Sports Programs Research Articles

Leveraging the Cancellation of In-Person Sport Events for Sense of Community: The Case of the Illinois Marathon

The current study explored how the cancellation of an in-person sport event was leveraged for sense of community (SOC) among event participants and challenges faced by event managers when leveraging event cancellation. We employed document analysis and semistructured interviews with 6 event managers and 14 event participants. Findings showed that despite the cancellation of in-person sport events, event managers were able to develop some new, creative sport or event programs such as virtual race, virtual challenge, and a small-scale in-person race, to build SOC among participants. However, there were also challenges to leveraging event cancellation for SOC such as prioritizing other urgent matters over leveraging the event, and lacking knowledge, experience, and resources. Overall, this study extends the event leverage framework by examining if and how event cancellation can be leveraged, while providing implications for event managers to develop effective leverage strategies in the face of event cancellations.

Quality of life and adherence to physical activity in leisure time of people with physical disability

Abstract Study aim: People with disability are characterized by mental disorders, lower physical function, and poor social functioning. Dramatically, they are at particular risk of loss of their psychosocial functions. Here, we tested the relationship between quality of life and adherence to physical activity in leisure time of people with physical disability. Material and methods: A cross-sectional design based on the descriptive correlational method was applied. The statistical population of the study included 555 people with different types of physical disability. A quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess the quality of life, and adherence to physical activity was measured with the Adherence to Physical Activity Questionnaire. Preliminary calculations involved a series of Pearson correlations. Moreover, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Finally, structural equation modeling was used to assess the research model. Results: The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship (P < 0.05) of the quality of life and its components with adherence to physical activity. Based on statistical analysis, 73% of adherence to physical activity changes was related to the quality of life components. Conclusion: According to the results, special attention to the social functioning of physically disabled people and efforts and planning in order to improve it can help to improve the quality of life of these people. Also, by designing diverse sports programs for their leisure time we can help improve the adherence of physically disabled people to physical activity.

High Performance Sport Programs and Emplaced Performance Capital A Qualitative Analysis within the Context of Elite Athletes from Developing Nations

High Performance Sport Programs and Emplaced Performance Capital A Qualitative Analysis within the Context of Elite Athletes from Developing Nations

The Role of Sports in Promoting Social Inclusion and Health in Marginalized Communities

Objective: This study aims to explore the role of sports in promoting social inclusion and health within marginalized communities. Methods and Materials: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth insights from participants. Individuals from various marginalized communities, including ethnic minorities, low-income groups, and those with disabilities, were purposefully sampled. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, with interviews being transcribed verbatim and analyzed using NVivo software. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify and categorize recurring themes and patterns in the data. Results: The study identified three main themes: social inclusion, health and well-being, and personal development and growth. Participants reported that sports participation significantly enhanced their social networks, community cohesion, and broke down social barriers, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Physical health benefits included improved fitness and reduced chronic diseases, while mental health improvements encompassed stress relief, anxiety reduction, and mood enhancement. Sports also facilitated personal development by fostering leadership skills, teamwork, and providing educational and career opportunities. Conclusion: Sports play a crucial role in promoting social inclusion and health within marginalized communities. The findings underscore the multifaceted benefits of sports participation, including enhanced social connections, improved physical and mental health, and personal empowerment. The study suggests that increasing access to inclusive sports programs and addressing barriers to participation can further amplify these benefits.

Examining the Knowledge and Training of Secondary School Physical Educators Providing Strength and Conditioning Programming

Purpose: The purpose was to examine secondary physical education teachers’ strength and conditioning (SC) knowledge and evaluate associations between SC teaching role, professional preparation, and development. Method: A knowledge survey was developed/validated and distributed to 2,189 middle/high school teachers, with 605 providing complete data. Results: Seventy-five percent of participants reported serving an SC-related teaching role, and mean SC knowledge was 6.77 correct out of 15 (45%). Participants with SC certification, who taught an SC unit/course, who supervised an SC sport program, and who taught in high school performed significantly better. Physical education teacher education preparation, including exercise physiology and weightlifting activity courses, was a significant predictor of SC knowledge. Professional development, such as SC online coursework, meeting with SC professionals, and reading SC publications, was also a significant predictor. Conclusion: To support physical education teachers’ SC knowledge, physical education teacher education programs should include SC-related course offerings, and school administrators should consider offering professional development to physical education teachers who serve in SC roles.

How Do Adult-Oriented Coaching Practices Change Over Time and Correspond With Changes in Key Criterion Outcomes? An 8-Week Study

The Adult-Oriented Sport Coaching Survey assesses how often coaches use practices tailored to adult and older adult athletes. Cross-sectionally, said practices contribute to a quality masters sport experience for masters athletes (MAs); however, the stability of adult-oriented coaching over time and whether changes in coaching over time correspond with psychosocial outcomes for MAs is unknown. Therefore, coaches (N = 32; Mage = 49.0) and MAs (N = 103; Mage = 51.5) completed the Adult-Oriented Sport Coaching Survey twice 8 weeks apart. MAs also completed criterion measures for facets of the coach–athlete relationship, basic needs satisfaction, and thwarting. Our first question was whether mean group values for adult-oriented coaching changed over time. Repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrated stability of coaches’ and MAs’ scores. Our second question was whether changes in adult-oriented coaching corresponded with changes on criterion measures. Path analyses showed increased perceived frequency of adult-oriented coaching that, generally, was associated with enhancing three facets of the coach–athlete relationship, relatedness satisfaction, autonomy satisfaction, and reducing competency thwarting. The discussion centers on how adult-oriented coaching might facilitate quality sporting relationships, empowerment, and mastery in adult sport programming. These nonintervention results are interpreted with an eye toward considerations in future Adult-Oriented Sport Coaching Survey-based coaching interventions.

16-Week Home- Based Exercise And Physical Activity Program Using Online Zoom On Health-Related Quality Of Life In Obese Children Aged 5-10 Years.

The aim of this research project was to implement a 16-week sports program for children with excessive obesity through online platforms, specifically using the Zoom platform, and evaluate its impact on the participants' physical health, psychological well-being, and overall satisfaction with the program. The study enrolled 30 children between the ages of 5 and 10 who had been diagnosed with excessive obesity by healthcare professionals. The program consisted of structured exercise sessions conducted remotely with qualified instructors providing guidance and supervision. Data regarding participants' health, physical fitness levels, and psychological well-being were collected through pre-program and post-program questionnaires completed by parents/guardians. The results indicated significant improvements in participants' physical health, with 53.3% showing improved physical fitness levels and 30% significantly improved physical health. Psychological well-being also improved, with 40% reporting fair to good mood and emotional well-being post-program compared to 23.3% pre-program. Overall satisfaction with the program was high, with 70% of parents expressing satisfaction or high satisfaction. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the feasibility and effectiveness of online exercise interventions for children with excessive obesity. Further research is warranted to explore long-term outcomes and refine program delivery methods.

Inheritance and development of traditional sports culture in college physical education in the context of deep learning

Abstract This study focuses on the inheritance of traditional sports culture in physical education in colleges and universities, which is relatively weak in colleges and universities despite its rich connotation and national characteristics. The article adopts the back propagation algorithm in deep learning to shorten the distance between students and traditional sports culture and improve the inheritance effect. The inheritance critical value of traditional sports culture was calculated by exploring the inheritance effect of traditional sports culture from the three dimensions of cognition, emotion, and behavior, and combining the threshold value of information dissemination. The study further analyzed the inheritance value demand of different programs in colleges and universities based on students’ cognition of each traditional sports program. By comparing the inheritance scores of 20 colleges and universities, it reveals the differences in the effectiveness of different types of colleges and universities in the inheritance of traditional sports culture. The results show that students have the highest awareness of dragon boat as an item (0.6519), while the mean variance of betting plus and crossbow shooting are 47.245 and 17.862, respectively, indicating their importance in the inheritance needs of traditional sports programs in colleges and universities. Among the 20 studied universities, the 4th school had the highest classic sports culture inheritance effect score of 0.54. The study’s findings provide valuable data support and strategy suggestions for optimizing and enhancing the inheritance of traditional sports culture in universities.

Конкуренция на рынке продуктов индустрии спорта

The global sports industry is today a large sector of the global economy, which is dynamically developing in the face of competition from numerous sports organizations, as well as various business representatives and popular media. The article analyzes the main products of the sports industry (a sports event and a sports and wellness service), gives a general real picture of the sports industry market, taking into account both various manufacturers and consumers of these products. Each product of the sports industry has its own characteristics, taking into account the development of various segments of the industry (professional and mass sports, youth sports and fitness industries). Within the framework of the conducted research, specific elements of the competitive strategy of various manufacturers of the sports industry have been identified, taking into account the characteristics of the products of this industry. The authors note the emergence of digital sports (e-sports, sports programming, fidgital sports, etc.), which significantly affects the competition of the sports events market. Competition in the sports and wellness services market is associated with the development of entrepreneurial activity in mass and youth sports, as well as in the fitness industry. The article shows how competition in the sports industry is developing today, how the competitive environment is being formed and for which products consumers of the industry are competing. The presented article shows the level of development of the competitive environment in the sports industry.

IMPORTANCE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF SERVICE LEARNING IN SPORT AND HEALTH HIGHER EDUCATION AREA

Service learning is increasingly recognized as a pedagogical approach providing benefits to students, faculties, educational institutions, communities, and society. It is challenge-based and a credit-based activity with many confirmed benefits in higher education areas such as developing students’ academic and personal skills, critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication. The main aim of the research is to analyse differences in attitudes related to service learning between students who participated in academic courses with service-learning topics, and students who have no servicelearning knowledge on an academic level. The research was conducted on a sample of 88 students of Physical Education aged between 20 and 24 divided into two subsamples. Students in the experimental group (N=30) were attendees of an academic course where service learning themes were implemented. Students in the control group (N=58) did not participate in the programs with service learning themes on an academic level. SELEB questionnaire with six categories: civic responsibility, interpersonal skills, leadership ability, ability to apply knowledge, general life skills, and critical thinking, were used for measuring service learning benefits for students. Differences in research groups were noted for all six categories implying that implementation of service learning content in higher education programs of physical education and sports can improve students’ attitudes and quality of higher education.

The role of Sports and Health-Improving Training Programs in the Organization of Martial Arts Club Activities

The Topicality of an effect of sports and health-improving training programs on the organization of martial arts club activities is determined by current trends in sports and physical activity, as well as the needs of society in preserving and improving the human physical and psychological health. The growing interest in fitness, sports and a healthy lifestyle prompts martial arts clubs to find new approaches to organizing training and classes. In this context, the sports and health-improving training programs become a necessary tool to ensure effective training adapted to the needs of various population groups. The Purpose of the Research is to determine the impact of the sports and health-improving training programs on the organization of martial arts club activities. Methods of the Research. The methods of analysis, synthesis, induction and system analysis method have been used in research. The Research Results. The role of the sports and health-improving training programs in the organization of martial arts club activities is defined. Modern sports activities in the field of martial arts are impossible without the introduction and implementation of scientifically substantiated research of the training programs. To ensure high efficiency and achieve the best results, a systematic and purposeful approach to training is necessary. One of the important tools of this approach is the development of training programs for sports and health activities. These programs constitute a key directive document for the coaching staff and athletes, defining the structure, tasks, goals and sequence of the training process. Findings. The research made it possible to determine the impact of sports and health-improving training programs on the organization of martial arts club activities. The conducted research analysis of the development of sports and health-improving training programs and their role in the organization of the martial arts club activities reveals an important aspect of the functioning of sports training in this context.

The Issue of Gender Inequality in Sports Through a Survey of Different Sports Programs in America

This study focuses on a topic and argument at the heart of society: the issue of gender inequality. Focusing primarily on the sports industry, it explores how gender inequality is manifested in various aspects of various sports programs in the United States. The paper provides an in-depth exploration of the unequal treatment that men and women receive in sports by collecting the salaries of men and women in each program and analyzing the data in comparison. Finally, the result shows that there is definitely a payment gap and a reporting gap between male and female athletics among all programs including basketball, soccer, golf etc. The emergence of such gender inequality issues affects the sports climate and athletes’ social perceptions, as well as exacerbating the severity of social issues such as gender inequality. The reason of that is the instinctive physical differences between man and woman. The recommendation is to challenge this traditional norm quickly to ensure a better and purer competitive atmosphere.

Student Perceptions on the Implementation of Practical Subjects Learning Models Post Pandemi Covid- 19

This research is based on the outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic, where for its prevention, it applies the rules of keeping a distance from each other or face-to-face lectures are not possible and must be carried out online or using (Zoom). In addition, this situation makes the lecturer laborious to know which students can practice the movements that are indicators of learning in practical courses. This quantitative research used a descriptive approach. It aimed to determine the perceptions of Sports and Health Education Study Program students of FKIP Universitas Jambi on the application of learning models in practical courses during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research benefits include: 1) for the lecturers, it can be a consideration to use learning models during the Covid-19 pandemic, 2) How the students need to train themselves to practice indicators of movement skills that must be mastered in these practical courses. It was because in practice, carrying out practical activities was impossible. In collecting the data, this research used a questionnaire with a Likert scale and validity and reliability tests. Afterward, the data collected were analyzed descriptively by calculating percentages. The results showed that students' perceptions of implementing learning models and practice during the Covid-19 pandemic, 64.2% stated 'agree' 31.3% 'strongly agree', and the remaining 4.5% were 'unsure". It concluded the students 'agree' with the application of the learning model using Zoom application in practical courses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The ongoing struggle for legitimacy: the case of an unsanctioned community sport organization

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore how one unsanctioned community sport organization (CSO), AM Hockey, sought to acquire legitimacy in a highly institutionalized minor hockey marketplace at various points in its organizational life cycle.Design/methodology/approachThis study was guided by instrumental case study methodology. Twenty (20) AM Hockey stakeholders from a variety of roles (e.g. executives, program directors and coaches) were interviewed. Document analysis was also utilized to supplement the interviewees. Internal and public documents reflective of the CSO's creation and growth were obtained.FindingsFindings revealed that the CSO had to navigate distinct phases of evolution including the Building, Growth, Competition and Stabilization phases. Although the four life cycle phases identified in this study share similarities with the phases identified by Lester et al. (2003), findings indicated that institutional work mechanisms must be understood in their context as they can vary over the life cycle of an organization. Therefore, start-up sports organizations must approach the pursuit of legitimacy as a continual process rather than something acquired and defended through maintenance work.Originality/valueDeveloping legitimacy remains a central challenge for CSOs that seek to deliver alternative sport programming, yet it continues to be understudied. Ultimately, the long-term viability of an unsanctioned CSO in a federated sports system relies, in part, on its ability to continually determine the actions needed to achieve legitimacy within its environment.

A study of the effects of different sports programs on psychological stress and mental toughness of college students in the Internet era

Abstract There are differences in the effects of different groups of sports on mental health factors, and this paper analyzes the effects of different sports on psychological stress and mental toughness based on logistic regression and clustering. By exploring the association between sports and psychological quality, the mediating effect model of sports benefits on mental health was constructed. Logistic regression was used to analyze the test results of different health factors among college students, and the dimensions of psychological stress and mental toughness were divided by combining the methods of cluster analysis. The results showed that after soccer, the student’s life stress decreased from 31.8 to 28.6, and after badminton, the students’ developmental stress decreased from 23.4 to 21.6. The students’ developmental stress before basketball was 23.8, and the students’ developmental stress after basketball was 20, which was a decrease of 3.8.The test of students’ mental toughness presented the soccer>track and field>basketball>Unsports results. The students’ resilience increased from 3.01±0.45 to 4.12±0.74 after the soccer intervention.

Participant Experience of a Modified Sports Program—A Curriculum Investigation in Gaelic Games

Modified sports programs aim to encourage children’s participation in sport and develop the skills required for future participation, with existing research supporting their positive influence on participants’ enjoyment, skill performance, and learning. However, limited research in this area and potential difficulties in contextual application underscore the need to understand stakeholders’ perceptions and the dilemmas of practice. Therefore, this study aimed to explore stakeholders’ perceptions of the Gaelic games modified sports program, Go Games, utilising the intended–enacted–experienced curriculum model as a framework. Short semi-structured interviews were conducted with 180 participants, including players (n = 92), parents (n = 62), and coaches (n = 26). Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The findings indicate a strong coherence between the experiences and perceptions of coaches and parents with the intended curriculum, but a disparity in understanding the purpose and objectives of modifications amongst parents. This study underscores the role of enjoyment for participants, but also highlights the high variability in the sources of this enjoyment. Prominently, coaches faced a range of dilemmas of practice based on the need to juggle often competing sources of motivation and enjoyment. This study suggests the need for greater parental understanding and significant support for coaches to manage these dilemmas of practice.

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

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

Rethinking the Vulnerability of Groups Targeted in Health-Promoting Sports and Physical Activity Programs

Vulnerability and related terms are increasingly used to describe the target groups of health-promoting programs involving sports and physical activity. Yet, such terms are often left undefined, creating an image of vulnerability that reinforces the health inequities the programs seek to counter. This article aims to reconceptualize vulnerability to help researchers and program personnel describe and support individuals and groups in vulnerable positions. To do so, we conceptualize vulnerability as a contentious phenomenon, emphasizing the spectrum between individual and community perspectives on vulnerability, along with between experts’ evaluation of (health) risks and lived vulnerability. We illustrate the utility of this elaborate conceptualization of vulnerability through a single case study of a walking program organized by a health promotion unit in a so-called deprived area in Denmark. Interviewing the health professionals, it was not surprising to identify that experts’ evaluations of risks are key to the program. However, employing the conceptual framework in its entirety, we also find indications of lived vulnerability and resistance towards their conditions among the program participants. We conclude that it is relevant for both researchers and program employees to consider the complete spectrum of risks and lived vulnerabilities, along with providing support not only to individuals in need but also to their communities.

The Effect of Community Sports Program on Township Cohesion of a Selected Sports University in Beijing, China

This study aims to determine the correlation between the assessment of the respondents on the Community Sports Program of the university and the assessment of the respondents on the effect of the community sports program on township cohesion. This study made use of the quantitative comparative correlational research design to examine the relationship between respondents' assessments of the university's Community Sports Program and its impact on township cohesion. The research design involves collecting numerical data through a structured survey questionnaire, measuring respondents' perceptions and assessments using a 4-point scale for each construct related to the Community Sports Program and its impact on township cohesion. A sample of 200 participants in a sports university was selected using purposive sampling technique to ensure they have direct experience or knowledge related to the Community Sports Program and its effects on township cohesion. For the Community Sports Program of the University, the mean score stands at 2.977. When correlated with the assessment of its effect on township cohesion (which has a mean of 2.724), a correlation coefficient of -0.063 is obtained. The significance level for this correlation is 0.378. Given this result, the null hypothesis (Ho) is accepted, signifying that there is no significant relationship between the respondents’ evaluation of the Community Sports Program and their assessment of its influence on township cohesion.

Management of Sports Activities at the University Level for Popularizing and Promoting Sports Culture in India

Sports have been recognized as an indispensable part of a university in India, which can generate feelings of national pride and identity. Developing and promoting sports culture and creating a vibrant sports atmosphere at the university level is critical to professionally managing university sports activities. Jadavpur University, as an Indian university, adopted some significant steps to manage university sports activities for developing and promoting the Indian sports culture. Some criteria were recommended in this university sports policies, like sports quota admission, relaxation of percentage/marks/ranks, and attendance after university participation in sports. Several plans were executed to motivate sportspersons, such as a sports inspiration program, enhancement of allowances, special incentives to the medal winners, the award for best sports person trophy, releasing sports activities report annually, and induction of a sports board tag on the university website. For professional staff resource management of sports, various qualified part-time coaches, trainers, and instructors are appointed for different sports events as and when required. There are sports board members and technical and supportive staff to perform the functional activities of university sports. Several methods were applied to manage sports facilities by providing hiring and support services, inculcating informal events, organizing intra-mural sports activities, conducting university coaching programs, celebrating Independence Week with sports events, etc.Several initiatives were taken to manage sports infrastructure and funds for implementing sports fees, undertaking sports projects, hosting A.I.U. Inter-university events with sponsorship, collaborative sports programs with other organizations, and joint sports ventures with commercial companies. It was observed that after implementing all the above activities, the number of sports participants and achievements had increased, sports facilities and infrastructure developed, the economic growth of the University improved, and the progressive promotion of sports culture reached a new height.