https://journal.olympic.ir/ journal of olympic studies en daily 1 Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://journal.olympic.ir/article_223085.html Discrimination in Iranian professional sports is a complex and multifaceted problem that has its roots in the social, political, and economic structures of society. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to present a theory to combat the apartheid management style in Iranian professional clubs. The present study is a qualitative research that used Charms' (2006) theory of grounded theory of constructivism. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, and the interviews were implemented, coded, and conceptualized using NVIVO 12 software. The participants included 19 people whose entry criteria for the study were articles and executive experience related to the management of professional clubs and who were fully familiar with the discussion of discrimination and management styles in sports. After theoretical saturation in the collected data, the constructed concepts were transformed into theory. In order to increase the reliability and validity of the results and also to strengthen the legitimacy and accuracy of the findings and analyses, the reliability method was used. Finally, a theory of solutions to confront the apartheid management style in professional sports was presented using 6 basic strategies: teaching social equality, national identity and social cohesion, developing an adaptable organizational culture, promoting accountability and transparency, enhancing leadership skills and democratic and transparent structures. By providing comprehensive guidance to Iranian professional sports managers, this theory allows them to guide clubs towards a fair, equal and democratic work environment with specific measures in each of the strategies. This theory helps management to confront discrimination in Iranian professional sports clubs by improving organizational culture and managers' capabilities. Implementing this theory requires the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders, including sports managers, athletes, coaches, media and civil society. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_227692.html The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a Psychological Skills Training (PST) program on the mental readiness of football players. This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest–follow-up design with a control group. A total of 24 football players from the Ardabil Municipality team were selected through convenience sampling and randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Mental readiness was assessed at three time points (pretest, posttest, and follow-up) over a six-month period across four key psychological skills: goal setting, imagery, motivation, and physical relaxation, using the Sassy Psych and OMSAT-3 questionnaires. Following the pretest, the experimental group received PST training, while the control group received no intervention. Repeated-measures ANOVA revealed significant main effects of group and time, as well as a significant group-by-time interaction. PST training resulted in significant improvements in goal setting, imagery, and motivation; however, no significant improvement was observed in physical relaxation. These findings may assist sports organization decision-makers and football coaches in enhancing athletes’ psychological readiness.Key words: psychological skills training (PST), mental preparation, motivation, mental Imagery, goal-setting, relaxation https://journal.olympic.ir/article_232134.html The aim of this study was to analyze the performance management model of sports federations in the development of women's sports. The research was descriptive-survey in design and applied in purpose. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative field research. The qualitative statistical sample consisted of 20 experts from the women's sectors of sports federations, selected purposefully based on their expertise, experience, theoretical knowledge, willingness, and accessibility. Data from prior literature and interview transcripts were coded, reviewed by five participants, and then recoded by two external coders. These findings were subsequently examined and refined through a Delphi panel. Data validity was confirmed by sports management professors. For the quantitative component, ten provinces were first selected using stratified random sampling. Subsequently, 384 questionnaires were distributed and collected via convenience sampling. Data were analyzed using SPSS and LISREL software. Based on the findings, 39 indicators influencing the performance management of sports federations in women's sports development were identified. These were categorized into the following factors: structural, goal-setting, alignment of decisions with macro-goals, cultural and social, technical and specialized, gender equality, career development, communication management, abilities and capabilities, supervision and monitoring, and technical and executive factors. It can be concluded that the participation of women in decision-making, the allocation of management positions to women, the absence of gender discrimination within federations, activities framed by a strategic plan, and the technical and specialized development of female human resources all contribute to the development of women's sports. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_222258.html Volleyball, as a prominent team sport, requires a synthesis of technical, tactical, psychological, physical, and behavioral skills. Investigating the impact of specialized training on these components is vital for optimizing athletic performance. This study examined the effects of an eight-week selected training program on the performance profiles of skilled volleyball players, evaluated through self-assessments, coach assessments, and standardized tests. Sixty skilled male volleyball players from the Khorasan Razavi Premier League participated and were assigned to either an experimental or a control group. Participants completed a battery of technical, tactical, physical, psychological, and behavioral assessments before and after the intervention. Data were collected using self-assessment questionnaires, coach evaluations, and objective standardized tests. Outcomes were analyzed via statistical methods, including analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results indicated that the eight-week selected training significantly improved the players’ overall performance profiles. Both self-assessments and coach evaluations demonstrated notable improvements in skill levels, and standardized tests corroborated positive changes, although some discrepancies between assessment methods were not statistically significant. In conclusion, selected training programs effectively enhance the multifaceted performance of skilled volleyball players. These findings underscore the value of tailored training regimens and offer practical insights for coaches and researchers engaged in athlete development and evaluation. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_210982.html The aim of this study was to analyze visible irregularities in citizens’ leisure-time sports participation using a chaos theory framework. This research was applied in purpose and descriptive–correlational in design. The statistical population consisted of active citizens of Mashhad who had participated continuously for at least six months in sports-related leisure projects organized by the Mashhad Municipality. A total of 384 participants were randomly selected as the study sample. All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software, and structural equation modeling was performed using LISREL software. Based on the results, exploratory factor analysis identified affective factors, strange attractors, dynamic adaptation, and familiarity as the most important components influencing citizens’ leisure-time sports participation. From the participants’ perspective, the self-esteem component received the highest mean score, whereas dynamic adaptation received the lowest. According to the findings, most citizens experience chaotic conditions due to the presence of entropy-related factors and are unable to make decisions about leisure-time sports participation based on fixed and predictable time criteria. Consequently, their decision-making tends to be short-term and flexible. Under conditions of environmental disorder, even small changes in sports-related decisions can produce substantial effects on individuals’ future sports participation and physical activity. Therefore, leveraging opportunities and fostering creativity through small but effective changes may help move conditions toward a more active lifestyle. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_218657.html This study investigated the role of football fans' geographical culture in their vandalism behaviors within Iranian Premier League stadiums. The research was grounded in a postmodern paradigm and employed a latent content analysis approach as part of a fundamental qualitative study. Participants were selected via purposive sampling and included sports management faculty members, football federation managers, and national and international players and referees. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews and analyzed in both audio and textual formats using MAXQDA software (Version 2020). The analysis revealed several strategic domains that influence the emergence of vandalism based on cultural geography. These domains include: 1.Legal Strategies: Criminal and judicial measures. 2.Security and Supervisory Strategies: Safety, security, and oversight. 3.Management Strategies: Crisis, safety/equipment, technical/specialist, strategic, and communication/PR management. 4.Cultural Strategies: Social culture management, normative behavior, sports culture, and fan culture management. 5.Technical and Specialist Strategies: Technical planning and motivational programs for fan centers. 6.Educational Strategies: Training for stadium officials, personnel, fans, and fan leaders. The implementation of such comprehensive management strategies can yield significant positive outcomes, encompassing technical/specialist, psychological, security, social, and ideological consequences. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_220085.html the aim of this research was to identify and stratify the factors affecting the development of wrestling in Iranian schools. The study is applied in purpose and, methodologically, is qualitative in data type, exploratory in analysis, cross‑sectional in time perspective, and field‑based in data collection. The sample comprised 17 wrestling experts, selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were gathered via qualitative interviews, which were then transcribed, coded, and analyzed following established qualitative research principles. Interview findings were examined using textual structural interpretation; subsequently, Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) was applied for stratification. The results identified three principal categories of factors: (1) systemic structural factors, including human resources, a written program, economic considerations, facilities and equipment, and management; (2) environmental factors, encompassing sociocultural context, media and advertising, research utilization, and family involvement; and (3) facilitating factors, such as athlete support, legal and political frameworks, and the development of communication‑information systems. In the stratification phase, the interrelationships among these factors were examined using ISM in MICMAC software. Analysis of the direct reachability matrix revealed that the “written program” exerted the strongest influence, while “facilities and equipment” had the weakest. The resulting influence‑dependence mapping indicates overall system stability. Implementing the identified components provides a structured basis for practical solutions to foster the development of student wrestling in Khuzestan province. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_224183.html The aim of the present study was to analyze factors affecting the use of clean energy in sports events from a sustainable environmental perspective. This research is descriptive and applied in terms of its purpose and was conducted as a survey. The statistical population consisted of experts and specialists in sports management, environmental engineering, and managers and professionals familiar with relevant organizations. A researcher-developed questionnaire with 62 items across nine components (managerial, technical, environmental, legal, economic and financial, social, cultural, political, and educational) was distributed randomly among 300 participants, and 265 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. For inferential analysis, Cronbach's alpha was applied to assess the internal consistency of the questionnaire and its subscales. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) based on structural equation modeling, using T-values to evaluate the general linear model (GLM), were conducted to determine the construct validity of the questionnaire. LISREL and SPSS software were used for these analyses, and PLS software was applied to design the quantitative model through structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicated that the proposed model of clean energy use in sports events is appropriate in terms of fit indices. All 62 items and nine components can be integrated into a comprehensive model for clean energy use in sports events with a sustainable environmental approach. Regarding legal factors, it is necessary to develop mechanisms and principles to prevent environmental damage in sporting events, minimize fossil energy consumption, and promote the use of clean energy. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_227695.html This study aimed to develop a strategic environmental management model to foster the sustainable growth of sports tourism in the coastal and marine areas of Kish Island. As an applied study, it employed a mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) approach grounded in strategic management. Data were collected through documentary research, field surveys, direct observation, and questionnaires and interviews with experts and stakeholders. The research was conducted in three phases: first, developing Internal and External Factor Evaluation (IFE and EFE) matrices; second, performing a SWOT analysis to formulate strategies; and third, using the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) to evaluate and prioritize strategies. The analysis identified six strengths, eight weaknesses, eight opportunities, and seven threats, positioning the region in the WO (Conservative Strategies) quadrant. The top-priority strategy is collaboration with relevant institutions and research centers to identify and mitigate ecological hazards. The second priority is establishing coordination for integrated environmental management in development projects, and the third is conducting environmental impact assessments prior to project implementation. This research provides a strategic model supporting sustainable sports tourism on Kish Island and offers a replicable framework for similar regions aiming to utilize natural resources while preventing environmental degradation. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_221207.html Teachers are among the groups with the most interaction with students. Therefore, they must possess the knowledge and ability to identify postural abnormalities and apply ergonomic principles during activities to help prevent future musculoskeletal issues in students. Although a questionnaire has been developed to assess teachers’ postural knowledge, no Persian version has yet been published or evaluated for reliability in Iran. This study aimed to translate the tool into Persian and assess its reliability. The questionnaire consists of three sections: the first on postural abnormalities, the second on postural ergonomics, and the third on socio-demographic information such as age and teaching experience. The total score for each participant was calculated by summing the scores from the first two sections. To assess reliability, 51 teachers (mean age: 34 years; mean teaching experience: 9.1 years) were purposively selected from various educational levels and completed the questionnaire twice, one week apart. Using the test-retest method and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), reliability scores were 0.875 for the first section, 0.921 for the second, and 0.927 overall. The reliability of the first section was rated good, and both the second section and the overall score were rated excellent. Thus, the Persian version demonstrates acceptable reliability and is recommended as a valid instrument for assessing teachers’ postural knowledge in educational and preventive studies. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_214431.html The purpose of this study is to identify the challenges and propose solutions regarding the impact of adventure sports on sustainable development. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach with thematic analysis. Interviews were carried out in a targeted manner, continuing through snowball sampling, and ultimately, interviews were completed with 15 participants. These participants included tour guides, environmental experts, tour operators, and tourism agency managers. Data analysis revealed 32 subcategories, which were grouped into nine main categories. Among the negative impacts of adventure sports on sustainable development, the study identified several key issues: adverse effects on local communities, soil erosion, environmental pollution, overconsumption of resources, the strain on tourism infrastructure development, lack of coordination among regulatory bodies, disruption to wildlife, poor management practices, and economic problems. These findings can guide communities and governments to not only consider the benefits and positive impacts of adventure sports but also to prioritize reducing their negative effects on sustainable community development. Furthermore, all relevant organizations and institutions can become familiar with both current and emerging challenges and use the proposed solutions to address and improve existing and future conditions. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_216200.html The aim of the present study was to analyze the connections and dynamics of power and politics in sport. This review and analysis study was conducted using a library research method, analyzing 150 valid studies from reputable scientific databases. The findings indicated that studies on the interaction between power and sports politics in the country have been primarily examined through three approaches: the involvement of politicians in sports, the involvement of athletes in politics, and sports diplomacy. In the first approach, the main areas of political interference in sports include the appointment of provincial sports directors, Ministry of Sports officials, and federation leaders. These interventions often involved lobbying, political bargaining, impeachment threats, and pressure from national authorities. In the second approach, athletes entering politics have pursued personal motives alongside social and national ones. These motives include gaining societal prestige, increasing fame, attaining higher political positions, financial benefits, and maintaining status in the post-athletic phase. In the third approach, sports diplomacy, as part of public and cultural diplomacy, is used to showcase national authority by hosting sporting events, influencing event outcomes, and securing international sports positions. Overall, sport, with its dynamic and complex interactions with the political sphere at both national and international levels, has emerged as a powerful tool for fostering social cohesion, demonstrating national power, and advancing strategic goals. It has increasingly blurred the boundaries between sporting competitions and politics. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_220943.html Static stretching is recognized for its effectiveness in enhancing flexibility, primarily due to its simplicity and established benefits in increasing range of motion (ROM). This study aimed to investigate several under-researched aspects of static stretching, including the effects of periodization, retention of ROM through various protocols, and its potential to improve ROM in the upper limbs. A total of 49 healthy young women (ages 24.81 ± 5.84 years) were randomly assigned to a control group or one of three training groups. Each training group participated in three weekly sessions focusing on short, long, or periodized stretching, with each limb receiving 145 seconds of stretching. Range of motion was assessed biweekly using goniometry applications (Goniometro for Android and Moasure for iOS) before and throughout the eight-week training period, as well as four weeks post-training. Data were analyzed using a 4 × 7 mixed model ANOVA (groups × measurement times) for each joint, with a significance level set at p<.05. The results showed no significant differences among groups regarding shoulder flexion and ankle dorsiflexion ROM. However, hip flexion ROM improved over time in the short and periodized protocols, with gains retained after four weeks. All three training groups exhibited similar trends in wrist extension improvement. Overall, while results varied across limbs, short and periodized stretching bouts appear more effective than prolonged sessions, considering the percentage of change and ease of adherence. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_221812.html Social media is becoming a force in public opinion and social behavior. Given the prominent role of these platforms in everyday life and easy access to information, a detailed analysis of this impact can help understand the challenges and opportunities facing women's sports. This research aimed to present a model of the impact of social media on the development of women's sports. The present research is a qualitative study conducted with a grounded theory approach based on the Glaser method. The participants in this study consisted of experts who conducted scientific and practical studies in women's sports and media, including examples of treatment methods using community experts, qualitative interviews, and a statistical sample conducted until saturation was reached. A theoretical (21 people) interview was conducted. In the process of coding the interviews conducted, a total of 104 individual-specific indicators were identified as the effects of social media on the development of women's sports, which were identified in 14 concepts and 4 categories of "psychological and individual effects", "social effects", according to a close and conceptual topic. And cultural, “economic and professional impacts”, and “international impacts and policymaking”. The research results show that social media acts as a transformative actor in women’s sports and can transform social and cultural attitudes, create new professional and economic opportunities, and strengthen the position of female athletes in global helping arenas. These findings build on informed decisions in the use of social media and recommend that sports policies and managers provide appropriate platforms to increase the presence and participation of female athletes. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_224123.html Abstract:This study aimed to examine the relationship between sport mindfulness and mental toughness with perceived fatigue among athletes. The statistical population consisted of all athletes at the University of Tehran, from whom 50 individuals were selected as the research sample. The research method was descriptive-correlational. The variables of this study included mental toughness, mindfulness, and perceived fatigue. The data collection tools included the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ) by Sheard et al., the Sport Mindfulness Questionnaire by Thienot et al., and the Borg Perceived Fatigue Scale. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were employed, and in the inferential section, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the data distribution, while Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to test the research hypotheses. The results showed a significant correlation between perceived fatigue and the subscales of athletes' mental toughness (p < 0.05); however, no significant relationship was observed between perceived fatigue and the subscales of mindfulness (p > 0.05). Ultimately, the findings emphasize the role of psychological traits in athletic performance, particularly in perceived fatigue. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_224601.html Abstractpurpose: This study aims to investigate methods of monitoring physical fitness, fatigue, and recovery in athletes, which are practical and essential topics in planning and controlling training coaches use. Method: This review study investigated the impact of monitoring methods on physical performance, fatigue, and recovery in athletic performance. Relevant articles were collected using keywords such as sports monitoring, fatigue monitoring, recovery monitoring, and novel performance monitoring from databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus, covering the period from 2013 to 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised original articles with scientific credibility, relevance, and availability in Persian or English. Duplicate, review, inaccessible (full-text), or low-quality articles were excluded. Ultimately, 15 articles were selected, and their data were organized and analyzed using Excel software.Results: Monitoring is recognized as an essential tool across all sports disciplines, identifying changes related to body composition, physiological indices, performance, fatigue, and signs of overtraining on a weekly and session-by-session basis. This information enables coaches and specialists to plan precisely for the type, duration, and intensity of training sessions and manage fatigue. Regular monitoring contributes to athlete progress, reduces the risk of overtraining and sports injuries, and enhances recovery. Using both traditional and modern monitoring methods, such as RPE, GPS, and heart rate variability, can improve the accuracy and efficiency of monitoring, allowing coaches to implement timely interventions.Conclusion: Monitoring is an essential and practical matter in all sports disciplines. Due to the high sensitivity and intensity of training sessions, changes related to body composition, physiological performance, fatigue, and overtraining indicators are identified weekly and session by session. Based on these results, coaches and specialists can comprehensively understand all performance, fatigue, and recovery indicators. This enables them to make informed decisions regarding the type, duration, and intensity of training, as well as the level of performance and fatigue of athletes, both at the team and individual levels. Proper planning ensures that athletes experience consistent progress, avoid overtraining and injuries, and recover faster. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_224634.html Testing is a tool used to identify strengths and weaknesses and to collect data that can serve as a basis for future evaluations and decisions. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the anthropometric and physical fitness indicators of Iranian national team athletes in 10 sports disciplines (squash, badminton, basketball, taekwondo, fencing, rowing, karate, kabaddi, handball, and volleyball) over the period from 2010 to 2020 (covering three Asian Games and Olympic Games cycles). This study is descriptive-comparative and, considering its objective, is applied research. It investigated the status of elite athletes in anthropometric indices (height, weight, and body mass index) and physical fitness (agility, flexibility, and anaerobic power) during the years 2010 to 2020 (three cycles of the Asian Games and the Olympics). According to the study findings, the average age of elite athletes in the Asian Games and Olympics was 21.5 years. Kabaddi athletes had the highest average age at 23.59 years, while volleyball players had the lowest at 20.60 years. Additionally, the results indicated that agility was superior in fencing, flexibility was highest in kabaddi, and anaerobic power was most prominent in rowing .Assessing the anthropometric and physical fitness status of elite athletes not only describes the current condition but also provides a benchmark for evaluating other athletes. The results of physical fitness tests highlight the strengths and weaknesses of training programs and offer practical guidance to coaches for monitoring the athletes’ progress or potential decline. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_224817.html Many studies indicate that pre-performance routines positively impact performance. However, the connection between the timing and behavioral aspects of these routines in real-life competition settings has not been explored. This study aims to examine how these temporal and behavioral patterns of pre-performance routines relate to the success of service skills in skilled volleyball players. The research employed a descriptive correlational method, analyzing one year of footage from the Men's Volleyball Nations League, which included 15 serves from 30 domestic and foreign players. Only serves clearly visible in the video, allowing for accurate recording of both the routine and its outcome, were included in the study. The behavioral and temporal patterns of pre-performance routines were documented across 450 serves. Data analysis was conducted using one-way analysis of variance and Spearman's correlation coefficient tests at a significance level of 0.05, utilizing SPSS version 26 software for statistical processing. The results showed that in general, behavioral routines before performance were observed in all players, but there was a significant difference between behavioral and temporal patterns in players (P≤0.05). The results also showed that there was no significant relationship between temporal and behavioral patterns with performance success (P>0.05). In general, it can be stated that given the lack of relationship between temporal and behavioral patterns with performance success, it is likely that other variables are effective in the success of service skill performance in skilled volleyball players. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_224977.html The aim of the present study was to identify the effective components in smart governance in Iranian sports. The present study is exploratory and applied in nature. The statistical population of this study was specialists and experts in the field of sports industry (senior sports managers of the country, sports diplomats, sports management professors with at least 5 years of experience in the field of sports diplomacy and development, sports industrialists (producers of sports products). The sampling of the research population was carried out using purposive and snowball sampling methods and theoretical saturation index. A total of 17 interviews were conducted. The content analysis method was used to analyze this research. The results showed that the effective components in smart governance in Iranian sports included; technological infrastructure, citizen empowerment and competence, transparent governance, electronic participation, quality of governance, legislation, technological developments, smart management, interactive communication technology, setting the foundation for assumptions and the nature of smart governance. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_227721.html Abstract This study analyzes the causal characteristics underlying the development of Iranian cultural values through physical education and sport. The primary objective of the research is to identify and elucidate the factors that contribute to the formation and reinforcement of Iranian cultural values within the context of physical education and sport. The central research question addresses which factors play a role in strengthening and expanding these values, and how they can influence the process of cultural growth and development in the country. The methodology employed in this study is grounded theory, following the Charmaz approach. The statistical population comprised 20 experts in the fields of sports management and sociology, from whom data were collected through in-depth interviews. The resulting codes were identified and systematically analyzed using MAXQDA 2020 software. The research identified six core categories as key factors in the development of cultural values through physical education and sport: national culture and identity, people and society, economy and labor development, Iranian culture and history, education and ethics, and physical and mental health. The findings indicate that sport serves not only as a means to enhance physical health and capability but also plays a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing cultural values within society. Ultimately, it is recommended that sports programs be designed and developed with a cultural and social orientation, in order to fully harness the potential of sport in strengthening the cultural values of Iran. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_230790.html The aim of the present study was to develop a quantitative model of artificial intelligence implementation strategies in sports marketing in the Iraqi Football Federation. This research is applied in terms of its purpose; it is a combination of sequential exploratory mixed models (qualitative-quantitative) in terms of its design. First, using a qualitative approach and interviews with 18 experts, including professors of sports sciences in Iraq and Iran, experts in artificial intelligence and computer science, sports marketing experts, members of the Iraqi Football Federation and boards, and football experts, using purposive sampling, the identification of artificial intelligence implementation strategies in sports marketing in the Iraqi Football Federation was addressed. In the second part of the study, the structural equation modeling method was used to confirm the conceptual model arising from the research. Using interviews with research experts and data coding, 33 items were identified in the form of 3 main themes and 7 sub-themes as strategies for implementing artificial intelligence in sports marketing in the Iraqi Football Federation. Also, according to the results of structural equation modeling, the fit of the conceptual model of the research was examined and confirmed. In a general conclusion, it should be noted that in order to implement artificial intelligence in the sports marketing of the Football Federation, three basic steps need to be carried out by the relevant managers in Iraq; first, the basic requirements of modern technology must be implemented in the federation and relevant organizations so that it can keep up with the developments in technology in the world; in the second step, it must develop artificial intelligence technology and speed up this important matter by using models from successful countries in this field, and finally, with proper technology management, it will facilitate the possibility of implementing artificial intelligence in the marketing of the Football Federation. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_230836.html Developing psychological and motor skills in adolescent athletes, especially in martial arts, plays a key role in improving performance and reducing the risk of injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a combined mental imagery and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), protocol on emotion control and dynamic balance in adolescent karate athletes. This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pre-test and post-test design including two groups (experimental and sham) and 24 adolescent athletes. The training protocol consisted of 8 sessions, for 4 weeks, 2 sessions of 20 minutes each week. To assess emotion control, the Roger and Nashover (1987) questionnaire was used, which measures four components including emotion inhibition, aggression inhibition, rumination, and benign inhibition. The Y test was also used to measure dynamic balance. The results of the analysis of covariance showed that the experimental group performed significantly better than the sham group in both variables of emotion control (F = 6.415, P = 0.001, η² = 0.228), and dynamic balance (F = 6.518, P = 0.003, η² = 0.358). These results indicate that the combination of mental imagery with brain stimulation can significantly improve the emotion control and dynamic balance of adolescent athletes and can be used as an effective tool in psychological and physical preparation for national, international, and Youth Olympic competitions. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that adolescent coaches and sports psychologists use the combined protocol of mental imagery and brain stimulation in their training programs to improve balance and emotion control. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_231041.html The aim of this study was to identify the psychological strategies employed by Iranian Olympic medalists to achieve performance excellence.Given the nature of the research, a qualitative approach with thematic analysis was adopted. The target population included Iranian Olympic medalist athletes, their coaches, and associated sports psychologists. Data were collected through 12 semi-structured field interviews and 8 document-based interviews from written sources. After transcription, the total dataset comprised 116,693 words, which were analyzed in MAXQDA following Braun and Clarke’s six-step procedure (2006). Through repeated reading and familiarization with the data, 555 meaningful units related to psychological strategies were identified. Subsequently, through an iterative process of refining and clustering codes and subthemes, the initial codes were organized into 25 subthemes under 5 main themes. The five main themes and their subthemes of psychological strategies were: 1.Learning (awareness and experience, learning and training, modeling); 2. Effective application of mental skills (self-talk, imagery and mental rehearsal, routines, focus and refocusing); 3.Lifestyle integration (lifestyle congruence, professional lifestyle, multidimensionality); 4. Optimal preparation (technical and physical training and preparation, mental preparation); and, 5. Self-regulation, which included a broad range of subcategories such as: stress and anxiety management, negative thought management, discipline, goal-setting and planning, motivational regulation, problem-solving and decision-making, attention to detail, maintaining focus and attentional control, emotion regulation, continuous evaluation and analysis, effective prioritization and handling distractions, managing obstacles and coping with challenges and discouragements, and agentic help-seeking.The findings suggest that the psychological strategies of Iranian Olympic medalists are not isolated techniques but an integrated and dynamic network that interweaves cognitive, physical, emotional, and social dimensions. These insights highlight the unique cultural and contextual aspects of elite performance in Iran and provide practical implications for designing sport psychology interventions and preparation programs for high-performance athletes. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_232544.html The purpose of this study was to present a model of factors affecting success in the implementation of strategic knowledge management in Iranian women's championship sports.in terms of descriptive-exploratory nature and due to the application of methodology, it is a qualitative-quantitative research that will be conducted using the thematic analysis method. The statistical population in the qualitative part of the present study includes experts and experts including professors and faculty members of the Faculty of Sport Sciences, staff and heads of the Sport and Youth Department, as well as sports boards and all people involved in the field of sport After selecting the inclusion criteria (field of work, level of education, organizational rank, job experience, field of research, level of articles and researches conducted,) they will be interviewed. The statistical population is estimated to be between 70 and 100 people. The interviews will continue according to the purposive sampling method until the data reach theoretical saturation. In order to evaluate the validity of the tool, five professors in the field of sport management will be asked to participate in the research and to investigate the validity of the research tool. The interview questions will be provided to these professors and after reviewing the 30 interview questions by them, the validity of the interview questions will be confirmed. In order to calculate the reliability of the interview using the intra-the-subject agreement method of two coders (evaluator), a research colleague will be asked to participate in the research. The necessary training and techniques for coding the interview were explained to him. Then the researcher and the researcher codified an interview and the percentage of intra-subject agreement which is used as the reliability index of the analysis will be calculated.The percentage was obtained, which showed good reliability. The recorded interviews and all the content were typed verbatim into Microsoft Word and analyzed using QSR NVivo (version 12), a software package for qualitative data analysis.The results showed that the results of confirmatory factor analysis show that nine factors such as management, organizational structure, knowledge architecture, culture, human resources, information technology, knowledge processes, motivational rewards and knowledge content are considered as key factors for success in the implementation of knowledge management in sports organizations .The results of interpretive structural modeling indicate that the management factor has the highest influence and the least dependence among the other eight key factors https://journal.olympic.ir/article_232940.html The aim of the current research is to Analyze the role of the government in the development of public sports using the media. In terms of objective, it is applied and in terms of qualitative research method, it is based on thematic analysis approach. In this research, according to the purpose of studying the participants based on targeted sampling from among the government members, managers and expert and high experts in the selected headquarters areas of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, including (Deputy for the Development of Public Sports, Office of International Affairs, Office of Cultural Affairs, Women's Sports Development Deputy, Public Relations), sports directors of provincial municipalities and sports directors of various departments of the armed forces, as well as elected directors in the National Olympic and Paralympic Committee and professors of sports management, were selected (18 interviews). In order to collect information, a semi-structured and in-depth interview was used. Validity and reliability were confirmed. The results of the content analysis showed that the government media influence the development of public sports in dimensions such as the structure of public sports, promotion and publicity of public sports, information of public sports, and education of public sports, acculturalization of public sports and convergence of stakeholders of public sports. According to the results of the research, it is suggested that it is necessary to use the capacity of the media in order to empower the public sports program. Therefore, taking advantage of variables such as culture building and educational activities can provide conditions for the development of sports activities, public sports and presenting ideas and criticisms in the technological platform and capacity of the media. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_233306.html The purpose of this study was to test the acceptance model of mobile fitness applications, emphasizing psychological predictors. This research is applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey in terms of its nature and data collection method. The statistical population included users of fitness applications in Iran. Data were collected from 373 of these individuals using the convenience sampling method. To measure the research variables, standard questionnaires of the Technology Acceptance Model (Davis, 1989), Personal Innovativeness (Goldsmith & Hofacker, 1991), Subjective Knowledge (Flynn & Goldsmith, 1999), and Health Consciousness (Hong, 2009) were used, and their validity and reliability were confirmed through factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to evaluate the model. The findings showed that subjective knowledge and personal innovativeness are useful predictors for "perceived usefulness," "health consciousness," and "perceived ease of use." "Perceived ease of use" was identified as the strongest direct predictor of intention to use (β =0.418) and also fully mediates the effect of subjective knowledge and innovativeness on intention to use. "Health consciousness" also predicted the intention to use fitness applications (β =0.287); however, the direct effects of innovativeness and perceived usefulness on behavioral intention were not significant. Therefore, application developers should focus on these factors and improve the user experience to increase the rate and duration of application use. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_234844.html This study aimed to identify and qualitatively analyze the indicators for developing a service specialization model in sports academies based on customer typology. From a paradigmatic perspective, the research adopts a postmodern approach. The study is qualitative in nature, based on the type of data and research objectives, and was conducted using a Thematic Analysis approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with experts in sports management, as well as managers of football and futsal academies. MAXQDA software was used to analyze the qualitative data. The findings revealed that customer understanding and analysis, service personalization, customer relations, training and skill development, technology and digitalization, environment and equipment design, marketing and branding, and culture and awareness-building significantly influence the specialization of services in sports academies. The results of this study can assist academy managers in designing and implementing personalized training programs tailored to the characteristics and athletic goals of each athlete, establishing and applying continuous feedback systems to monitor and enhance service quality, and increasing athlete loyalty by aligning services and facilities with individual needs, preferences, and motivations. Furthermore, the findings can support managers in identifying different target groups, providing appropriate supportive and motivational services, and enhancing the overall athlete experience within the academy environment, thereby facilitating strategic decision-making and continuous performance improvement. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_234848.html This study aims to investigate the role of digital transformation management in achieving the sustainability of sporting events and to develop a corresponding model. Employing a grounded theory approach, the research was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 12 sports management experts and the analysis of 400 valid scientific documents. Findings revealed that digital transformation is influenced by multiple factors, categorized as barriers (including organizational resistance and regulatory frameworks) and facilitators (including transformational leadership and smart investment). Key identified strategies were grouped into three main categories: smart technologies (comprising IoT, AI, and VR), process optimization (including integrated management and consumption optimization), and digital engagement (encompassing fan-centric approaches and accessibility). These strategies lead to sustainability outcomes across multiple dimensions, extending beyond traditional economic, social, and environmental aspects to include emerging dimensions such as security-ethical sustainability, human resource sustainability, and health sustainability. The study ultimately presents a comprehensive model, concluding that digital transformation management represents a strategic shift from traditional event management toward an intelligent and sustainable sports ecosystem, serving as a practical roadmap for Iranian sports managers and policymakers. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_236145.html This study was conducted with the aim of identifying the factors influencing the development of professional Taekwondo league clubs. The research design was mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) and Futures research. In the qualitative section, content analysis and interviews with 16 Taekwondo experts (using purposive sampling based on expertise and experience in Taekwondo and development) were carried out. The interviews were based on the (STEEP) model by Peter Schwartz (1970), a common tool in future studies research, and continued until data saturation was reached. The quantitative sample consisted of 66 experts with knowledge in club management and Taekwondo, selected purposively. The five driving forces in the model—economic, socio-cultural, technological, political, and environmental—were expanded through semi-structured interviews, and specific indicators for each driving force were derived based on the state of professional Taekwondo league clubs. The analysis results identified 44 components for the five driving forces. The results showed that, from the experts' perspective, the highest averages were in the socio-cultural area (culture of shareholding), political (level of convergence between sports and political managers), economic (sustainable revenue generation), environmental (attention to clean air), and, lastly, technological (development of communication infrastructure). It is recommended that for the future development of professional Taekwondo league clubs, attention should be given to promoting the culture of shareholding in society and ensuring clubs achieve sustainable revenue generation, while adopting appropriate executive processes. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_236149.html The study aimed to investigate emerging visual technologies in the transformation of professional football. This research was conducted with a qualitative approach and through a phenomenological strategy. Data were collected and analyzed through in-depth semi-structured interviews using a seven-step phenomenological process. In this research, 20 experts and experienced individuals were interviewed, including visual rights managers, television broadcasters, broadcast operations, professional analysts, journalists, technology, creativity and innovation managers, project leaders, business managers, revenue managers and sports media managers in football clubs and leagues around the world who had direct experience in the field of sports and visual technologies. Visual technologies in football matches, in three recording areas (such as professional sports video cameras, professional microphones, simultaneous audio and video recording equipment), processing (such as video editing systems, sports graphics production systems, player and ball tracking systems, AR and VR technology systems, AI-based video processing technologies), and broadcasting (live TV broadcasting systems, internet and satellite broadcasting systems, sports streaming platforms, video compression and transmission, and 360-degree and VR broadcasting technologies) were examined. The results show that the use of modern visual technologies, such as VAR and goal-line technology, has increased fairness in refereeing decisions and reduced human errors. Additionally, player tracking and AR technologies have helped improve coaches' technical and tactical analysis and enhance player performance. This research emphasizes that visual technologies play an effective role in enhancing the professionalism of sports and improving refereeing and technical processes. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_236151.html The purpose of this study was to examine and analyze the inhibiting factors in the process of implementing elite sports policies in Iran’s Paralympics. Employing a qualitative approach and thematic analysis method, this applied research was conducted inductively. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 12 participants, including athletes, coaches, and Paralympic experts, selected purposefully and analyzed inductively. The findings indicate that the classification system, due to weak infrastructures and a shortage of specialists, hinders competitive fairness and the development of athletes with disabilities in Iran. Insufficient budget, inadequate public resources, and limitations in attracting investment have disrupted the implementation of elite sports policies. The limited capacity of federations and lack of specialized management have further intensified executive challenges. Moreover, media representation, often emotional and tragic, has downplayed the technical abilities of athletes and reproduced discriminatory stereotypes, thereby impeding sustainable development and the advancement of Paralympic sport. Consequently, strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and civil society engagement emerges as a key factor in providing comprehensive support for athletes with disabilities, which in turn will ensure the realization of elite sports policies and enhance the international standing of Iran’s Paralympics. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_237350.html AbstractAthletes consistently strive to achieve peak performance. In this pursuit, maintaining optimal attention levels and reducing anxiety are considered key factors influencing optimal athletic performance. This has led researchers in sports psychology to focus on the relationship between psychological strategy training and its role in managing attention and anxiety. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) strategy training on reducing sports anxiety, enhancing selective attention, and improving performance in taekwondo athletes.This study was applied in purpose and utilized a quasi-experimental method with a pre-test–post-test control group design, including a one-month follow-up period. For this purpose, 40 taekwondo athletes were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (receiving NLP training) or a control group. The research instruments included the Sport Anxiety Scale (SAS) by Smith et al. (1990), the Sports Performance Questionnaire by Charbonneau et al. (2001), the standard Poomsae form of the World Taekwondo Federation, and the d2 Test of Attention. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 23, employing descriptive statistics and inferential statistical methods (Multivariate Analysis of Covariance with repeated measures) at a significance level of 0.05.The findings indicated that NLP strategy training significantly led to a reduction in sports anxiety, an increase in selective attention, and an improvement in the athletic performance of the participants. Furthermore, the intervention effects remained stable during the one-month follow-up period. Based on the results obtained, the use of Neuro-Linguistic Programming strategies is recommended as an effective interventional method for reducing anxiety, enhancing focus, and promoting athletic performance in taekwondo athletes. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_240460.html This study, employing an exploratory mixed-methods approach, identifies and prioritizes the key actors in the governance of elite sports in Iran. In the qualitative phase, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 19 experts and coded using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis framework. The results revealed four main categories of actors: governmental institutions, sports organizations, athletes and technical staff, and international organizations. In the quantitative phase, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to the judgments of 25 experts to estimate the relative weights of these categories (all pairwise comparison matrices showed acceptable consistency with CR < 0.1). The findings indicated that governmental institutions (0.325) and international organizations (0.304) play the most significant roles in shaping governance, while sports organizations (0.225) and particularly athletes and technical staff (0.145) hold lesser weight. This pattern reflects a concentration of decision-making at domestic policy-making and transnational regulatory levels, alongside the marginalization of grassroots stakeholders. Accordingly, it is recommended to redefine the roles of actors, institutionalize the principles of transparency, accountability, and participation, revise statutes to strengthen the involvement of athletes and coaches in decision-making, establish independent evaluation mechanisms, and foster constructive engagement with international bodies. The novelty of this research lies in providing a systematic framework for mapping the actor network and assessing their priorities in the Iranian context, which can inform policy reforms and the design of practical governance interventions. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_241750.html The aim of this research was to develop an evaluation model for the implementation of National Olympic Committee policies. This research is applied in terms of purpose and was conducted with a qualitative method and in the field. The statistical sample was 19 Olympic sports experts who were selected purposefully based on the criteria of education level, activity and management experience, expertise, theoretical mastery, and publications. Interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation and continued until the responses became repetitive and coded. In order to determine the reliability and verification of the codes, two coders and five interviewees reviewed and approved them. Then, in order to eliminate unimportant or irrelevant codes, a specialized Delphi panel was formed and the codes were reviewed and screened. Based on the findings in the National Olympic Committee's policy implementation evaluation model, 45 indicators were categorized into the following components: evaluation context, evaluator characteristics, implementer evaluation, ethics, attention to efficiency, key point evaluation, comprehensive evaluation, process integration evaluation, outcome-oriented evaluation, and process-oriented and corrective evaluation, and these components were placed in the dimensions of evaluation prerequisites, requirements during evaluation, formative evaluations, and consequential evaluation. Providing evaluation conditions, evaluator competence, and evaluation of executive decisions, as evaluation prerequisites, along with avoiding bias and emphasizing reform in evaluations, as well as establishing a comprehensive monitoring system in the implementation of the National Olympic Committee's policies, will help the managers of this organization in the successful implementation of policies https://journal.olympic.ir/article_241751.html The purpose of this study was to evaluate value-based educational initiatives and to design a professional development framework for young football coaches in Iran. The research employed a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design. In the first (qualitative) phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 experts in the field of football to identify the core values underlying coach education. In the second (quantitative) phase, a quasi-experimental five-group design was implemented to assess the effectiveness of four value-based programs—ethical leadership and integrity, psychological safety and supportiveness, autonomy support and mastery climate, and inclusion and cultural equality—compared with a control group. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA. The findings indicated significant differences among the groups and across time (p < 0.001). The greatest impact was observed in the interventions focused on ethical leadership and psychological safety, which led to sustained improvements in coaching efficacy, mastery climate, and coach–athlete relationships. Thematic qualitative analysis identified these four main themes as the foundational pillars of coaches’ professional growth. Interpreted through the lens of Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the results demonstrated that value-based programs, by fulfilling the fundamental psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, enhance intrinsic motivation and sustainable performance among coaches. Overall, the study presents an integrated ethical-oriented education model that can serve as an indigenous framework for developing the professional competence of young football coaches in Iran and guide policymakers, federations, and sports academies toward sustainable coaching development. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_241765.html Rewarm up has been proposed as a novel approach to reduce muscle injuries and improve athletic performance for some sports, such as football and rugby. The present study examined the effect of a rewarm up session on the physical performance indicators of rugby players. Thirty rugby athletes were randomly divided into two groups: a rewarming up and a control group. Tests included measurements of upper and lower body muscle strength, explosive power, 10-meter sprint, agility, and blood lactate levels. Tests were conducted before the game, after the first half, and at the end of the game for both groups. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with a significance level of p<0.05. Results showed that a single rewarm up session had no significant effect on muscle strength, speed, explosive power, agility, and blood lactate changes in rugby players (P>0.05). Despite the lack of positive impact of rewarm up on performance improvement and blood lactate changes, the use of rewarm up protocols is recommended to enhance player performance in the second half. Further research is needed to understand various aspects of this topic, including intensity, duration, and types of movements. https://journal.olympic.ir/article_241768.html The aim of this study was to explain the relationship of factors related to career plateauing among Iranian wrestling coaches. The research employed a mixed-method approach (qualitative-quantitative) within a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was used, while the DEMATEL technique was applied in the quantitative phase. Participants included 14 individuals who were purposefully selected from Iranian wrestling coaches based on criteria such as work experience, coaching level, and accessibility. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and an 18×18 matrix. To evaluate the research's validity, Lincoln and Guba's (1985) criteria, including credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability, were utilized. The qualitative results identified 66 sub-themes and 18 main themes related to career plateauing. Quantitative findings revealed that factors influencing career plateauing were divided into two main categories: influencing factors and influenced factors. Influencing factors included work-life imbalance, rigid organizational structures, static policies, inefficient evaluation systems, and social pressures, which played key roles in causing career plateauing. Conversely, influenced factors such as organizational plateau, content plateau, personal plateau, coach cynicism, and negative job attitudes were primarily identified as outcomes of workplace conditions. The findings of this study can contribute to improving working conditions and reducing career plateauing among wrestling coaches. It is recommended that the wrestling federation, provincial boards, and clubs revise organizational structures and policies and focus on achieving a balance between work and life for coaches to mitigate these factors.