, peer support, and psychological constructs did not show strong associations with the modernization efforts. The study also found that the physical training resolve of students varied based on their course of study, with certain disciplines showing higher engagement in specific types of sports and psychological benefits. Overall, the results suggest that while modernization enhances some aspects of physical training, a more comprehensive approach is needed to fully support students’ physical engagement across all dimensions.

Theoretical approaches to the problem of integration of servicemen with disabilities into society

The problems of health disorders and disabilities among military personnel in the security forces today, in the context of warfare, are quite relevant for any social environment, peoples and the country as a whole, which requires the attention of the state leadership and scientists in the search, development and implementation of the latest technologies adapted to the needs of persons with disabilities, taking into account their needs. It is worth noting that in recent years, the attitude to this category of servicemen has changed significantly and health disorders are considered a social phenomenon. The scientific article is devoted to the study and analysis of problems related to adaptive physical culture and sports for military personnel with health disabilities. The author proposes a set of measures to address them, and emphasizes the need to create conditions, scientifically based training programs and specialized sports facilities for physical exercises for servicemen with disabilities, their accessibility, and improvement of the regulatory framework based on the realities of servicemen's participation in combat operations.

Accessibility Technical Considerations Sports Venues And Facilities

In the current context, promoting access to sports places and facilities is a necessary condition for exercising fully the citizenship rights guaranteed in the Portuguese Constitution regarding access to sport. Over the years, we have discovered that successive measures taken in the area of accessibility to sports spaces and facilities have not resulted in significant changes in the existing framework, with a significant percentage of sports spaces and facilities that do not meet the minimum accessibility conditions and that place various limitations on citizens with limited or reduced mobility who legitimately intend to use them. The goal of this study is to direct students of the degree course in sports management at the Autonomous University of Lisbon and professionals in the field of sport to reflect on the theme "Technical considerations of accessibility to sports spaces and facilities" based on sustained practices and a set of variables related to: Accessibility for all; accessibility in relation to sports spaces and facilities; disability in relation to sports spaces and facilities; future interests and difficulties. There was a generalised thinking based on age, gender, household, residence, and nationality, according to the sociodemographic analysis. We employed a quantitative descriptive methodology. The findings revealed that "the promotion of accessibility is an essential condition for the full exercise of citizenship rights" when confronted with "the space, the building, the furniture, the urban equipment, should be able to be experienced by anyone, including people with reduced mobility or disabilities" It had a considerable impact on the perception of the topic under consideration. Keywords: Sport; Accessibility; Sports Spaces and Facilities. JEL Codes: D71, D91, I14, I31, Z2.