Unique Sport Research Articles

Vision corrections used by presbyopic orienteers

SIGNIFICANCE Evaluating the visual challenges and refractive correction solutions of presbyopic orienteers identifies features of relevance to optometric management of the visual needs of active presbyopes. PURPOSE Orienteering is a unique sport requiring visual clarity at a range of viewing distances and has a high proportion of presbyopic participants. This study evaluates the vision corrections used by presbyopic orienteers, specifically aiming to characterize the prevalence of different vision correction options used and to explore the strengths and limitations of different vision correction solutions. METHODS Orienteers 40 years or older completed an online questionnaire consisting of multiple-choice questions covering personal demographics, orienteering participation, and visual corrections worn in everyday life and for orienteering. Free-text questions asked for further information about the corrections used and advice received from eye care practitioners were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS There were 469 respondents (195 women, 274 men; median age category, 55 to 59 years). For the 187 people without distance refractive correction, the most frequent corrections for orienteering were “off the shelf” reading spectacles (n = 95) or use of a compass magnifier (n = 24), and for the 277 people with distance refractive correction, they were progressive addition spectacles (n = 96) and monovision contact lenses (n = 63). The main visual challenges faced by orienteers were seeing map detail, lens obstruction from fogging and rain, and difficulty orienteering in low light in the daytime. An ideal correction needed to provide visual clarity for both map and terrain. No visual correction type consistently addressed all challenges. Orienteers valued personalized discussion with eye care practitioners to address their needs. CONCLUSIONS Optimal visual corrections for presbyopic orienteers are individual, but higher reading additions to clarify map detail, contact lenses to avoid lens obstruction, additional light, and solutions that provide clear vision at all viewing distances while avoiding the reading add blurring the ground at the orienteer's feet should be considered. Personalized care is necessary to optimize visual correction solutions.

Exploring the impact of sepak takraw ball heading on brain injury risk: An analytical and experimental investigation

Sepak takraw, a unique sport resembling volleyball but played with the legs, is popular in Asia. Players often use their foreheads to receive the ball, exposing them to potential brain injuries. This research evaluates the potential for brain injuries from heading in sepak takraw. Using both analytical and experimental approaches, we developed a mathematical model adapted from soccer-related studies to predict peak linear acceleration (PLA). We also conducted laboratory experiments to measure PLA and peak rotational acceleration (PRA) using a ball launcher and an Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD). The mathematical model demonstrated a high level of accuracy in PLA prediction, confirming its reliability. Comparative analysis with soccer and water polo studies revealed that the measured PLA, PRA, and Head Injury Criteria (HIC) values for sepak takraw are below suggested concussion thresholds, indicating a lower risk of brain injury. However, this assessment does not account for the cumulative effects of repetitive head impacts, which increase the risk of brain injury over time. Despite sepak takraw’s distinct play style, the findings indicate that while the inherent risk of head injury from single impacts may be low, the potential long-term effects of repetitive impacts warrant further investigation. This study enhances the understanding of sports-related brain injuries and highlights the need for further research into subconcussive impacts and the development of protective measures. Our research paves the way for more comprehensive investigations, including field experiments, which are crucial for a nuanced understanding of sepak takraw’s impact dynamics.

The effects of a land-based warm-up and accompanying passive heat retention on core body temperature, hormones, and subsequent performance in elite surfers.

Surfing is a high participation sport, yet little sport science research exists regarding competitive performance in surfing. Given surfing's inclusion as an Olympic sport from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics onwards, an examination of performance would seem useful. In numerous land-based sports, and in swimming, the importance of a warm-up and muscle heat is well documented. However, surfing is a unique sport in that it is undertaken both above and below water. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a warm-up in terms of readiness to perform in surfing. We discuss this in the context of thermal regulation, hormone profile change, and the subsequent expression of "power" on waves-a key criteria that surfers are scored for. Nineteen advanced level surfers (i.e., competitive at just below national level in Australia; n = 15 males and n = 4 females) with mean (±SD) age, height, and weight of 24.5 ± 11.6 years, 174.7 ± 9.1 cm, and 67.7 ± 10.2 kg, respectively, were recruited. We adopted a repeated measures pre- and post-design whereby participants engaged in several simulated surfing competitions in an artificial wave pool; once after an active warm-up combined with a passive heat retention strategy (i.e., wrapping themselves in survival blankets-treatment), and once after no warm-up (control). Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-active warm-up, or at equivalent times under control conditions, for the measurement of testosterone and cortisol. Increases in these hormones have previously been associated with an enhanced readiness to compete. Our results demonstrate a clear thermoregulatory benefit from the treatment, with the participants' core body temperatures typically higher from the end of the warm-up to the end of the surf session following treatment (p ≤ 0.03), and a magnitude of increase in core body temperature once in the water that is greater following treatment (p = 0.01). A small magnitude upward change in testosterone (p = 0.01) and cortisol (p ≤ 0.001) following warm-up was also observed. Finally, warm-up was associated with an improved wave performance compared with the control, with a 20% increase in the performance score typically observed (p ≤ 0.01). We argue that the improved thermal profile may have influenced power and, as such, surfing performance was enhanced.

Clinical study of palmar foot pain in 30 polo ponies with forelimb lameness in Thailand

Palmar foot pain is an important chronic problem that impairs the abilities of sport horses. Though there are several research on different types of horses, there is a lack of information regarding polo horses, which are known for using in unique sport. Therefore, this research aimed to find the prevalence of palmar foot pain in polo ponies with forelimb lameness in Thailand. The horses included in this study were 30 Argentine polo ponies: 10 geldings and 20 mares, aged from 7 to 20 years old. All were barefoot and had not exercised for at least 2 months. The ponies underwent lameness examination procedures with subjective and objective evaluation, including a trot on a straight line, left and right lunging, a full forelimb flexion test and a toe wedge test. Close inspections of hoof conformation, hoof percussion and hoof testing were done before performing a palmar digital nerve block. The result showed that 25 (83.33%) of 30 polo ponies had forelimb lameness, which can be divided into 56.7% with unilateral forelimb lameness, and 26.7% with bilateral forelimb lameness. There were 17 (56.7%) polo ponies that responded positively to the full flexion test and 25 (83.33%) that responded positively to the hoof tester and percussion at the frog area. However, only 9 ponies (30%) were positive to palmar nerve block. In conclusion, this study reveals a notable incidence of forelimb lameness and palmar foot pain. Understanding palmar foot pain prevalence is vital for further equine health management.

Do women and men compete equally on a level playing field? An empirical investigation into the 2021 Olympic shooting competitions.

Due to physical differences between the genders, it is hard to study whether women also vary from men in their competitive drive in sports. The Olympic committee instituted major rule changes in the sport of shooting in the Tokyo Olympic Games (2021), leveling the playing field. We explored performance in a myriad of competitions including newly established mixed-gender doubles events in this unique sport of very limited physical input. Men performed better than women in events which required "dynamic" qualities (following moving targets) but when the competitions were held most constant (rifle shooting with stationary targets indoors) and regardless of distance or posture, women performed equally to men exhibiting seemingly similar competitive drive. The last finding should propel the Olympic committee to fully integrate rifle events. In the broader sense, we find that when the playing field is even, the genders, at least among highly trained selective competitors compete equally.

Building bridges: a Qualitative exploration of the athlete – guide partnership in high-performance parasport

ABSTRACT Individuals who are visually impaired compete in Paralympic sports with the help of their sighted guides. The guide participates alongside the athlete, and the pair seek to achieve optimal performance together. The partnership transforms many sports -typically understood to be individual- into team sports, yet little is known about this unique sport relationship. The purpose of this study was to explore how the athlete – guide partnership challenges and reproduces normative assumptions of bodies, abilities, and high-performance sport. The study was informed by a critical interpretivist paradigm and included interviews with both athletes and guides from six high-performance athlete – guide pairs (12 interviews). The data were analysed through a reflexive thematic analysis and two themes were constructed. Changing ‘Visibility’: Reshaping Perspectives Through the Athlete – Guide Partnership illustrates how being part of the athlete – guide partnership led participants to different understandings about high-performance sport and disability. Tandeming Sport Systems Built for One demonstrates the challenges participants encountered navigating in tandem sport systems intended to support solo athletes. The findings suggest that the athlete – guide partnership creates inclusivity in Para sport by allowing athletes to fully participate. However, the partnership is also exposed to detrimental aspects of high-performance sport environments that prioritise performance rather than athlete well-being. The findings contribute to a growing body of critical disability sport scholarship that calls out ableism in sport. It also can inform the practices of the sport sector with the aim of better understanding and supporting the needs of visually impaired athletes.

Telemedicine in Sports under Extreme Conditions: Data Transmission, Remote Medical Consultations, and Diagnostic Imaging.

Telemedical technologies provide significant benefits in sports for performance monitoring and early recognition of many medical issues, especially when sports are practised outside a regulated playing field, where participants are exposed to rapidly changing environmental conditions or specialised medical assistance is unavailable. We provide a review of the medical literature on the use of telemedicine in adventure and extreme sports. Out of 2715 unique sport citations from 4 scientific databases 16 papers met the criteria, which included all research papers exploring the use of telemedicine for monitoring performance and health status in extreme environments. Their quality was assessed by a double-anonymised review with a specifically designed four-item scoring system. Telemedicine was used in high-mountain sports (37.5%; n = 6), winter sports (18.7%; n = 3), water sports (25%; n = 4), and long-distance land sports (18.7%; n = 3). Telemedicine was used for data transfer, teleconsulting, and the execution of remote-controlled procedures, including imaging diagnostics. Telemedical technologies were also used to diagnose and treat sport-related and environmentally impacted injuries, including emergencies in three extreme conditions: high mountains, ultraendurance activities, and in/under the water. By highlighting sport-specific movement patterns or physiological and pathological responses in extreme climatic conditions and environments, telemedicine may result in better preparation and development of strategies for an in-depth understanding of the stress of the metabolic, cardiorespiratory, biomechanical, or neuromuscular system, potentially resulting in performance improvement and injury prevention.

HORSE AND RIDER FACTORS OF PERFORMANCE IN SHOW - JUMPING DISCIPLINE

Success in each sport is made up of certain factors. Therefore, it is necessary to be acutely aware of the factors and criteria that influence performance in a particular sport. Horse riding is a very unique sport as it is a sport where two different organisms cooperate in terms of mass, size, thinking, and physical, psychological, tactical abilities and skills, as well as characteristics. It is a sport where there is practically no age limit, and where women compete alongside men. Therefore, it is difficult to find literature where several authors come to an agreement. There are often several different opinions, including on the performance-enhancing factors in the equestrian show-jumping discipline. It is quite important to evaluate the possible factors and reach a consensus in order to crystallize a possible unified system. The aim of the research is to determine the factors contributing to the performance of the rider and the horse in the show jumping discipline in different age groups. Research methods: Scientific literature review and analysis. Main results and conclusions. By theoretically researching and analysing the literature, it should be concluded that there are no concrete factors contributing to the attributed performance in the specific age stages, which can basically create uncertainty as well as consensus of opinions in future studies due to the influence of the generalization of these factors. From the context of the studied materials, it should be concluded that there is an insufficient theoretical basis, which is evidenced by a relatively narrow spectrum of topical issues. Therefore, the obtained theoretical information allows to create a basis for further practical research, thus expanding the theoretical base in the context of the current issue.

Systematization of the main errors of players when picking up the ball one-on-one in the games of the student mini-football team

Mini-football is one of the most popular sports among student youth. This is a unique sport, which on hand is very similar to football, and on the other – combines the features of other One of the ways to modernize physical education, we consider the use of new modern sports-oriented technologies. In many higher education institutions of Ukraine, both men’s and women’s teams have been created, which successfully compete in competitions of various levels. Among the many factors that affect the result of matches in mini-football, and, accordingly, the result of sports activities, there is no doubt the level of technical training of each team player. From our point of view, the issue of individual errors of players when performing defensive actions is extremely important and insufficiently studied. The article attempts to identify and systematize the main mistakes of players when selecting the ball one-on-one in the games of student mini-football team. The purpose of the study is to identify and systematize the main errors of players when selecting the ball one-on-one in the games of the student mini-football team. The methodological basic of the study is a systematic and person-oriented approach with the aim of analyzing scientific publications and methodological sources, as well as analyzing and systematizing the main mistakes of players when selecting the ball one-on-one games of the student mini-football team. The work uses the method of quantitative data processing, which makes it possible to express in numerical values various aspects of phenomena and the connections between them. Scientific novelty. By means of the analysis of the game actions of the players of the student mini-football team, the main errors that most often occur in games when the ball is selected one-on-one were identified and systematized. Conclusions. The conducted research made it possible to identify and systematize the main mistakes of players when selecting the ball one-on-one in the games of the student mini-football team. Identification and systematization of players̕ mistakes when selecting the ball one-on-one made it possible to propose a number of methodological techniques and practical exercises that will allow in the future to carry out work on correcting the game actions of the players of the student mini-football team.

“Troubled” derby subjectivities: Wellbeing and feminist new materialist movements in sport

Roller derby is a unique and innovative phenomenon in the sporting landscape. Body image, gender policies, aggression/contact elements, music, art, and subversive and inclusive politics are all embraced to various degrees. Its growth was swift and significant – thousands of women around the world strapped on their skates and pushed themselves to meet the minimum skills requirements for joining a derby league. This unique sport was put in the (un)enviable position of somehow having done what governments and medical professionals had tried to achieve for years: to get people active who were inactive in the past, raise people's physical activity levels, and therefore (so the story goes) to improve their overall wellbeing and mental health. This article engages with interview transcripts with 12 derby skaters who chose to leave the sport in order to understand the complex social, cultural and personal forces at play in the relationship between sport and wellbeing. Drawing on feminist conceptualisations of care and movement, I explore the notion of “troubled derby subjectivities” to understand the ways in which the “sport” (including its style, music and affinities) provided a generative space for non-normative gendered subjectivities, embodied movement and “wellbeing”.

Concussion in Women's Flat-Track Roller Derby.

Concussions are common among flat-track roller derby players, a unique and under-studied sport, but little has been done to assess how common they are or what players can do to manage injury risk. The purpose of this study is to provide an epidemiological investigation of concussion incidence and experience in a large international sampling of roller derby players. Six hundred sixty-five roller derby players from 25 countries responded to a comprehensive online survey about injury and sport participation. Participants also responded to a battery of psychometric assessment tools targeting risk-factors for poor injury recovery (negative bias, social support, mental toughness) and players' thoughts and feelings in response to injury. Per 1,000 athletes, 790.98 concussions were reported. Current players reported an average of 2.2 concussions, while former players reported 3.1 concussions. However, groups were matched when these figures were corrected for differences in years of play (approximately one concussion every 2 years). Other frequent injuries included fractures in extremities and upper limbs, torn knee ligaments, and sprained ankles. We found no evidence that players' position, full-contact scrimmages, or flooring impacted number of concussions. However, neurological history and uncorrected vision were more influential predictors of an individual's number of concussions during roller derby than years of participation or age, though all four contributed significantly. These findings should assist athletes in making informed decisions about participation in roller derby, though more work is needed to understand the nature of risk.

Head Impact Exposure and Biomechanics in University Varsity Women's Soccer.

Soccer is a unique sport where players purposefully and voluntarily use their unprotected heads to manipulate the direction of the ball. There are limited soccer head impact exposure data to further study brain injury risks. The objective of the current study was to combine validated mouthpiece sensors with comprehensive video analysis methods to characterize head impact exposure and biomechanics in university varsity women’s soccer. Thirteen female soccer athletes were instrumented with mouthpiece sensors to record on-field head impacts during practices, scrimmages, and games. Multi-angle video was obtained and reviewed for all on-field activity to verify mouthpiece impacts and identify contact scenarios. We recorded 1307 video-identified intentional heading impacts and 1011 video-verified sensor impacts. On average, athletes experienced 1.83 impacts per athlete-exposure, with higher exposure in practices than games/scrimmages. Median and 95th percentile peak linear and peak angular accelerations were 10.0, 22.2 g, and 765, 2296 rad/s2, respectively. Long kicks, top of the head impacts and jumping headers resulted in the highest impact kinematics. Our results demonstrate the importance of investigating and monitoring head impact exposure during soccer practices, as well as the opportunity to limit high-kinematics impact exposure through heading technique training and reducing certain contact scenarios.

Обгрунтування рукопашного бою – службово прикладного виду спорту, як елемента спеціальної фізичної підготовки співробітників правоохоронних органів

The purpose of the study was to substantiate the effectiveness of hand-to-hand combat as a service-applied sport in the process of physical training of law enforcement officers. Materials and methods. Theoretical analysis of scientific and methodical literature, generalization of scientific data of modern approaches to the organization of the process of special physical training of law enforcement officers, pedagogical observations and pedagogical experiment were used. To determine the operational composition of technical and tactical actions used by law enforcement officers in their professional activities and differences in martial arts on various grounds, an analysis of video materials of competitions among law enforcement agencies in hand-to-hand combat from the section "Demonstrations of applied equipment" of hand-to-hand combat in 2019-2020 was used. Results and discussion. The use of hand-to-hand combat - service-applied sport as an element of special physical training of law enforcement officers is substantiated. It is established that the distinguishing feature of hand-to-hand combat as a sport and part of special physical training of law enforcement officers is the presence of directions of work with weapons (stick, knife, pistol, machine gun), counteraction to several attackers and the use of an element of surprise (unexpected attack). The operational composition of the means used by law enforcement officers in their professional activities and athletes in different types of martial arts and the differences between the types of martial arts by different distinctions are determined. Conclusion. Hand-to-hand combat is a unique service-applied sport, which consists of sections "Demonstration of applied equipment" and "Duels". A distinctive feature of hand-to-hand combat as a sport and part of special physical training of law enforcement officers is the presence of areas of work with weapons (stick, knife, pistol, machine gun), resistance to several attackers and the use of an element of surprise (unexpected attack). The content of competitive activity in the section "Demonstration of applied equipment" of hand-to-hand combat fully corresponds to the specifics of solving operational and service tasks without the use and with the use of weapons by law enforcement officers. The operational composition of the means used by law enforcement officers in their professional activities and athletes in various martial arts (hand-to-hand combat, combat sambo, pankration) are identical, which in turn allows in the process of special physical training of law enforcement officers to conduct classes in these martial arts. According to the main features that distinguish different types of martial arts (clothing, allowed and prohibited by law ways to achieve advantage, the position in which to fight, the size and features of the site, the time allotted for technical and tactical actions) hand-to-hand combat is most suitable for special physical training, training of law enforcement officers. It is proved that hand-to-hand combat is the most suitable type of martial arts for special physical training of law enforcement officers

Anterior Shoulder Instability in Throwers and Overhead Athletes: Long-term Outcomes in a Geographic Cohort

Background: Athletes of all sports often have shoulder instability, most commonly as anterior shoulder instability (ASI). For overhead athletes (OHAs) and those participating in throwing sports, clinical and surgical decision making can be difficult owing to a lack of long-term outcome studies in this population of athletes. Purpose/Hypothesis: To report presentation characteristics, pathology, treatment strategies, and outcomes of ASI in OHAs and throwers in a geographic cohort. We hypothesized that OHAs and throwers would have similar presenting characteristics, management strategies, and clinical outcomes but lower rates of return to play (RTP) when compared with non-OHAs (NOHAs) and nonthrowers, respectively. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: An established geographic medical record system was used to identify OHAs diagnosed with ASI in the dominant shoulder. An overall 57 OHAs with ASI were matched 1:2 with 114 NOHAs with ASI. Of the OHAs, 40 were throwers. Sports considered overhead were volleyball, swimming, racquet sports, baseball, and softball, while baseball and softball composed the thrower subgroup. Records were reviewed for patient characteristics, type of sport, imaging findings, treatment strategies, and surgical details. Patients were contacted to collect Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index (WOSI) scores and RTP data. Statistical analysis compared throwers with nonthrowers and OHAs with NOHAs. Results: Four patients, 3 NOHAs and 1 thrower, were lost to follow-up at 6 months. Clinical follow-up for the remaining 167 patients (98%) was 11.9 ± 7.2 years (mean ± SD). Of the 171 patients included, an overall 41 (36%) NOHAs, 29 (51%) OHAs, and 22 (55%) throwers were able to be contacted for WOSI scores and RTP data. OHAs were more likely to initially present with subluxations (56%; P = .030). NOHAs were more likely to have dislocations (80%; P = .018). The number of instability events at presentation was similar. OHAs were more likely to undergo initial operative management. Differences in rates of recurrent instability were not significant after initial nonoperative management (NOHAs, 37.1% vs OHAs, 28.6% [P = .331] and throwers, 21.2% [P = .094]) and surgery (NOHAs, 20.5% vs OHAs, 13.0% [P = .516] and throwers, 9.1% [P = .662]). Rates of revision surgery were similar (NOHAs, 18.0% vs OHAs, 8.7% [P = .464] and throwers, 18.2% [P > .999]). RTP rates were 80.5% in NOHAs, as compared with 71.4% in OHAs (P = .381) and 63.6% in throwers (P = .143). Median WOSI scores were 40 for NOHAs, as compared with 28 in OHAs (P = .425) and 28 in throwers (P = .615). Conclusion: In a 1:2 matched comparison of general population athletes, throwers and OHAs were more likely to have more subtle instability, as evidenced by higher rates of subluxations rather than frank dislocations, when compared with NOHAs. Despite differences in presentation and the unique sport demands of OHAs, rates of recurrent instability and revision surgery were similar across groups. Similar outcomes in terms of RTP, level of RTP, and WOSI scores were achieved for OHAs and NOHAs, but these results must be interpreted with caution given the limited sample size.

The grey zone between tactics and manipulation: The normalization of match-fixing in road cycling

Match-fixing has already been studied in various sport disciplines. However, despite some well-known incidents in road cycling, match-fixing has barely been investigated in this unique sport discipline. Drawing on Ashforth and Anand’s theoretical model of normalization of corruption in organizations and on the perceptions of 15 active Belgian road cyclists, this study examines road cyclists’ attitudes towards collaboration and match-fixing in their sport. As the culture of agreements can be seen as part and parcel of road cycling itself, this study also examines whether agreements between cyclists are embedded, perpetuated, and thus normalized in road cycling. Using semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study indicates that road cyclists have a different understanding of match-fixing. By demonstrating that (a) cooperation between competitors happens routinely, (b) cyclists use self-serving explanations to justify these collaborations, and (c) newcomers are induced to engage in and accept collaborations with their competitors, we also indicate how normalized behaviors contribute to a grey zone that can be labelled as match-fixing. To enhance the future credibility of road cycling towards both fans and sponsors, additional clarifying and awareness-raising policy measures should be implemented.

A re-inquiry of the emotion spillover effect using psychophysiological approaches: how game outcome and process influence cognitive processing of TV commercial

ABSTRACT Research question The present study aims to reinvestigate how emotional reactions to sport programing influence cognitive information processing of a subsequent TV commercial. The previous studies on the subject provided mixed results regarding the spillover effects of sport-induced emotions on memory. Thus, the current manuscript attempts to answer the question ‘how do emotional reactions to a sporting event influence recall for ads broadcasted during the game?’ Research methods : The current experiment – involving a 2 (Game outcome: victory, defeat) × 2 (Game process: close, lopsided) × 2 (Video instantiation) repeated measure factorial design – was conducted in a psychophysiological laboratory. A total of 51 undergraduate students from a large public university completed this study. Real-time (e.g. facial muscle, electrodermal, and cardiac activity) and self-assessed data (e.g. emotions, memory tests) data were collected while watching experimental stimuli. Results and Findings Both real-time (e.g. heart rate) and self-assessed (e.g. recall) data showed robust and consistent patterns regarding the spillover effects, which firmly supported the theoretical prediction of Limited Capacity Model for Motivated Mediated Message Processing (LC4MP). Attention and memory for subsequent advertising significantly vary depending on whether the favored team won and how close the game was. Implications This study makes unique sport management contributions by using a different theoretical perspective (i.e. LC4MP) and different methodology (i.e. psychophysiological experiment). The current study broadens our understanding of the relationship among team performance, emotions, and cognitions. Also, the findings imply that different advertising strategies for brand awareness should be implemented depending on specific game situations.

Transformational coaching and leadership: athletic administrators' novel application of social and emotional competencies in high school sports

PurposeThe coach−athlete relationship mediates the relationship between sports participation and student-athlete character, health and well-being outcomes. High school athletic administrators (AAs) can provide critical leadership, mentorship and direction for coaches to optimize student-athlete performance and human development. Social and emotional learning (SEL) is an evidence-based approach to developing adult and student competencies for holistic development across the lifespan that has been primarily performed and researched in the classroom. The purpose of this research is to capture the lived experiences of AAs applying a novel SEL-based curriculum (InSideOut Initiative, ISOI) with coaches and student-athletes in high school sports.Design/methodology/approachInterviews of 10 AAs captured their lived experiences of applying SEL-based leadership and coaching and their perception of its impact on coaches and student-athletes in high school athletics.FindingsAAs described leadership and coaching that are characterized by (1) safety, support and mentorship; (2) skill and support-based behavior modeling; (3) trusting, loving and supportive relationships; (4) self-reflection of values/beliefs and behaviors that impact self, student-athlete and culture; (5) the influence of emotions on the aforementioned; (6) the ability to have a long-term, sustainable impact on student-athletes and (7) alignment with their immediate environmental context.Research limitations/implicationsThe data captured in this study suggest that ISOI-trained AAs practice SEL-competent leadership and coaching. Evaluation of the novel application of SEL-based interventions in athletics will be useful to understanding their effects on participant social and emotional competencies and outcomes traditionally associated with classroom-based SEL applications.Practical implicationsAthletic administrator interviews describe an approach to high school sports that requires a reconceptualization of the purpose of athletics. When the high school sport operates as a curriculum, integrated opportunity for its student-athletes and athletic administrator and coach leadership aligns with this overarching philosophy, there may be increased potential for positive youth development.Originality/valueThe results of this research are valuable in demonstrating preliminary evidence of how SEL-based leadership and coaching is applied and impacts adult and student-athletes in a unique sport context.

Exploring the relationship between corporate social responsibility and the marketing performance of professional sport organisations in South Africa

There has been a significant increase in research around Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the sport management context and it has been argued that CSR outcomes have marketing implications. Despite this increase, there is a gap in identifying the influence that CSR initiatives have on marketing performance within a professional sport management context. Moreover, the South African sport industry is rapidly professionalising with a need for the application of business management practices to the unique sport industry. This study explored the relationship between CSR and the marketing performance of selected professional sport organisations across South Africa. Six organisations were selected, representative of the three major professional sport codes in the country, namely cricket, rugby and soccer. Following a qualitative research approach, key personnel at the organisations were purposefully selected for in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was conducted and the following core themes emerged: marketing objectives; income/revenue growth; marketing share; and CSR initiatives. The study proposed a set of criteria to assess the influence of CSR on marketing performance, which included: tickets and sales; brand loyalty; brand perception; media coverage; and sponsorship. The study clarifies the relationship between CSR and marketing performance in the South African professional sport environment and presents policy and practice-based recommendations based on these findings.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity in archers: cortisol release, stress, anxiety and success.

Archery is a unique sport requiring simultaneous physical and psychological focusing for precisely hitting the small, distant target. Thus, in this sport, the effects of stress and anxiety on success might be more pronounced as a slight deviation in aiming may translate into a large error in meeting the target. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the interrelationship between anxiety, cortisol awakening response (CAR), cortisol levels during the shooting period, and success in professional male archers during a national tournament. Archers (16-20 years old, male, N.=20) shooting with recurve bow participated in the current study during the indoor archery championship. For the assessment of CAR, salivary samples were collected at 0- (wake up), 30-, 45- and 60-min postawakening on three consecutive days, namely qualification, individual elimination, and team shooting days. On the first two days of the shootings (i.e., qualification and elimination), shooting salivary samples were collected at 30 and 15 minutes before the shootings, at half-time and just after the shootings. State and trait anxiety inventory were filled in on the day of registration (the day before qualification shootings). CAR, measured as the area under the curve (AUC), was higher on the elimination day (P=0.038) compared to the qualification day. Shooting cortisol levels were also higher on the elimination day compared to the qualification day (P=0.004). Archers having high rankings on qualification day also had higher success rates on elimination day (r=0.963, P<0.001). Moderately increased state anxiety, higher CAR, and elevated shooting cortisol levels appear to be the integral components of the elimination stage during a real competition in archery. Thus, assessment of secretion dynamics of cortisol appears to be a valuable objective tool for understanding the neuroendocrine control during the competition days.

STAKEHOLDER AND VISITOR REFLECTIONS OF SPORT BRAND POSITIONING IN SOUTH AFRICA

The purpose of this paper was to identify stakeholder and visitor perceptions of brand images of the South African destination brand in order to examine how sport is utilised as a catalytic agent for achieving brand positioning. Following a mixed method approach, in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 24 sport, tourism, and government stakeholders. Survey questionnaires were administered with 403 sport event visitors at major events across South Africa. The results show congruence between stakeholder and sport event visitor perceptions on the multi-layered brand images of South Africa. Uniquely defined city brand images raise challenges and opportunities for establishing a coherent national brand positioning. The utilisation of sport for brand positioning is greatly dependent on brand distinctive ness and dedicated stakeholder vision and policy. The study provides a framework of recommendations that practically guide key industry stakeholders on value propositions that underpin brand positioning strategies. This study also makes a contribution to existing brand positioning t heories and practice by exploring the value proposition construct to a unique sport environment while employing real-life destination brand scenarios.