Esmaeil Shamsaie; Leila Sadat Jamshidian; eyed Mohammad Ali Mirhosseini
Abstract
The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a reverse mentoring model in the context of digital media with an emphasis on empowering human resources in sports organizations. Given the technological developments and the increasing role of media in organizational interactions, traditional ...
Read More
The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a reverse mentoring model in the context of digital media with an emphasis on empowering human resources in sports organizations. Given the technological developments and the increasing role of media in organizational interactions, traditional mentoring has faced challenges and newer models such as reverse mentoring are developing. This research was conducted with a qualitative approach and thematic analysis method. Participants included 18 mentors, mentees, human resource managers, and media expert's active in the field of sports, who were selected purposively and until theoretical saturation was reached. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview, and data analysis was conducted based on Brown and Clark's six-step model. Findings were extracted in the form of five overarching themes, ten organizing themes, and twenty-five basic themes. The overarching themes included redefining mentor-mentee relationships, the role of digital media in restructuring the mentoring structure, implementation challenges, the consequences of human resource empowerment, and policy and institutional requirements. The results showed that reverse mentoring in the media context, by creating two-way interaction and reducing hierarchy, leads to increased trust, mutual learning, and development of digital skills and promotion of employee self-efficacy. At the same time, the full realization of this model requires a review of formal training structures, the development of organizational regulations, institutional the provision of media infrastructure. Finally, a conceptual model for media-oriented reverse mentoring was presented that can be the basis for decision-making in the field of sports human resource management.
Abdulrahman Hasan Al-Maliki; Abbas naghizadeh Baghi; Mehrdad MoharramZadeh; Farzad Nobakht
Abstract
Purpose: Handball in Iraq requires strategic planning for comprehensive development. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify strategies for the development of handball in Iraq.
Methodology: This qualitative study employed qualitative content analysis using thematic analysis. The research sample ...
Read More
Purpose: Handball in Iraq requires strategic planning for comprehensive development. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify strategies for the development of handball in Iraq.
Methodology: This qualitative study employed qualitative content analysis using thematic analysis. The research sample consisted of 20 participants, including handball coaches, members of the Iraqi Handball Federation, and university academics with expertise in this field. Sampling was conducted purposively and, in some cases, through snowball techniques, based on predefined criteria. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. Trustworthiness was addressed through credibility, transferability, confirmability, and test–retest procedures.
Findings: Analysis of the data yielded 64 open codes, 11 subthemes, and 3 main themes. The main themes included: (1) management and human resource development (educational strategies for coaches and referees, professional training and development, talent identification and nurturing, scientific and technological strategies); (2) strengthening infrastructure and competitive structures (competition and event strategies, infrastructural and organizational reinforcement, planning strategies, financial and supportive strategies); and (3) enhancing networks and communications (collaborative strategies, international cooperation and knowledge exchange, media and promotional strategies).
Conclusion: The findings indicated that the development of handball in Iraq necessitates a holistic approach that simultaneously enhances human resources, improves infrastructure, and expands inter-organizational collaboration. Based on this, the study proposes strategies at three temporal levels: short-term, medium-term, and long-term. The implementation of these strategies, with the involvement of relevant stakeholders, can elevate the status of Iraqi handball at both the national and international levels.
Akbar Jaberi; Farzaneh Mazloomi soveini; Hamideh Iranmanesh
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of media literacy on the e-learning intention of undergraduate students in sports science with the mediating role of spatial intelligence in 2025.
Methodology: This field research was a descriptive-correlational study and applied in terms of purpose. ...
Read More
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of media literacy on the e-learning intention of undergraduate students in sports science with the mediating role of spatial intelligence in 2025.
Methodology: This field research was a descriptive-correlational study and applied in terms of purpose. Research population included 326 students of sports science at Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman. Based on sample determination formula of structural equation modeling (5q≤ n≤ 15q), 102 students were studied using the purposive sampling. The intention to e-learning was measured by adapting Lee (2010) questionnaire, media literacy was measured by the Koc and Barut (2016) questionnaire, and spatial intelligence was measured by Tirri and Nokelainen (2008) questionnaire. For descriptive and inferential analysis, SPSS version 20 and PLS version 3 software were used.
Results: The results showed that media literacy had a significant effect on both the tendency to e-learning intention (β=0.28) and spatial intelligence (β=0.31). The effect of spatial intelligence on intention to e-learning was also reported to be positive and significant (β=0.33). According to the Sobel test, media literacy had an effect on the e-learning intention of students through spatial intelligence. The value of the GOF index also indicated a favorable fit of the research model.
Conclusion: Given the increasing trend towards new teaching methods, the results can carry valuable messages for instructors, administrators, and policymakers in the field of sports science education. The findings indicate that media literacy, along with enhancing spatial intelligence, can provide the basis for sports science students' tendency towards e-learning.
reza rahimi; seyed reza hosseini nia; hadi bagheri
Abstract
Abstract
Objective: Athletes, as social role models, are always in a complex context of interpersonal and social interactions. However, these interactions are not always positive and in some cases can lead to the formation of a phenomenon called "social attrition". The aim of this study was ...
Read More
Abstract
Objective: Athletes, as social role models, are always in a complex context of interpersonal and social interactions. However, these interactions are not always positive and in some cases can lead to the formation of a phenomenon called "social attrition". The aim of this study was to identify the antecedents and consequences of social attrition among Iranian athletes.
Methodology: This is a qualitative study conducted with an inductive approach. The participants in the study included coaches, referees, professional athletes, club managers, sports and media experts. The participants were selected purposively and data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 of them. The reliability of the interviews was confirmed using the test-retest reliability method. Data analysis was performed using the content analysis method of Brown and Clark (2006).
Findings: Based on qualitative data analysis, social factors, behavioral factors, individual factors, and economic factors were identified as antecedents, and internal exhaustion and functional decline were identified as consequences of social attrition.
Conclusion: The results showed that social attrition in athletes is a multidimensional and complex phenomenon that stems from the interaction of four main categories of social, behavioral, individual, and economic factors. These results indicate that social attrition is not simply an individual issue, but is rooted in the social, cultural, and economic context of Iranian professional sportsTherefore, managing and reducing social attrition requires an integrated and systematic approach. These results can help prevent and design effective interventions to improve the atmosphere, increase professional longevity, and athlete performance.
Dorry Dolatkhah Laein; Reza Andam; Hassan Bahrololoum; David Clutterbuck
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to design and validate a model of academic coaching needs among physical education students.
Methodology: This applied study employed a descriptive–correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all students majoring in Physical Education and Sport ...
Read More
Objective: The present study aimed to design and validate a model of academic coaching needs among physical education students.
Methodology: This applied study employed a descriptive–correlational design. The statistical population consisted of all students majoring in Physical Education and Sport Sciences at universities located in Educational Region 9 of Iran. In the exploratory factor analysis phase, 188 participants were selected, and in the confirmatory factor analysis phase, 200 participants were selected using cluster sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire comprising 35 items rated on a five-point Likert scale. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the underlying factor structure, while first- and second-order confirmatory factor analyses were performed to examine construct validity and assess model fit. Data were analyzed by using SPSS and LISREL software.
Results: The results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated that the 35 identified academic coaching functions were classified into five components: Adaptation and Well-being, Psychological Empowerment, Career Readiness, Academic Progress, and Academic Self-Management. These five factors collectively explained 66.86% of the total variance of the construct. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis supported the adequacy of the measurement model and confirmed its acceptable fit.
Conclusion: The findings revealed that the academic coaching needs of physical education students are multidimensional and extend beyond mere academic support. The extracted model has good fit and can be used as a conceptual framework for designing academic coaching programs based on the needs of physical education students.
Yousef Yavari; Saba Artik; Rasoul Faraji
Abstract
Objective: The present study aims to analyze and precisely identify the challenges and problems in karate refereeing in East Azerbaijan Province.
Methodology: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design. The statistical population consisted of male and female ...
Read More
Objective: The present study aims to analyze and precisely identify the challenges and problems in karate refereeing in East Azerbaijan Province.
Methodology: This research was conducted using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological design. The statistical population consisted of male and female referees with a minimum of three years of experience officiating at provincial, national, or international levels. Purposeful sampling was employed, selecting 12 referees (8 female and 4 male, with an average age of 42) until theoretical saturation was reached. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews (each lasting 30 to 45 minutes) and analyzed using Collaizi seven-step method.
Findings: The results revealed that East Azerbaijan Province possesses significant potential in terms of distinguished referees and young talent; however, only a limited portion of this potential is actively utilized. The main identified challenges include high costs associated with referee grade promotion, inadequate financial support, insufficient infrastructure and standard equipment, inefficient competition management, conflicts arising from different karate styles, lack of meritocracy, and the occurrence of bias in the refereeing process.
Conclusion: To improve the state of karate refereeing in the province, structural and supportive reforms are necessary. Strengthening financial and motivational support, upgrading refereeing infrastructure and equipment, training sports managers, institutionalizing meritocracy, and managing stylistic conflicts can enhance fairness, increase referee participation, and restore the province’s standing at national and international levels.
Hamed Siri; Mehran Nasiri; Siavash Khodaparast
Abstract
Objective: The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a talent management model for Iranian football referees.
Methodology:This research is descriptive-survey in nature and follows a mixed-methods approach (qualitative content analysis and the Delphi technique). Data were collected through ...
Read More
Objective: The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a talent management model for Iranian football referees.
Methodology:This research is descriptive-survey in nature and follows a mixed-methods approach (qualitative content analysis and the Delphi technique). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 experts (including members of the Football Federation, the Referees Committee, international referees, and university professors) and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The extracted components were then evaluated and consolidated through a two-round Delphi questionnaire administered to the same experts.
Findings: The final model of referee talent management was designed in three main stages:
1) Talent Discovery (including sub-stages of attraction, training/engagement, and final selection), 2) Talent Development (emphasizing technical, psychological, and technological training), and 3) Talent Retention and Support (focusing on fairness, material and spiritual support, and job security).
The model also incorporates the possibility of returning to previous stages to ensure quality preservation.
Conclusion: The proposed model provides a comprehensive and localized framework for systematizing the processes of identifying, developing, and retaining elite football referees in Iran. Implementing this model can help train competent referees for officiating at national and international levels and ultimately lead to an overall improvement in the quality of refereeing in the country.
Mahsa Norouzi Shahri; Zhaleh Memari; Abbas Rezaei Pandari; Mehri Pouyandekia
Abstract
Purpose: This research studies multi-tiered league structures in the talent program role.
Methodology: Qualitative content analysis was employed. The sampling was “census-based,” and included the documents related to the subject under study.
Results: The findings were organized into six themes and ...
Read More
Purpose: This research studies multi-tiered league structures in the talent program role.
Methodology: Qualitative content analysis was employed. The sampling was “census-based,” and included the documents related to the subject under study.
Results: The findings were organized into six themes and 19 categories, including the organizational structure of the League system, such as the decision-making model within clubs, the flow of authority from the top to operational levels, structural changes within clubs, the general assembly of the League Organization, the structure of the German Football Association, and the method for distributing media-rights revenues. The management structure of football clubs, the league licensing system across nine categories, covering the club licensing process, legal requirements, and academy development, including academy certification; key components of the German football structure; coaching; refereeing; local and international academies; tournament tours; and football schools. The competitive levels within youth football leagues, as well as the next one, focus on the DFBnet database. The details the structure of the professional leagues at three levels: Bundesliga, Bundesliga2, and Liga3.
Conclusion: Success in talent identification and development programs requires reforming and upgrading league structures across age levels, along with creating equal opportunities for active participation and the development of potential at all stages nationwide. Therefore, the DFB and DFL have simultaneously focused on developing leagues at all levels while implementing talent management programs. Consequently, the proposed operational model can serve as a practical blueprint for the redesign of the football league system in Iran.
Abed Mahmoudian; Soheila Moradi; Arash Zarei; Ali Nazarian
Abstract
Objective: The present study aimed to analyze AI literacy in sports coaches with a case study of coaches in Kurdistan province.
Methodology: The research method was quantitative and based on structural equation modeling. A total of 208 sports coaches were selected as a statistical sample based on random ...
Read More
Objective: The present study aimed to analyze AI literacy in sports coaches with a case study of coaches in Kurdistan province.
Methodology: The research method was quantitative and based on structural equation modeling. A total of 208 sports coaches were selected as a statistical sample based on random and convenience sampling. The measurement tools included the perceived knowledge questionnaires from Chen et al. (2020), the application from Wang and Zhang (2020), and the ethics and evaluation from Bai and Cheng (2015). Their face and content validity were confirmed by expert opinions, the confirmatory factor analysis test was used for construct validity, and the Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability tests were used for reliability.
Findings: The findings indicate that the use of artificial intelligence has a positive and significant effect on perceived knowledge of artificial intelligence with a coefficient of 0.84, on the evaluation of the use of artificial intelligence with a coefficient of 0.15, and on the ethics of artificial intelligence with a coefficient of 0.78. Also, perceived knowledge of artificial intelligence and ethics of artificial intelligence have a positive and significant effect on the evaluation of the use of artificial intelligence with coefficients of 0.14 and 0.62, respectively.
Conclusion: The findings of this study extend existing frameworks in the field of AI literacy to the field of sports coaching. Sports organizations, including federations and sports boards, should facilitate the increase of coaches' literacy and competencies in the field of AI by holding courses, workshops, lectures, etc.
MARZIYEH KHALIFEH SOLTANI; Bahareh Rahmaniyan Kooshakki
Abstract
Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of entrepreneurship education on sports science students’ entrepreneurial intentions with the mediating role of entrepreneurial marketing education.
Methodology: The research method was descriptive typ of correlational, and the statistical ...
Read More
Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of entrepreneurship education on sports science students’ entrepreneurial intentions with the mediating role of entrepreneurial marketing education.
Methodology: The research method was descriptive typ of correlational, and the statistical population consisted of all sports science students in Sistan and Baluchestan Province. A total of 271 students were selected as the statistical sample using cluster sampling. Data were collected using the Entrepreneurial Marketing Education Questionnaire by Peltier and Scovotti (2010), the Entrepreneurship Education Questionnaire by Puni et al (2018), and the Entrepreneurial Intentions Questionnaire by Linan and Chen (2009). Face and content validity were used to assess the validity of the questionnaires. The reliability of the questionnaires was checked by Cronbach's alpha. Data were analyzed through structural equation modeling using LISREL software.
Results: The results indicated positive, direct, and significant relationship of entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial marketing education on entrepreneurial intentions. Another finding showed that entrepreneurship education had a positive, direct, and significant relationship on entrepreneurial marketing education. Furthermore, a positive and indirect relationship of entrepreneurship education on the entrepreneurial intentions of sports science students was demonstrated through the mediating role of entrepreneurial marketing education
Conclusion: To enhance the entrepreneurial intentions of sports science students, it is essential for higher education administrators and academic planners to consider entrepreneurial marketing education as an integral component of entrepreneurship curricula and implement it systematically. Adopting this approach can significantly strengthen marketing skills and increase entrepreneurial motivation among students.
Zeynab Raisi
Abstract
Purpose: The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a coaching model in the workplace in the Sports and Youth Department in the East of the country.
Methodology: This research was conducted within the framework of a qualitative approach and using a data-based research method. The statistical ...
Read More
Purpose: The present study was conducted with the aim of designing a coaching model in the workplace in the Sports and Youth Department in the East of the country.
Methodology: This research was conducted within the framework of a qualitative approach and using a data-based research method. The statistical population consisted of all experts related to the research topic, including general managers and managers of sports and youth departments in the eastern provinces of the country, and researchers in the field of organizational behavior. The statistical sample consisted of 12 experts who were selected through purposive sampling for semi-structured interviews. Interviews continued until theoretical saturation. Data were analyzed simultaneously with data collection using the Strauss and Corbin method. Data validity was confirmed based on the percentage of intra-subject agreement equal to 0.86. Theoretical saturation in this study was achieved by conducting 12 interviews.
Findings: The results showed that 84 initial codes with 17 subcategories and 5 main categories in the form of five dimensions of the paradigm model including: causal conditions, intervening conditions, contextual characteristics, strategies and consequences, formed the coaching model in the workplace in the Sports and Youth Administration of the East of the country.
Conclusion: It is recommended that organizations consider developing coaching skills as part of their professional development process. Coaching training, workshops, and in-house learning opportunities are provided so that members can take on the role of a coach in the development of others.
Jahangir Rouhani; Farideh Sharififar; Akbar Afarinesh Khaki
Abstract
specialized competencies in the employees of the Physical Education and Health Departments of the Education and Training Department of Tehran, focusing on the key role of the perception of trans-competence.
Methodology: This research was of a developmental-applied type and was conducted with a sequential ...
Read More
specialized competencies in the employees of the Physical Education and Health Departments of the Education and Training Department of Tehran, focusing on the key role of the perception of trans-competence.
Methodology: This research was of a developmental-applied type and was conducted with a sequential mixed exploratory approach. In the qualitative phase, the themes that constitute the system were extracted using the content analysis method and in-depth interviews with 22 experts in the field of physical education and human resource management. The results of the content analysis led to the identification of 9 organizing themes (4 dimensions of trans-competence and 5 dimensions of trans-specialized competence) and 65 basic themes that formed the structure of the conceptual model. In the quantitative phase, fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making methods were used to assess and prioritize the structure of the model.
Results:The results of the fuzzy DEMATEL analysis strongly indicated that all dimensions of meta-competence perception (such as cognitive rethinking and adaptation management) act as root and causal factors in the system, and that trans-specialized competencies (such as leadership and innovation) are in a causal and affected position.In addition, the results of the fuzzy ANP also confirmed this prioritization and determined that the four meta-competence themes have the highest weight (about 49%).
Conclusion: Based on these results, the final development system was designed, the main emphasis of which is to prioritize the development of meta-cognitive capabilities (meta-competence) of employees so that the improvement of trans-specialized skills can be carried out in a sustainable and self-regulated manner.
Zohreh Moosavi; AZAR Mohagheghian; sajad solan hoseini
Abstract
Objective: Merit-based selection and development of sports board presidents are among the prerequisites for improving performance and managerial effectiveness in sports. This study aimed to prioritize the professional competencies of sports board presidents using functional job analysis and Shannon's ...
Read More
Objective: Merit-based selection and development of sports board presidents are among the prerequisites for improving performance and managerial effectiveness in sports. This study aimed to prioritize the professional competencies of sports board presidents using functional job analysis and Shannon's entropy method.
Methodology: This applied study followed a qualitative approach in terms of nature and overall design. In the first phase, functional job analysis was used to identify the required competencies. In the second phase, Shannon's entropy technique was employed as a supplementary tool to prioritize the extracted competencies. The population of the first phase consisted of 12 sports board presidents, experienced managers from the Departments of Sport and Youth Affairs, as well as specialists in sport management and industrial and organizational psychologists at the national level in Iran. Purposive sampling was conducted. The participants in the second phase were 17 experts in sport management. In this phase, the job components were prioritized using a researcher-developed questionnaire and Shannon's entropy method.
Results: The analysis led to the identification of five main dimensions (managerial, communicative, knowledge-based, personality-related, and economic competencies) and 25 specific concepts, which were prioritized using Shannon's entropy technique according to their importance and impact on board performance. Based on the results, economic indicators obtained the highest priority. In contrast, basic decision-making indicators received the lowest priority.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the necessity of systematic attention to competency development for managers and the design of training programs based on actual job requirements in the country's sports system.
fereshteh nabizadeh; leyli safari
Abstract
Purpose: Social participation in university sport volunteering is an important component of social capital and the cultural development of higher education institutions. This study aimed to develop a context-sensitive model for strengthening social participation in sport volunteering at Iranian universities.
Methodology: ...
Read More
Purpose: Social participation in university sport volunteering is an important component of social capital and the cultural development of higher education institutions. This study aimed to develop a context-sensitive model for strengthening social participation in sport volunteering at Iranian universities.
Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative research strategy, an inductive approach, and Strauss and Corbin’s systematic grounded theory method. Fifteen experts and practitioners in sport management, university sport, volunteering, and cultural affairs were selected through purposive, theoretical, and snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed through open, axial, and selective coding using MAXQDA 2020.
Findings: The analysis yielded 214 initial codes, which were condensed into 59 concepts and 21 main categories. Axial coding organized the categories into causal conditions, the core phenomenon, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and consequences. Selective coding integrated them into six higher-order dimensions: individual-personality, structural-environmental, social-interactional, social-value, educational-developmental, and volunteer commitment and social capital. Limited resources, weak institutional support, administrative bureaucracy, and cultural barriers were identified as the main constraints on sustained participation.
Conclusion: Sustainable participation in university sport volunteering requires the coordinated strengthening of social capital, organizational support, participatory learning, transparent volunteer-management processes, and a supportive university culture. A phased and feasible management system linking recruitment, role clarification, training, support, recognition, and evaluation can help universities transform students’ initial motivation into active and enduring participation. This approach strengthens students’ belonging, responsibility, skills, and long-term engagement within universities.
Atefeh Kaghazloo; Hamzeh Akbari
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of psychological contract on the job competence of physical education teachers with job crafting as a mediating variable.
This study employed a survey-based approach. The statistical population consisted of 706 physical education teachers in Golestan Province, ...
Read More
This study aimed to investigate the effect of psychological contract on the job competence of physical education teachers with job crafting as a mediating variable.
This study employed a survey-based approach. The statistical population consisted of 706 physical education teachers in Golestan Province, with a sample of 250 participants selected using Cochran’s formula. Data were collected through three standardized questionnaires: Psychological Contract (Yaghobi et al., 2022), Job Crafting (Sora et al., 2018) and Job Competence (Arikunto et al., 2021). The questionnaires' validity was assessed and confirmed through face and content validity in a pilot study, the reliability coefficients of the psychological contract, job crafting, and job competence questionnaires were calculated as 0.81, 0.80, and 0.77, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics (structural equation modeling) were employed to analyze the data.
The results demonstrated that psychological contract had a positive and significant effect on job crafting of physical education teachers. Additionally, the results also indicated that the effect of psychological contract on the job competence of physical education teachers was positive and significant. Finally, the positive and significant effect of psychological contract on the job competence of physical education teachers with the mediating role of job crafting was confirmed.
Accordingly, pay attention to the job and personal needs of physical education teachers, give them job autonomy, and create a supportive environment in schools that can facilitate the growth and development of physical education teachers is recommended.
)
