https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/ Applied Research of Sport Management en daily 1 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12790.html Introduction Today, sports have become an important aspect of the political influence of governments. Sports are a tool for international affairs that countries can use to strengthen relationships around the world. As a key component of soft power, sports can be an effective tool in determining diplomatic relations. Many policymakers and experts believe that sports diplomacy is an easy, safe, and gentle tool for improving international relations (Min and Choi, 2019). As an element of public diplomacy, also called soft power, sports have a significant contribution to peacebuilding (Leite Junior & Rodrigues, 2020).The results of the study by Raeissadat et al. (2022) indicate that sports competitions can provide a context for convergence and cooperation. In a study, Garamvölgyi & Dóczi (2021) introduced the Hungarian sports diplomacy approach with a focus on the use of sports in public diplomacy. Emphasizing the investment of large amounts of public funds by the government to attract and organize international sports competitions, they stated that by institutionalizing sports in public diplomacy, Hungary has become a pioneering country in Central and Eastern Europe that can be an example for other governments and nations in the region. Dichter (2020) introduced the FIFA World Cup as a space for numerous diplomatic opportunities for men, players, youth or women and examined the link between the world's most popular sport and global diplomacy in national and transnational contexts. Søyland (2020) showed in a study that the country has been able to use its sport in the best way to gain global appeal and soft power, and Qatar's domestic policies have worked well in this regard despite criticism. Won and Chiu (2020) compared the functions of sports diplomacy in Taiwan and South Korea and showed that Taiwan's geopolitical situation has a negative impact on hosting international sports events compared to mainland China.Despite the effective role of sports diplomacy in increasing the identity, pride, and national cohesion of countries, presenting a favorable image of them in the international arena, and reducing political isolation, unfortunately, Iranian sports organizations have not taken an effective step in this regard and have not utilized the potential of sports to expand international interactions. This is despite the efforts made to impose economic and political sanctions on the Islamic Republic of Iran in recent years, the field of sports can be an effective way to present a true and favorable image of Iran in the international arena.Since in Iran, various organizations and executive bodies are active in the development of sports at the championship and professional levels, and the reflection of their activities can lead to presenting a favorable image of Iran's sports diplomacy at the national, regional and global levels, in order to develop sports diplomacy in Iran, each of the sports organizations and executive bodies must play a role and participate in the development of sports diplomacy. To achieve this, it is necessary to first determine the performance of each of these bodies and then, considering the status of each of them and their performance in the development of sports diplomacy, take steps to strengthen the dimensions of sports diplomacy in that specific body. Therefore, the question arises: what are the dimensions of sports diplomacy? And how is the performance of Iranian sports organizations in utilizing the capacities of sports diplomacy? Also, in order to develop the sports diplomacy efforts of Iranian sports organizations, in which of the dimensions does it need to be corrected or made fundamental changes? Therefore, the present work aims at mapping sport diplomacy in Iranian sport organizations. MothodologyThe present study is descriptive-survey in nature and method, and field research in terms of data collection. The statistical population was composed of all professionals, experts, and authorities of major sport organizations of Iran, from whom the research sample was selected in a purposeful manner. The research instrument was a researcher-made questionnaire that was prepared using the library study method and was used after confirming content validity by CVI method. By conducting library studies, a list of 25 components of sports diplomacy in Iranian sports organizations was identified, which were organized into 5 main dimensions: "internal cohesion", "improvement and promotion", "international trust-building", "platform for dialogue", and "international imagery”. Using DNAP method, the network relationships of components determined and the effective weight of each component calculated from the complete correlation matrix based on the basic concept of ANP.  FindingsThe description of the demographic characteristics of the experts participating in the study shows that in terms of gender, most of the experts were male (79.92%). In terms of education, most of them had a PhD (73.26%). In terms of age, most of them were between 41 and 50 years old (46.22%). Also, most of the experts had work experience between 21 and 30 years (59.94%).Results revealed five dimensions of sport diplomacy in the organizations including "internal cohesion","improvement and promotion", "international trust-building", "platform for dialogue", and "international imagery"; the first two of which were also categorized as causal (effective) dimensions, while the rest were of influential dimensions. The IPA analysis showed that "internal coherence" and "improvement and promotion" belong to the category of low-importance, high-performance dimensions requiring immediate attention. "International imagery" was also categorized as high-importance, high-performance dimension (requiring continuation). "International trust building" belongs to the high-importance, low-performance category (not requiring immediate attention); "platform for dialogue" also belongs to the low-importance, low-performance category. Discussion and ConclusionThe study of the relationships and importance of the dimensions of sports diplomacy in Iranian sports organizations showed that the dimensions of "internal cohesion", "improvement and promotion" are in the category of cause dimensions (influencing) and the dimensions of "international trust-building", "platform for dialogue", and "international imagery” are in the category of effect dimensions (influencing). In addition, the dimension of "internal cohesion" was the most influential and the dimension of "international trust-building" was the most influential dimension in terms of relationship. In terms of importance, the dimension of "international imagery” was the most important and the dimension of "platform for dialogue" was the least important dimension of sports diplomacy in the country's sports organizations.In the dimension of internal cohesion (the most effective dimension of sports diplomacy), the components of “national solidarity”, “social vitality and happiness”, and “elimination of discrimination and deprivation” are in the category of influential components, and the component of “national solidarity” is the most influential component. In other words, if the national solidarity component is improved, other components of the internal cohesion dimension will be improved and, as a result, the scope for sports diplomacy in sports organizations will increase.In addition to the internal cohesion dimension, the improvement and promotion dimension also constituted another influential dimension on other dimensions of sports diplomacy. The improvement and promotion dimension consists of the components of “improving political and legal relations”, “improving social and cultural conditions”, “promoting peace and friendship”, and “promoting moral standards and concepts”, among which, the components of “improving social and cultural conditions” and “promoting moral standards” and concepts are included in the category of influential components. The results indicates that the component of “improving social and cultural conditions” is the most influential component in this dimension. In other words, if the component of “improving social and cultural conditions” is promoted, the other components of the improvement and promotion dimension are also promoted, and as a result, the field of sports diplomacy in sports organizations also increases.Other findings of the present study showed that the dimensions of “international trust-building”, “platform for dialogue” and “international imagery” are in the category of affected dimensions. In fact, it can be stated that these dimensions are the result of promoting the dimensions of “internal coherence” and “improvement and promotion”. In addition, the findings of the present study showed that the dimension of "international trust-building" is the most influential dimension of sports diplomacy and among its components, the component of lobbying and leveraging sports constitutes the most influential component.Finally, the findings of this section showed that in terms of importance, the dimension of "international imagery" constituted the most important dimension of sports diplomacy in the country's sports organizations. In fact, it can be said that the most important goal of sports diplomacy is "international imagery" or, in other words, improving the country's image; because by improving the state of international imagery, it is expected that the country's cultural and media communications and interactions will be improved, a favorable image of the country will be created on the international stage, and the attractiveness and soft power of sports symbols will also increase.Considering the findings of the present study, which shows that the dimension of "improvement and promotion" and its components are among the influential dimensions in the sports diplomacy of the country's sports organizations, it is suggested that, more than other components of this dimension, the issue of improving the country's social and cultural conditions should be placed at the top of the government's programs so that by promoting it, the ground for improving sports diplomacy and ultimately obtaining its numerous benefits for the country can be prepared.Based on the results, it is suggested that the country's top sports managers, in addition to paying attention to the dimensions and components identified in this study, provide conditions to improve and promote sports diplomacy in Iranian organizations by promoting social vitality and happiness, promoting national solidarity and national identity, improving political and legal relations, improving social and cultural conditions, and promoting peace and friendship. https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12791.html IntroductionThe development of Sports business requires not only strategic economic management but also a particular emphasis on establishing and reinforcing robust legal infrastructures. While many foundational elements exist within the national business environment, certain aspects demand enhanced attention and systematic management to effectively foster growth and sustainability. This study aims to propose a qualitative model for the development of professional sports business in Iran from a legal perspective. It focuses on identifying the most influential legal dimensions, highlighting overlooked aspects, examining driving factors, and predicting the anticipated outcomes of adopting a legal-centric approach to sports business development. MethodologyThis study employs a qualitative research design rooted in Grounded Theory methodology, specifically utilizing Glaser's approach for data analysis. Data collection focused on obtaining rich, detailed insights from a carefully selected sample of experts and practitioners, ensuring relevance and depth. The participants comprised university faculty members specializing in marketing, law, and business, preferably with practical experience. Additionally, executives and marketing specialists from prominent football-related organizations-including the League Organization, the sport federation, and league clubs-were included. Sampling employed a purposive strategy combined with snowball sampling to identify participants with the requisite expertise and experience. Interviews were conducted in depth, lasting 60-90 minutes, and continued until the researchers determined that theoretical saturation and data adequacy were achieved. To ensure the rigor and trustworthiness of the study, the four fundamental criteria of Grounded Theory-fit, relevance, workability, and modifiability-were systematically applied.  FindingsThe analysis of data revealed 33 distinct categories that collectively play a central role in the development of the professional sports business in Iran from a legal perspective. The core category, which encapsulates the research's primary focus, is identified as the “development of professional sports business in Iran with a legal approach.” This core category serves as the nexus of the proposed model, influenced by other categories while providing feedback to them, yet maintaining a predominantly one-way relationship with these influencing factors. The contextual conditions, representing the broad environmental and foundational elements that shape the sports business landscape. These include the scientific, cultural, and legal groundwork necessary to sustain growth, the close interaction between internal and external factors impacting the sports sector, and the societal recognition of the potential economic and social benefits of sports. These conditions are comprehensive and exert a dual linkage, affecting both the sports infrastructure and the associated legal frameworks, thereby influencing all other categories within the model. The causal conditions-root causes that directly drive the development of the core category-were identified as three key elements: (1) the legal regulation of contracts, which ensures clarity and enforceability of agreements among stakeholders; (2) compliance with international law, which facilitates integration with global sports systems and adherence to international standards; and (3) the establishment of a comprehensive system for sports and club management, which promotes professional governance and operational efficiency.Covariant factors-those associated with the causal conditions but not primary drivers-include compliance with domestic regulations, respect for intellectual property rights, adherence to antitrust laws, privatization efforts, and the consideration of public interest within sports activities. These factors contribute to shaping the environment in which the core development process occurs.Intervening or mediating factors represent conditions that influence the outcomes of the development process. These include challenges such as the lack of payments for broadcasting rights, the growing significance of media and endorsements, merit-based recruitment practices, the dominance of state control over sports, latent marketing opportunities, economic constraints, and various political, social, and cultural issues that may impede progress. Contingency or moderating factors serve as intermediaries affecting the relationship between causes and the core development process, as well as between the core process and its outcomes. These include the effectiveness of legal agencies, the establishment of standardized sports clubs, the presence of sponsors, adherence to ethical principles, the creation of unions representing sports stakeholders, the implementation of systemic communication models within the sports ecosystem, and the employment of scientifically qualified managers in legal, economic, and club management domains.Finally, the outcomes represent the culmination of the model and reflect the anticipated benefits and changes resulting from the legal development of professional sports business. Expert opinions suggest key results such as the consistent implementation and observance of legal frameworks, recognition of sports as a significant industry, strict adherence to the rule of law, tax exemptions designed to incentivize growth, and the positive impact of a healthy economy on the contribution of sports to the national gross domestic product (GDP). Discussion and ConclusionPolicymakers are encouraged to adopt this legal-based model within national sports planning agendas. A thorough review and revision of existing sports legislation is crucial to identify and remove regulatory barriers that hinder business growth and investment. Managers and administrators in the sports industry should focus attention on the 33 core categories identified in this research, prioritizing initiatives that promote financial transparency, contractual clarity, and ethical governance.Furthermore, the government is urged to support ongoing privatization efforts to enhance industry efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. Privatization, when coupled with strong legal oversight, can enable sports organizations to operate more dynamically and respond effectively to market demands. One of the urgent legislative initiatives recommended by this study is the formal regulation and enforcement of broadcasting rights payments. Ensuring that media rights holders receive appropriate compensation is vital to the financial sustainability of professional sports and can serve as a critical revenue stream for clubs and leagues. Additionally, the Ministry of Sports should establish a structured model for club and business development that incorporates legal, economic, and managerial best practices. This would provide a systematic pathway for clubs to professionalize their operations and engage more effectively with sponsors, fans, and international partners. Sports administrators are encouraged to implement both short-term and long-term strategies that align with the proposed legal framework to achieve practical outcomes. Short-term measures could include enhancing contract management and intellectual property protection, while long-term efforts may focus on fostering a culture of compliance and continuous legal reform. Finally, enforcement of national intellectual property and copyright laws, aligned with international standards, is crucial to protecting sports brands, media content, and merchandise. This legal protection will help nurture a thriving and legally sound sports business environment that attracts investment and supports sustainable growth. https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12789.html Introduction                                  Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming nearly every aspect of human activity, including industry, education, medicine, and, increasingly, academic research. In the realm of sports science, AI applications are expanding swiftly, ranging from athlete performance tracking, injury prediction, and tactical simulations to the automation of training regimes and strategic decision-making. These developments have revolutionized the way sports are analyzed, taught, and even experienced. One of the most groundbreaking and controversial implementations of AI is its integration into the academic research process. This includes tasks such as literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific writing, all of which were traditionally the domain of human researchers.AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Sider, and Gemini now offer unprecedented capabilities to accelerate the research workflow. They can summarize vast amounts of data, draft coherent texts, detect patterns in data, and even propose research questions or hypotheses. Their presence is reshaping the academic landscape by offering both support and potential disruption. However, despite their practical benefits, the adoption of AI in research, particularly within sports science, raises a wide array of concerns. These concerns range from the generation of technically incorrect or contextually shallow content to deeper ethical issues such as the erosion of human agency, data privacy violations, and algorithmic biases.AI systems, while impressive in computational ability, are still limited in their understanding of domain-specific contexts and nuanced interpretations. In sports research, which often involves the integration of physiological, psychological, tactical, and sociocultural dimensions, these limitations become even more pronounced. The challenge is compounded when AI is used for content generation in academic publishing, where the accuracy and integrity of scientific communication are paramount. There are growing fears that over-reliance on AI tools might weaken essential research skills, reduce critical thinking, and promote a culture of superficial engagement with scholarly material.Furthermore, the academic community faces the threat of standardization and homogenization in thought, where AI-generated content follows repetitive and formulaic patterns. The subtlety and originality that define rigorous academic work are at risk. There is also concern about the dilution of scholarly identity, as the line between human-authored and machine-generated content becomes increasingly blurred. Such developments can have far-reaching consequences, especially in fields like sports science that rely heavily on interdisciplinary insights and deep contextual understanding.The purpose of this study is not to advocate for the abandonment of AI tools but rather to provide a structured framework for their responsible and intelligent use. This research aims to design a comprehensive model that identifies and categorizes the risks associated with AI in sports research and proposes targeted strategies to mitigate these risks. By doing so, it contributes to the development of policies and practices that preserve the integrity of academic output while embracing the productive potential of AI.Given the accelerated integration of AI in academia, the sports research community must proactively establish standards that ensure scientific quality, ethical rigor, and methodological transparency. This involves not only the technological fine-tuning of AI systems but also the education and empowerment of researchers. It is essential to cultivate a culture where AI is viewed as a complementary tool, not a substitute for human cognition. Such a paradigm shift requires comprehensive stakeholder engagement, including policymakers, educational institutions, journal editors, and technology developers.The current study addresses this critical need by drawing insights from both human experts and advanced AI systems. Through a methodologically rigorous approach involving qualitative interviews and thematic analysis, it formulates a robust model of AI risk management in sports research. This model seeks to bridge the gap between AI innovation and academic responsibility, thereby ensuring that the future of sports science remains both dynamic and credible. MothodologyThis qualitative research employed thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns regarding the risks and management strategies associated with AI in sports science research. The study involved deep interviews with two types of participants: 12 human experts in AI and sports research and four major AI chatbots (ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Sider, and Gemini). Participants were selected based on their expertise in fields such as AI ethics, machine learning, sports informatics, and academic writing. The interviews continued until theoretical saturation was achieved. The data collected were coded and analyzed using MAXQDA software. Reliability was ensured through double-coding, expert validation, and structured feedback loops. Two primary research questions guided the interviews: first, to identify the specific risks of using AI in the academic research process within sports science; and second, to explore the most effective strategies for managing these risks. The responses were categorized into thematic codes, followed by the formulation of a structured conceptual model that connects identified risks with targeted mitigation strategies. FindingsThe findings revealed a set of critical issues and corresponding management strategies associated with AI use in sports research. The risks were categorized into six major sub-themes encompassing 46 unique codes. Firstly, in terms of content quality and accuracy, AI-generated texts often contained analytical errors, misleading information, repetitive content, and insufficient contextual understanding. Secondly, dependency on AI was shown to erode human research skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and academic writing. Thirdly, ethical and legal concerns arose due to AI’s potential to plagiarize, misuse data, breach privacy, and produce biased or untraceable content. The fourth risk area involved technical and infrastructural challenges, including software bugs, processing limitations, high costs, and cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Fifth, socio-cultural effects included reduced human interaction in research, the loss of traditional academic values, unequal access to technology, and declining trust in AI-generated outcomes. Lastly, a major concern was the threat AI poses to the credibility of scientific research through the proliferation of low-quality publications, reputational damage to authors, and ranking decline of institutions.In terms of management strategies, six sub-themes were identified with a total of 43 codes. These included improving AI algorithms to enhance transparency and reliability, implementing robust policy and legal frameworks to regulate ethical use, and investing in education to raise awareness and train researchers in responsible AI usage. Additionally, human oversight remained critical in validating AI-generated content and ensuring quality control. Infrastructure development was another pillar, emphasizing equitable access to technology and international collaboration. Finally, transparency and accountability were necessary to ensure responsible use, including open algorithmic disclosures and clearly defined roles for content responsibility. Discussion and ConclusionThe exponential integration of AI into the sports research ecosystem presents both remarkable opportunities and significant vulnerabilities. On the positive side, AI enables efficiency, innovation, and access to vast data-driven insights. It allows researchers to accelerate data processing, identify patterns that may otherwise remain undetected, and simulate complex systems. This leads to increased productivity and, potentially, more impactful outcomes.However, these benefits come with considerable risks. Without adequate human oversight and ethical safeguards, AI can compromise research quality, dilute scholarly rigor, and introduce systemic biases. The findings emphasize that AI systems frequently struggle with contextual nuances specific to sports science, leading to overly generic or misleading outputs. Such limitations can result in superficial analysis, erroneous interpretations, and ultimately, flawed conclusions.The risk of skill degradation is particularly alarming. As researchers grow dependent on AI-generated outputs, their capacity for independent analysis, critical evaluation, and creative thinking may erode. This shift represents not only a methodological concern but also a cultural one. The academic tradition is built on inquiry, skepticism, and intellectual independence—all of which are threatened when machines dominate cognitive tasks. The study’s insights suggest a clear need for recalibrating the human-AI relationship in academia to avoid becoming passive consumers of algorithmic content.Ethical and legal challenges are also pressing. Issues such as data misuse, unintentional plagiarism, algorithmic opacity, and unregulated data scraping are becoming increasingly prevalent. These challenges underscore the urgency of developing institutional and national governance frameworks that can both empower and restrain AI usage. Legal structures must evolve to address the new realities introduced by intelligent systems, particularly in how intellectual property, data rights, and accountability are defined and enforced.Technical and infrastructural obstacles further complicate the picture. Many institutions, especially in developing regions, lack the computational resources, cybersecurity infrastructure, and technical expertise to effectively implement and monitor AI tools. This creates disparities in research capacity and contributes to a growing digital divide. Such inequalities can marginalize institutions and researchers, limiting the global inclusiveness of sports science and hindering international collaboration.Social implications are equally significant. The shift in the role of the researcher-from knowledge creator to system operator-can impact professional identity, academic motivation, and the broader culture of inquiry. Trust in research findings may decline if stakeholders suspect that outputs are generated by unvetted or untraceable algorithms. This erosion of trust not only affects individual researchers but also undermines the credibility of institutions, journals, and the broader scientific community.In response to these multifaceted challenges, the study proposes a conceptual model that incorporates both preventive and corrective measures. These include legal and ethical frameworks, technological enhancements, capacity-building initiatives, and infrastructural support. A key recommendation is to embed transparency and accountability into the development and deployment of AI tools. Researchers must have access to clear documentation about how AI systems operate, what data they use, and how they make decisions. Furthermore, responsibility for AI-generated content must be explicitly defined to avoid ambiguity in authorship and liability.The model also highlights the importance of educational reform. AI literacy should become a core component of academic training in sports science. Researchers need to understand not only how to use AI tools but also when not to use them. This involves critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and domain-specific expertise. Training programs should emphasize the limitations of AI, the value of human insight, and the necessity of methodological rigor.Institutions are encouraged to adopt proactive policies that guide AI usage in research settings. These policies should align with global best practices but also reflect the unique ethical and cultural values of each region. Cross-border collaborations are especially important for sharing resources, harmonizing standards, and fostering innovation in a responsible manner.Journals and peer-review systems must also adapt. Reviewers need tools and training to identify AI-generated content and assess its quality. Editorial guidelines should be updated to reflect the realities of AI-enhanced writing and establish expectations regarding transparency, authorship, and originality.In summary, this study offers a forward-looking framework for integrating AI into sports science research in a manner that preserves its integrity and enhances its value. The proposed model serves as a roadmap for researchers, institutions, and policymakers seeking to harness the power of AI while safeguarding the foundational principles of academic inquiry. Responsible innovation, guided by ethical foresight and collective commitment, is essential to ensure that the adoption of AI leads to progress, not peril, in the world of sports research. https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12788.html Introduction                                  The achievement of positive economic outcomes, such as increased efficiency and productivity, reduction of budget deficits, job creation, and improvement in the quality of goods and services, as the most significant results of the public sector downsizing process in national economies, has led governments to pursue structural reforms and re-engineer their national economies with a new perspective. These governments seek to transition from a state-centric economy to one based on market mechanisms. By delegating tasks that the private sector is capable of performing, they aim to expand the operational scope of this sector, positioning themselves as supervisors, controllers, and guides. By creating a healthy environment and a suitable platform for the activities of existing enterprises in this sector, they facilitate the comprehensive development of their country. Privatization-the transfer of duties, activities, and organizations from the public sector-is a political-economic action aimed at reducing the size of the state and enhancing the efficiency of economic enterprises.It is rare to find a country that does not have a privatization plan in place. In our country, following the revolution and a trend towards nationalizing affairs, many industries and factories were confiscated and nationalized, thereby further increasing the size of the state. However, post-war, the inefficiency of many state-owned economic enterprises, their continuous losses, and the financial burden they imposed on the budget compelled the government to adopt a privatization policy. The privatization program in Iran commenced with the First Comprehensive Economic, Social, and Cultural Development Plan (approved in 1386 SH [2007/2008 AD]) through the transfer of ownership of certain state-owned companies.The objectives of privatization differ based on the specific economic characteristics and standing of each country. All countries that have engaged in privatization share the primary goal of improving the overall economic situation and conditions. Alongside this main objective, other goals may also exist, which include: increasing productivity and national output, enabling the government to access private sector financial resources, encouraging competition, enhancing national welfare and the efficiency of economic activities, saving government expenditures, stimulating the capital market, expanding the culture of participation in the country, absorbing liquidity, and establishing a balanced system for income distribution among various segments of the population.The complex and diverse relations in the areas of management, trade, economics, attracting foreign investment and new technology, the possibility of integration with the international economy, and so on, are predicated upon strengthening the “Supervising State” and reducing the role of the “Executing State.” The research results showed that there are significant differences in most of the variables analyzed (regional level, number of users, tuition revenue, extraordinary revenue, total revenue, monthly revenue per customer, and average monthly tuition) between public and private sports facilities and between their business models. Finally, they suggested, this study provides relevant information for those working in the field of sports venue management, allowing them to perform benchmarks and understand that their improvements in sports venue management are dependent on their ownership and their business model. MothodologyThe statistical population comprised the heads and experts of sports facilities under the Ministry of Sports and Youth of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The implementation method for this research was a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative). In the qualitative section, an open-ended questionnaire and the Grounded Theory method were employed. The sampling process involved selecting sports complexes that host a greater diversity of sports disciplines compared to other facilities owned by the Ministry of Sports and Youth. Initially, the demographic characteristics of the statistical sample were described. Subsequently, the Friedman test was utilized to rank the identified opportunities and challenges. Furthermore, the validity and reliability of the extracted components were assessed using Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). FindingsQualitative part of the research: The central factors include the challenges of privatization in Iranian sports, the opportunities of privatization in Iranian sports, and the various areas of privatization in Iranian sports. The first central factor, namely the challenges of privatization in Iranian sports, includes six categorical factors including legal and legal challenges, managerial and structural challenges, economic and financial challenges, cultural and social challenges, international challenges, and infrastructure and technological challenges The second central factor, namely privatization opportunities in Iranian sports, also includes six categorical factors: legal and legal opportunities, managerial and structural opportunities, economic and financial opportunities, cultural and social opportunities, international opportunities, and infrastructure and technological opportunities.The third pivotal factor, namely the various areas of privatization in Iranian sports, has six categorical factors: privatization of sports clubs, privatization of sports venues and facilities, privatization of sports events and competitions, privatization of education and research in sports, privatization of production and trade of sports goods, and privatization of media and information technology in sports Also, the most important open codes for each axis are as followsThe challenges include: the interference of regulatory and security institutions in the privatization process, the existence of monopolies and rents in some sports disciplines, the prohibition of subsidies and government assistance to professional sports, the high concentration of decision-making and the lack of sufficient delegation of authority, the strong dependence of professional sports and championships on government funding, the dominance of Championing and medaling in the country's sports, international sanctions against Iranian sports, and the lack of standard and multi-purpose sports spaces and venuesIn the context of opportunities: tax and customs exemptions for investment in sports, anticipation of arbitration mechanisms and dispute resolution in contracts, increasing motivation and productivity of human resources by improving the payment system, creating new job opportunities and reducing unemployment, introducing successful sports figures as role models Social, increasing public demand for improving the quality of sports services, building modern and multi-purpose sports complexes with the participation of the private sector In terms of areas: Transferring ownership of Esteghlal and Persepolis clubs, reforming the legal and ownership structure of clubs within the framework of Article 44, participating with the private sector in the construction and completion of unfinished projects, privatization of national teams in some selected disciplines, outsourcing the management of high schools Sports to the private sector, supporting theses and research projects related to sports, granting tax and customs exemptions to exporters of sports goods, issuing licenses for private sports television networks, and utilizing the capacity of knowledge-based companies in making sports smarter. Discussion and ConclusionThis study was conducted with the aim of identifying and prioritizing the challenges and opportunities of privatization in Iranian sports. Privatization in sports is presented as a crucial strategy for sustainable development and enhancing the quality of sports services. However, the privatization process in Iranian sports faces numerous obstacles and challenges, while simultaneously presenting valuable opportunities. Therefore, an accurate understanding of these challenges and opportunities, along with determining the main priorities, plays a significant role in effective policymaking and planning for successful privatization in the country’s sports sector.The findings of this research revealed a wide spectrum of challenges and opportunities confronting privatization in Iranian sports. In the dimension of challenges, issues such as legal and juridical deficiencies, managerial and structural weaknesses, economic and financial constraints, cultural and social barriers, international challenges, and infrastructural and technological shortcomings were identified. Conversely, in the dimension of opportunities, elements such as legal and juridical capacities, managerial and structural capabilities, economic and financial advantages, cultural and social prospects, international openings, and infrastructural and technological potentials were enumerated.The results obtained from prioritizing the challenges indicated that Legal and Juridical Challenges, Managerial and Structural Challenges, and Economic and Financial Challenges ranked first through third in terms of importance, respectively. This finding suggests that legal gaps and shortcomings, inappropriate management structures, and financial and economic limitations are the most significant obstacles facing privatization in Iranian sports. Consequently, reforming laws and regulations, revising management structures, and securing sustainable financial resources must be prioritized in the sports privatization programs.Furthermore, the results of prioritizing the opportunities showed that Infrastructural and Technological Opportunities, International Opportunities, and Cultural and Social Opportunities are the most significant prospects ahead of privatization in Iranian sports. This finding demonstrates that developing sports infrastructure with private sector participation, leveraging international capacities, and enhancing the culture of participation and teamwork in society can pave the way for successful privatization in the country’s sports. Therefore, sports policymakers and planners must activate these valuable opportunities by adopting appropriate approaches.Another significant finding of this research was the identification and prioritization of the various contexts/domains for privatization in Iranian sports. The results showed that the privatization of Sports Media and Information Technology, the privatization of Production and Trade of Sports Goods, and the privatization of Sports Clubs are the most important domains for privatization in the country’s sports, respectively. This indicates that the media, technology, production, trade, and club management sectors possess greater capacity and attractiveness for private sector involvement and should be prioritized in divestment and privatization plans.In conclusion, the results of this study offer valuable achievements for policymakers, managers, and researchers in the field of sports. Identifying and prioritizing the challenges and opportunities of privatization can provide a suitable basis for formulating effective strategies and operational plans toward achieving effective privatization in the country’s sports. Moreover, determining the prioritized domains for privatization enables the optimal channeling and allocation of resources. However, achieving this goal necessitates serious commitment and resolve from officials, active participation from the private sector and civil institutions, and continuous monitoring and evaluation of the privatization process in sports. Overall, the results of this research showed that despite the existence of many challenges, there are also significant opportunities for privatization in Iranian sports. Identifying and exploiting these opportunities requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach by all stakeholders and key players in the country's sports system. https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12795.html Introduction                                   Early childhood represents a critical period for establishing foundations that optimize health, development, and lifelong physical activity engagement. Children should consistently experience joy, learning, and progressive development through play and structured activities. Contemporary children's sports programs, particularly in football, have increasingly emphasized early specialization and technical skill development, often overlooking the fundamental needs of holistic child development. This approach contrasts sharply with developments in developed nations, which have undertaken substantial revisions to their youth sports structures, designing programs that address the essential developmental needs of childhood. The Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model, implemented across numerous developed countries, underscores the importance of acquiring physical literacy during childhood. Physical literacy, as conceptualized by Margaret Whitehead, represents a unique individual capability encompassing motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding for valuing and taking responsibility for engagement in physical activities throughout life. This multidimensional construct extends beyond physical skill acquisition to incorporate affective and cognitive domains essential for sustained active living. Football, the world's most popular sport with four billion followers, offers a powerful way to promote physical literacy in young children. A "football kindergarten" is an innovative concept that goes beyond traditional training, creating vibrant spaces where football-interested children learn through play. These environments provide safe, stimulating settings where kids progress from individual to group activities, building social skills while preparing for formal education. Child-centered sports structures prioritize children's needs, interests, and participation in athletic activities. This approach is characterized by involving children in decision-making processes, ensuring inclusive participation, and creating safe, enjoyable environments. It emphasizes learning through play and encourages children to assume responsibility for their learning and sports participation. Such programs utilize sports like football to promote child development, focusing on cultivating love for the game, movement education, ball comfort, and foundational skill acquisition. Despite the importance of quality early sports experiences, many children lack proper instruction and remain at beginner levels. Traditional youth football often prioritizes winning, early specialization, and adult-focused methods, leading to poor motor skill development, reduced enjoyment, and dropout. Consequences include weak motor abilities, low fitness, poor habits, unfulfilled potential, and future player shortages. Given these challenges, designing a football kindergarten model with a physical literacy approach represents a potentially transformative intervention. Such a model would prioritize fundamental movement skill development, holistic child growth, and lifelong physical activity engagement rather than premature specialization. The present study aimed to identify the consequences of designing a football kindergarten model with a physical literacy approach, thereby providing empirical evidence to inform policy development, program design, and coaching practices in children's football.   MothodologyThis qualitative study employed an applied, exploratory purpose utilizing thematic analysis methodology. The research population comprised academic experts and specialists, prominent football managers and grassroots coaches, and child development specialists from Iran, the United States, and Canada. Non-probability purposive sampling was employed to select participants with relevant expertise. Semi-structured interviews were conducted until theoretical saturation was achieved with 18 participants, comprising 16 males (89%) and 2 females (11%) . The interview protocol involved initial contact through invitations via virtual platforms, containing cooperation requests and general research questions. Participants received comprehensive information regarding the research process. Data collection occurred from May 19, 2024, to November 5, 2024. Interview durations ranged from 20 to 45 minutes, yielding 51 pages of transcribed material. Following interview completion, all recordings were transcribed verbatim, and initial coding was performed to extract primary concepts. Subsequent analysis involved thorough literature review and expert consultation to identify secondary components. MAXQDA20 software was utilized for data analysis. The thematic analysis process followed three stages: interview analysis and description, text interpretation through theme network mapping and analysis, and text synthesis through report compilation. Validity was enhanced through standardized interview protocols with open-ended questions administered consistently across participants, multiple source triangulation, and rigorous multiple examination. Reliability was established through inter-coder agreement using Fleiss' Kappa coefficient. Five interview transcripts were provided to two expert coders who independently coded the material. Subsequently, coded documents were merged using software integration capabilities, and inter-coder agreement was calculated. Results for each code's presence or absence across three coders were entered into SPSS26 with the STATE FLEISS KAPPA extension. The overall Fleiss Kappa coefficient of 0.80 indicated substantial inter-coder agreement. FindingsAnalysis of the 18 interviews yielded 44 open codes, organized into 13 sub-themes and 7 main themes. The main themes identified were: development of key skills, educational outcomes, long-term sports development outcomes, future-oriented progress, challenges, health-oriented activity, and economic benefits. The development of key skills encompassed three sub-themes: mental skills, psychological skills, and communication and social skills. Mental skills included better decision-making and decision-construction, enhanced mental toughness, problem-solving skill reinforcement, self-control, and learning assistance. Psychological skills comprised self-confidence reinforcement, creativity enhancement, self-esteem strengthening, performance stress reduction, positive self-concept support, emotional growth assistance, and child personality development support. Communication and social skills included reinforcement of communication and social skills, empathy and cooperation enhancement, extraversion skill capability, and team sports' impact on experiencing various necessary skills. Educational outcomes emerged as a main theme with the sub-theme of educational-developmental effects. This included life skills improvement, experience of victory and defeat with appropriate reactions, healthy nutrition, better lifestyle, approaches to handling problems and difficulties, and learning discipline and responsibility.Long-term sports development outcomes constituted another main theme, with the sub-theme of achieving goals aligned with the LTAD model. This encompassed encouragement for longer activity duration and persistence, fundamental skill reinforcement, motor skill development, training age considerations, and physical literacy. Future-oriented progress appeared as a main theme with the sub-theme of being predisposed for future success, specifically increasing future success levels. Challenges represented a main theme comprising two sub-themes: activity cessation if programs are improperly implemented and limitations for other sports disciplines. The former included childhood injury effects, consequences of incorrect childhood education, and psychological pressure for success. The latter involved reduced participation in other sports due to football's popularity. Health-oriented activity emerged as a main theme encompassing four sub-themes: healthier future, prevention and treatment, mental health, and physical and executive benefits. Healthier future included greater health levels through skill acquisition. Prevention and treatment comprised encouragement for physical activity given current unfavorable conditions. Mental health encompassed life expectancy, prevention of depression and isolation, and support for children's psychological needs. Physical and executive benefits included impact on physical development and physical strength enhancement. Economic benefits constituted the final main theme, with the sub-theme of economic optimization and increased economic turnover. This included job creation, expansion of the football market nationally, local economic strengthening, revenue generation, and reduced societal welfare costs. Discussion and ConclusionThe findings illuminate the multifaceted consequences of implementing football kindergarten models grounded in physical literacy principles. The identification of seven main themes demonstrates that such an approach extends beyond traditional skill development, encompassing holistic child development with implications for individual well-being, educational outcomes, long-term athletic progression, future success predisposition, health promotion, and economic benefits, while acknowledging potential challenges requiring careful program design. The development of key skills represents a foundational outcome, integrating mental, psychological, and social domains. This finding aligns with research by Aldoghan and colleagues (2023), Thelwell and colleagues (2006), Mao and colleagues (2024), and Visek and colleagues (2013), confirming that physical literacy-oriented football programs cultivate comprehensive skill sets essential for both athletic and life success. Mental skills such as decision-making and self-control complement psychological attributes including confidence and emotional regulation, while social competencies facilitate effective interpersonal interactions. Educational outcomes identified in this study underscore the pedagogical value of football kindergartens. The educational-developmental effects resonate with findings from Lenzen and colleagues (2023), Licardo and colleagues (2023), and Merino and colleagues (2021). These outcomes demonstrate that football kindergartens serve as educational environments where children acquire essential life competencies alongside athletic skills. The alignment of football kindergarten outcomes with LTAD model objectives represents a significant finding, confirming that physical literacy-oriented programs can effectively support long-term athletic development pathways. Consistent with research by Affolter (2016), Balyi and colleagues (2013), and Ford and colleagues (2011), the emphasis on encouraging sustained participation, fundamental skill reinforcement, and appropriate training age positions children for optimal long-term athletic progression. Future-oriented progress reflects the forward-looking nature of physical literacy-oriented football kindergartens. By preparing children for future success, these programs contribute to building better future generations. This finding aligns with Humphrey (2012) and Matthews and colleagues (2024), suggesting that investment in quality early sports experiences yields dividends in children's subsequent achievement. The identification of challenges provides important caveats for program implementation. Potential activity cessation from improper program execution and limitations on other sports participation represent legitimate concerns requiring proactive management. These findings corroborate research by Radojević and colleagues (2011) and Merkel (2013), emphasizing the need for careful program design and qualified personnel. Health-oriented activity outcomes demonstrate significant public health implications. The integration of immediate and long-term health benefits across physical, mental, and preventive domains aligns with research by Ring-Dimitriou and colleagues (2019), Clemente and colleagues (2022), Faude and colleagues (2010), and Morgado and colleagues (2023). These findings suggest that football kindergartens can contribute to addressing pressing public health challenges. Economic benefits identified in this study, including job creation, market expansion, local economic strengthening, and reduced welfare costs, highlight broader societal value. Consistent with research by Bohdan and Olga (2024) and Memari (2021), these findings demonstrate that investment in quality children's sports infrastructure generates economic returns beyond the immediate sports sector. In conclusion, this study provides comprehensive evidence that designing football kindergarten models with physical literacy approaches yields substantial positive consequences for children interested in football. The integration of physical literacy principles within child-centered football programs supports holistic development encompassing key skills, educational outcomes, long-term athletic progression, future success predisposition, health promotion, and economic benefits, while acknowledging challenges requiring careful program design. These findings underscore the importance of moving beyond traditional early specialization approaches toward developmentally appropriate, physically literacy-oriented programs that prioritize children's overall well-being and lifelong physical activity engagement. For sports policymakers, administrators, coaches, and parents, these results emphasize the value of investing in quality early football experiences that nurture children's physical, psychological, and social development, thereby contributing to healthier, more capable future generations and stronger sports systems. https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12794.html The aim of the current research is to provide a model for eliminating job plateaus with a career path approach among the employees of the Iraqi Football Federation. The current research method is qualitative and quantitative. The statistical community was selected as executive experts in the qualitative section. Also, in the quantitative part, the statistical population includes all the employees of the Iraqi Football Federation, 120 people were determined as the total sample size. The research data was collected from the interview tool and questionnaire, the reliability of which was calculated through Cronbach's alpha and it is favorable. Validity was the type of content that was approved. In order to analyze the data, in qualitative part, the theme analysis approach and Delphi technique were used, and in the quantitative part, the structural equation method was used using SmartPLS software. A total of 59 factors have been identified. The fuzzy Delphi approach has been used to screen the indicators and identify the final indicators. Variables affecting the elimination of job plateaus with the career path approach among the employees of the Iraqi Football Federation in the form of four main individual dimensions (demographic factors, individual values, employee satisfaction, employees' personality, self-esteem and attachment to the job), organizational (perceived organizational support, organizational justice) Perceived, organizational climate and culture, organizational identity, career promotion and organizational citizenship behavior), job (job burnout, job working conditions, police of job skills and competencies, job security and job diversity) and environment (economic factors and clients' culture) were identified. https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_11762.html The purpose of this study was factor analysis of obstacles to attract sponsorships in the sport of women's volleyball in Iran. Statistical population included all coaches, athletes, managers who were active at the women’s volleyball premier League (N=598). With the respect to the adequacy of the sample for the use of factor analysis, 350 people respectively were chosen randomly for research sample. But only 332 questionnaires were completed and were analyzed. To achieve the study objectives, researcher-made questionnaire was used whit 35 questions. Validity of questionnaire was confirmed by 15 experts. And its structural validity was analyzed by confirmatory factor analysis and it was confirmed. Its reliability also was accepted in a pilot study including 30 examinees and calculated by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient equal to 0.85. In order to analyze the data, by descriptive and inferential statistical methods such as, confirmatory factor analysis, exploratory factor analysis with the Varimax rotation and Friedman tests were used by SPSS and LISREL software. The finding indicated that there are 5 obstacles to attract sponsorships in the sport of women's volleyball in Iran, including economic and financial, media, management, legal, social and cultural that express 59.037% of total population variance. https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12575.html مقدمه ورزشکار نیز همچون هر فرد دیگری در جامعه، ممکن است مرتکب جرم شود و پیامدهای این جرم برای او می‌تواند بسیار بزرگ و تأثیرگذار باشد. افت اعتبار برای ورزشکاران معمولاً اهمیت زیادی دارد، زیرا انتظارات زیادی از آن‌ها وجود دارد. وقتی ورزشکاران مرتکب جرم می‌شوند، احتمال اینکه این موضوع در رسانه‌ها پوشش داده شود بیشتر است، نسبت به زمانی که افرادی با جایگاه پایین‌تر مرتکب جرم شوند (کارُن و همکاران ، 1997). ورزش و جرم بخش‌های بزرگی از اخبار را در رسانه‌های چاپی و آنلاین به خود اختصاص می‌دهند (کوهوت، ۲۰۰۱)، بنابراین وقتی که این دو موضوع با هم ترکیب می‌شوند و یک ورزشکار متهم به ارتکاب جرم می‌شود، به طور طبیعی تبدیل به سرخط‌ خبرها می‌شود (ماسترو و همکاران، ۲۰۱۱). توجه زیادی که به جرائم ورزشکاران در رسانه‌ها می‌شود، با روند کلی گزارش جرم در اخبار همخوانی دارد، هرچند نیاز به علنی کردن جرم در جامعه هنگامی‌که ورزشکاری مرتکب آن می‌شود، پتانسیل این را دارد که چهره خوب آن ورزشکار را تحت تأثیر قرار دهد (استالینگز و وارد، 2017). با این حال، مهم است که توجه کنیم که اگرچه جرمی که یک ورزشکار مرتکب شود معمولاً توجه زیادی از رسانه‌ها را جلب می‌کند، این ممکن است باعث شوه تصور شود ورزشکاران بیشتر از آنچه که واقعاً هستند، جرم مرتکب می‌شوند. کارمایکل (۲۰۰۹) اشاره می‌کند که با وجود اخبار جنجالی و بزرگ‌نمایی‌های رسانه‌ای، نرخ فعالیت‌های جنایی در میان ورزشکاران (در ایالات متحده) بیشتر از عموم مردم نیست. از دیر باز، ورزش به عنوان وسیله برای منحرف کردن افراد از فعالیت‌های مجرمانه، با جرم در ارتباط بوده است (برُسنان ، ۲۰۲۰). در حالی که شواهدی از برنامه‌های ورزشی و نتایج پیشگیری از جرم وجود دارد، مهم است که از این تصور ساده‌که ورزش به‌طور قطع «اثرگذار» است، اجتناب کنیم (گروامبریج، ۲۰۱۶). ورزش به‌عنوان ابزاری برای کاهش جرم، با انتقاداتی همراه است و دیدگاه پیشین که ورزش می‌تواند جرم را کاهش دهد، دیگر بدون چالش نیست (انگلبرگ و موستون، ۲۰۲۰). استانسفیلد (۲۰۱۷) حتی اظهار می‌دارد که ورزش به‌عنوان یک روش کنترل اجتماعی موفق نبوده است. رابطه بین ورزش و جرم قطعاً پیچیده است و شامل تناقض‌های زیادی است. آرمسترانگ و هاجز_رمون ورزش را به عنوان محور اصلی علت کاهش یا افزایش جرم توصیف می‌کنند. برخی پژوهشگران معتقدند که مشارکت در ورزش می‌تواند رفتارهای ضد اجتماعی را تقویت و ترویج کند و حتی ممکن است به عنوان عامل اصلی برای افزایش رفتارهای پرخاشگرانه و غیرقانونی عمل کند (هارتمن و ماسوگلیا، ۲۰۰۷). تعدادی از نویسنده‌ها بر این باورند که شباهت‌ها میان دنیای ورزش و جرم بیشتر از تفاوت‌هاست و تأکید می‌کنند که ورزش نباید به‌طور قطعی به‌عنوان نوعی نیروی اجتماعی مثبت دیده شود. هارتمن و ماسوگلیا (۲۰۰۷) از سیاست‌گذاران می‌خواهند در تشویق و تسهیل ورزش احتیاط کنند، چراکه تحقیقات آنها نشان می‌دهد شاخص‌های مختلفِ مشارکت در ورزش، با انواع رفتار ضد اجتماعی و به‌طور بالقوه رفتار مجرمانه مرتبط است. کودلاک (۲۰۱۰) با ابراز اطمینان از یافته‌های خود بیان می‌کند: «هنگام مقایسه ورزشکاران مرد (دبیرستانی، دانشگاهی، و حرفه‌ای) با عموم مردم، نباید تعجب کرد که ورزشکاران به دلیل سن و جنسیتشان در معرض خطر بیشتری برای ارتکاب جرم باشند». با این حال، بسیاری از نویسندگان بر این نکته تأکید دارند که نباید ارتباط بین ورزش و جرم را قطعی دانست و بر اهمیت نگریستن به هریک از این رفتارها به‌شکل جداگانه تأکید می‌کنند. دیویس و منارد (۲۰۱۳) بر این باورند که رابطه علّی بین ورزش و رفتارهای غیرقانونی مشخص نیست و پرسش‌ها در مورد ارتباط بین این دو هنوز بی‌پاسخ مانده است. شاید دیدگاه واقع‌بینانه‌تر این باشد که ورزش، هم رفتارهای اجتماعی مثبت و هم ضد اجتماعی ایجاد می‌کند. برای برخی از ورزشکاران، مشارکت در ورزش معمولاً موجب کاهش رفتارهای انحرافی می‌شود، درحالی‌که برای برخی دیگر، این تمایل به افزایش می‌یابد (هارتمن و ماسوگلیا، ۲۰۰۷). دانینگ و وادینگتون (۲۰۰۳) معتقدند ورزش هم تأثیرات هنجاری مثبت و هم نتایج منفی اجتماعی مانند ارتکاب جرم را به همراه دارد. بنابراین، مهم است که ورزش به‌عنوان یکی از عوامل متعددی که می‌توانند به مسیر جرم منجر شوند درنظر گرفته شود، نه به‌عنوان عاملی قطعی و مطلق. اگرچه تحقیقاتی در مورد ورزشکاران و جرم انجام شده و پیشنهاداتی درباره دلایل رفتار مجرمانه ورزشکاران ارائه شده است، اما یافته‌ها محدود بوده و معمولاً براساس موارد خاص هستند. توضیحات در مورد رفتار مجرمانه اغلب سطحی بوده و بر فرضیات مربوط به ویژگی‌های شخصیتی ورزشکاران استوارند که به کل جامعه ورزشی تعمیم داده می‌شود. به‌ندرت از ورزشکاران پرسیده می‌شود که «چرا جرم مرتکب شدید؟». جرائم ارتکابیِ ورزشکاران به‌ندرت در منابع علمی بررسی می‌شود. تحقیقات معدودی در داخل کشور در رابطه با موضوع تحقیق انجام گرفته است. کریم-نیا، سماواتی پیروز و کرمی (1401) در پژوهشی با عنوان جایگاه مسئولیت کیفری در ارتکاب تخلفات و جرائم ورزشی، نتیجه گرفتند که سیطرۀ غیرمنطقی قواعد آیین-نامه‌ای بر ورزش و خلأ نسبی قانون مجازات اسلامی در این زمینه منجر به نقص اصل قانونی بودن جرم و مجازات شده است. آنان خاطرنشان ساختند که اغلب آیین‌نامه‌های موجود، مراحل رسمی تعیین‌شده جهت تصویب را طی ننموده‌اند و اغلب بوسیلۀ هیئت رئیسه فدراسیون‌ها، تصویب و جاری گردیده‌اند. عزیزی، علیپور و نصرالهی (1396) در پژوهشی با عنوان بررسی ارتباط دینداری را ارتکاب جرم در میان جوانان ورزشکار، نتیجه گرفتند که میان دینداری و ابعاد آن با ارتکاب جرم، رابطه معنادار و معکوس وجود دارد. با تقویت دینداری در میان جوانان ورزشکار می‌توان میزان ارتکاب جرائم را در بین آنان کاهش داد. در میان تحقیقات انجام گرفته در خارج از کشور، گرومبریج (2016) بیان داشتند که ورزش خود به تنهایی عاملی برای ایجاد یا حل یک مشکل نیست، بلکه صرفاً بخشی از زندگی است که جامعه‌شناسی پیش از این در حال بررسی آن بوده و جرم‌شناسی نیز باید به این مسیر بپیوندد. رشد صنعت سرگرمی‌های ورزشی باعث شناخت سطحی از ورزشکاران و رفتار مجرمانه آن‌ها شده است (استالینگز و وارد، 2017)، اما پژوهشی وجود ندارد که این دیدگاه را تأیید کند. با وجود توجه رسانه‌ها به خطاهای ورزشکاران، تحقیقات جامع و عمیق در این زمینه بسیار محدود است (آرمسترانگ و هاجز-رامون، ۲۰۱۵). تعداد اندکِ مطالعات موجود نیز بیشتر بر روایت‌های فردی تکیه دارند تا تحلیل‌هایی که از دیدگاه‌های جرم‌شناسی استفاده کنند (دی رونکو و لاوورانیا ، ۲۰۱۴). آتکینسون و یانگ (۲۰۰۸) اشاره می‌کنند که اغلب ورزشکارانی که مرتکب جرم می‌شوند، به‌عنوان مجرمان منزوی شناسایی می‌شوند که رفتارهایشان نماد فرهنگ ورزشی آنها نیست. بنابراین آن‌ها نمایانگر رفتارهای معمولی ورزشکاران که از ورزشکاران انتظار می‌رود نیستند. آن‌ها توضیح می‌دهند که با بررسی موارد فردی و نه فرهنگ‌هایی که رفتارها و روان‌شناسی این افراد را شکل می‌دهند، توجهات از ورزش به‌عنوان نظامی از ارزش‌ها که اجازه می‌دهد شخصیت‌های منفی ظهور کنند و فرهنگی که می‌تواند مجرمان را تولید کند، منحرف می‌شود. آرمسترانگ و هاجز-رامون (۲۰۱۵) تأکید می‌کنند که نیاز است به‌جای تمرکز بر ورزش به عنوان ابزاری برای کنترل جرم، بر نقش ورزش به‌عنوان عاملی قوی که می‌تواند به بروز جرم کمک کند، توجه شود. به‌طورکلی، مشخص است که نیاز به تحقیق و بررسی بیشتر در مورد ورزشکاران و جرم وجود دارد. اتکینسون و یانگ (2008) معتقدند برای درک بهتر انحراف در ورزش، باید به بررسی ابعاد و جنبه‌های آن پرداخت، نه اینکه وانمود کنیم چنین چیزی وجود ندارد. این موضوع در مورد جرم در ورزش نیز صدق می‌کند. هارتمان و ماسوگلیا (2007) مخالفت خود را با این دیدگاه که ورزش ابزاری برای ارتکاب جرم یا احتراز از آن است، اعلام کردند و بر نیاز به یک مدل مفهومی جدید تأکید کردند که رابطه بین مشارکت در ورزش و ارتکاب جرم را به‌طور جامع بررسی کند؛ مدلی که هم تاثیرات مثبت و هم منفی را در نظر بگیرد و علاوه بر آن، عوامل و شرایطی که مسیرهای متفاوت را شکل می‌دهند، مطالعه کند. با وجود اینکه اسنایدر (1994) بیان می‌دارد که مطالعات موجود به ما اطلاعات اندکی در مورد چگونگی یا دلیل وقوع انحراف و جرم در ورزش می‌دهند و تحقیقات کمی این خلأ را برطرف کرده‌اند. تاکنون دلایل معدودی دربارۀ دلایل ارتکاب جرم توسط ورزشکاران ارائه شده است. فرضیه‌هایی مطرح شده‌اند، اما هیچ پژوهشی این پرسش را از دیدگاه ورزشکاران بررسی نکرده است. این مطالعه قصد دارد این خلأ پژوهشی را پر کرده و تأثیر ورزش بر فعالیت‌های مجرمانه را بهتر درک کند. سوالی که این رساله به‌دنبال پاسخگویی به آن است این است که آیا ورزش محرکی برای رفتارهای انحرافی و ارتکاب جرائم است؟ آیا ورزش بجای اینکه موجب اصلاح باشد، باعث بروز رفتارهای مجرمانه می‌شود؟ روش شناسی این پژوهش با هدف بررسی تجربیات ورزشکاران مرد نخبه‌ای که مرتکب جرم شده بودند، با تاکید اصلی بر شنیدن روایت‌های شخصی آنها از اعمال مجرمانه‌شان انجام گرفت. چهار هدف برای این رساله تعیین شد: 1. بررسی دلایل ارتکاب جرم توسط ورزشکاران 2. شناسایی رفتارها و شرایط زندگی ورزشکار که ممکن است منجر به ارتکاب جرم شود، با تمرکز بر نقش ورزش 3. ارائه درکی از تأثیرات ارتکاب جرم بر زندگی ورزشکار 4. ایجاد یک چارچوب مفهومی برای درک جرم و جنایت در میان ورزشکاران در این تحقیق از روش روایت‌پژوهی استفاده شد که نوعی رویکرد کیفی در پژوهش است که بر بررسی و تحلیل داستان‌ها و روایت‌های افراد تمرکز دارد و، محقق به دنبال درک تجربیات، دیدگاه‌ها و معانی زندگی افراد از طریق داستان‌هایی است که آن‌ها تعریف می‌کنند. در زمینه مطالعات ورزش و تمرینات بدنی پیشرفت‌های مهمی در استفاده از روش‌های روایت‌پژوهی گرفته است (پاپاتوماس ،2016). همچنین در این تحقیق با استفاده از مفهوم کار لب‌مرزی ، نحوه مواجهه و نگاه شرکت‌کنندگان به خطر مورد بررسی قرار می‌گیرد. کار لب‌مرزی در گذشته برای بررسی رفتار در ورزش‌های پرخطر و نیز، به‌عنوان توضیحی برای فعالیت‌های مجرمانه استفاده شده (لینگ،1993)، ولی تاکنون برای بررسی فعالیت‌های مجرمانه ورزشکاران به کار نرفته است. این مفهوم که توسط استفان لینگ معرفی شد، به مطالعه رفتارهای داوطلبانه و مخاطره‌آمیز در حاشیه جامعه اشاره دارد و به بررسی انگیزه‌ها و تجربیات افرادی می‌پردازد که به دنبال هیجان، خطر و احساس زنده بودن در فعالیت‌هایی مانند ورزش‌های مخاطره‌آمیز، جرم‌های غیرخشونت‌آمیز یا رفتارهای انحرافی هستند. https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12760.html Introduction The landscape of contemporary sports has undergone a paradigm shift, where the psychological dimension of performance is now recognized as being of equal importance to physical training, technical proficiency, and strategic planning. Athletes, coaches, and sports organizations are increasingly aware that psychological resilience, motivation, stress management, and overall mental well-being are essential for achieving long-term success. Sport psychology, as an applied field, meets these needs by providing evidence-based strategies designed to enhance performance, improve well-being, and promote effective teamwork. However, the effectiveness of sport psychology is significantly influenced by the organizational environment in which it is applied. Without adequate organizational support—such as leadership commitment, appropriate resource allocation, and a supportive cultural climate—the benefits of sport psychology interventions may not be fully realized. This highlights the importance of a systematic approach to understanding organizational support, which can provide a foundation for integrating mental health and performance enhancement strategies within sports organizations. The concept of organizational support originates from the field of organizational psychology, particularly through the lens of Perceived Organizational Support (POS). POS summarizes how individuals perceive their organization’s recognition of their contributions and concern for their well-being. In sports environments, POS can significantly affect not only athletes' mental health but also their performance, engagement in mental skills training, adherence to coaching methods, and overall retention in the sports system. Effective psychological support relies on both structural and cultural aspects within an organization. Structural support includes tangible resources like access to sport psychologists and dedicated time for mental training, while cultural support involves collective beliefs and values that emphasize the importance of psychological well-being. Despite these principles, there is a significant lack of comprehensive models that encompass the various aspects of organizational support in sport psychology. This is particularly evident in Iranian sports organizations, where disparities in support are notable despite a dynamic sports culture. Unique cultural elements in Iran, such as social views on mental health and hierarchical structures, influence how support is perceived and utilized. Therefore, this study aims to fill these gaps by creating a model of organizational support for sport psychology tailored to the Iranian sports environment. Methodology This study employed a qualitative research design, specifically an applied research approach aimed at developing a model for organizational support in sport psychology. The methodology was based on Grounded Theory, specifically the Strauss and Corbin approach, to collect and analyze information regarding the phenomenon. The process involved three types of coding: open, axial, and selective coding. Participants and Sampling: The statistical population consisted of prominent experts in the fields of sport psychology, sports management, and coaching. Purposive sampling was used to select interviewees who possessed a deep understanding of the relevant concepts. Sampling continued until data saturation was reached, resulting in a final sample of 12 participants. The participants' ages ranged from 27 to 37 years, with an average age of approximately 32. Their professional experience varied between 5 and 12 years. The sample included four sport psychologists working with professional teams, four coaches who had integrated sport psychology into their programs, and four sports managers involved in policy implementation and leadership. Most participants held doctoral degrees, providing a comprehensive understanding from various perspectives within Iranian sports organizations. Data Collection and Tools: The primary tool for data collection was in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Each interview lasted between 60 and 90 minutes. The interviews began with a central question: "What factors in an organization lead to support for sport psychology?". Subsequent questions explored factors influencing support, potential barriers, suggested improvement strategies, and the consequences of those strategies. Interviews were conducted individually, recorded with the participants' consent, and transcribed for analysis. Data Processing and Rigor: Thematic analysis was used to identify and examine thematic patterns. The process included reviewing data, developing a coding guide, organizing data, and performing open, axial, and selective coding. To ensure validity, three main criteria—credibility, transferability, and confirmability—were used. The research process involved collaboration with eight specialists and two coders. For transferability, the findings were reviewed by two independent experts. Confirmability was addressed by sending transcribed texts and extracted codes back to participants for verification. Reliability was assessed using the test-retest method and neutral coding, with agreement calculated using Cohen's Kappa coefficient in SPSS software. Findings The coding process identified a complex interplay of factors that define the model of organizational support. In the open coding phase, over 185 initial conceptual codes were identified. These were then organized into axial categories and finally integrated into a systematic paradigm. 1. Causal Factors: These are the primary drivers that initiate organizational support. Leadership Support: This involves the leadership's attention to athlete well-being, participation in workshops, and acting as a role model for accepting psychological practices. Structural Support: This includes the formal inclusion of sport psychologists in the organizational hierarchy and their participation in training plans. Policy Support: This refers to mandatory organizational policies, strategic emphasis on mental health, and rewarding participation in mental skills training. Resource Prioritization: Transparent allocation of budget and performance-based resource distribution specifically for psychological services. 2. Contextual Factors: These represent the specific environment in which the support system operates. Organizational Culture: Prevailing attitudes toward mental health, help-seeking behavior, and the value placed on psychological well-being. Team Environment: The influence of peers and the specific dynamics within a team that affect engagement with psychologists. Sport Type and Level: The recognition that individual sports might require different support than team sports, and that elite teams often receive more support. Policy and Governance Landscape: The degree to which federation guidelines are implemented at the club level. 3. Intervening Factors: These are the barriers or facilitators that influence the implementation of strategies. Time Constraints: Heavy training schedules and the pressure of competition often lead to the cancellation of psychological sessions. Cultural Barriers: Social stigma regarding mental health and resistance from veteran coaches toward new psychological methods. Resource Limitations: Budget-related shortages of qualified psychologists and inadequate private spaces for confidential sessions. Communication Gaps: Lack of clear coordination between managers, coaches, and psychologists. Leadership and Policy Gaps: Inconsistent execution of policies and a lack of active monitoring of program effectiveness. 4. Strategies: These are the active steps taken to enhance support and overcome barriers. Leadership Involvement: Leaders attending workshops, sharing success stories, and explicitly endorsing the importance of mental skills. Coach Engagement: Training coaches to integrate psychological techniques into daily drills and encouraging senior coaches to mentor younger ones in this area. Psychologist Integration: Making psychologists essential team members who provide regular feedback and adapt programs to the team's culture. Policy and Program Development: Approving annual budgets and creating mandatory guidelines for psychological support. Athlete Participation: Encouraging athlete self-disclosure and using athlete feedback to improve programs. Resource Management: Allocating specific times and spaces for mental training and prioritizing resources based on team needs. Education and Awareness: Running communication campaigns and educational workshops for all organizational members. 5. Consequences: The outcomes of implementing the above strategies. Athlete Well-being: Reduced stress, increased resilience, higher self-confidence, and decreased burnout. Performance Enhancement: Better focus, improved decision-making under pressure, and more consistent performance. Team Cohesion and Dynamics: Improved communication, reduced conflicts, and a stronger shared commitment to team goals. Engagement with Mental Skills Programs: Increased voluntary use of techniques and a more positive attitude toward interventions. Organizational Development: Improved policy integration, better resource allocation, and increased leadership accountability. Discussion and Conclusion The study developed a comprehensive model for organizational support of sport psychology in Iran, emphasizing that such support is not a single action but a multi-dimensional process involving causal, contextual, and intervening factors. The findings highlight that leadership involvement is the most influential causal factor. Leaders who model psychological practices create a legitimate and valued environment for athletes. This aligns with the theory of Perceived Organizational Support, where leadership behavior signals organizational care. Structural support, such as the dedicated presence of psychologists, is a necessary prerequisite for effective intervention. Contextually, the study underscores that organizational culture must value mental health to encourage athletes to use available resources. The team environment and the specific type of sport also dictate the nature of the required support; for example, individual sports may need more personal interventions, whereas team sports focus on group dynamics. Intervening factors, particularly cultural barriers and time constraints, remain significant hurdles. In Iran, societal attitudes toward mental health can discourage help-seeking, especially among male athletes who may fear being perceived as weak. Addressing these requires not just leadership but targeted awareness campaigns. The identified strategies—ranging from leadership modeling to psychologist integration and resource management—form a coordinated, multi-faceted approach. When these strategies are successfully applied within the given context, they yield positive outcomes at three levels: the individual (well-being and performance), the group (cohesion), and the organization (policy integration and sustainability). Practical Implications: For sports managers and policymakers, the implications are clear: 1. Leadership as a Model: Leaders must actively participate in and prioritize psychological support to demonstrate its value. 2. Systemic Integration: Psychologists should be embedded within team structures and planning processes, not kept as external consultants. 3. Formalized Policies: Organizations need clear policy frameworks and dedicated budgets to ensure accountability and monitoring. 4. Cultural Sensitivity: Educational programs should be used to reduce stigma and increase the cultural acceptance of psychological interventions. 5. Strategic Resource Management: Addressing logistical barriers like time and space through better planning can significantly improve program uptake. In conclusion, the model provides a practical roadmap for integrating sport psychology into the fabric of sports organizations. It emphasizes that for the full benefits of psychological support to be realized, there must be a deliberate alignment of leadership, culture, structure, and resources. By adopting this systemic view, sports organizations can create environments where mental skills are prioritized, athletes are holistically supported, and both human and organizational performance are optimized. Future research should explore the longitudinal impact of this model and its applicability across different levels of competition and diverse cultural settings. https://arsmb.journals.pnu.ac.ir/article_12761.html EXTENDED A B S T R A C TIntroduction he principles governing contract law that apply to sports are not necessarily the principles governing all contracts. A sports contract is an anonymous or indefinite contract and its acceptance is prescribed by Article 10 of the Civil Code, but the reality turned out differently and Article 10 of the Civil Code did not reach it, because whenever the constituent elements of a contract are compatible with one of the definite contracts; it will be an instance of that definite contract and no more anonymous or indefinite contracts will be the case. Smart contracts are simply programs that are stored on a blockchain and are executed if predetermined conditions are met. They are usually used to automate the execution of an agreement so that all participants can be assured of the outcome immediately, without the intervention of an intermediary or wasting time (Hiva, 2021).Smart contracts can automate a workflow and initiate the next action if conditions are met (Zhang, 2022). These actions can include releasing funds to the relevant parties, registering a vehicle, sending a notification, or issuing a ticket. Once the transaction is completed, the blockchain is updated. This means that the transaction cannot be changed and only parties who have been granted permission can see the results (Kumar, 2022) Given the importance of sports contracts in football, the principles and standards governing them are not used in all aspects of professional sports today. However, initial studies show that in Iranian professional football, the principles and standards governing sports contracts do not have a proper and clear place. A smart contract can exist as many times as needed to satisfy the participants that the work will be done satisfactorily. To create conditions, participants must determine how their transactions and data will be displayed on the blockchain, based on the rules of “if/when.then.» that govern those transactions, review all possible exceptions, and define a framework for resolving disputes (Koshvaha, 2022). Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to explain the challenges of the football players' contract: Blockchain as a facilitating driver in IranMothodologyThe present research method was qualitative and the research design was data-based. In-depth interviews with experts were used to collect data. The statistical population of the research consisted of senior managers of the Football Federation and managers of the country's football clubs. Which was a purposive sampling method. For this purpose, 19 senior managers of the Football Federation and managers of the country's football clubs were identified as the research sample. Sampling continued in each section until theoretical saturation was reached. Qualitative data was analyzed through the coding process. In this research, first, the interviews were coded paragraph by paragraph. Then, primary concepts were extracted from these codes, and in the second stage, secondary concepts were obtained from the primary concepts. In the focused coding stage, secondary codes were obtained and major categories and concepts were discovered and classified.In the second stage, which is called axial coding. Next, the main categories obtained in the open coding stage are divided into the general model framework as the categories of conditions (causal, contextual and intervening conditions), strategy (process/interactional) and consequences, and the relationships between them are obtained.All stages of the research have been supervised and controlled by experts. Also, a management expert familiar with the concept of the sports contract problem analysis model with blockchain was also consulted. In this research, by documenting the extracted concepts and controlling the research participants, an attempt was made to show that the present findings are reflected impartially and fairlyFingdingsIn the present study, manual coding was performed and by studying the collected materials, an attempt was made to harmonize the initial codes. In this study, 15 samples were interviewed until theoretical saturation was reached. By conducting interviews with these individuals, the researcher and the research team determined that the collected information had reached a saturation point and that there was no need to conduct further interviews. The results obtained from identifying the analysis of sports contracts problems with blockchain showed that the initial concepts of the study included 73 concepts, which were grouped into 16 categories. In the next step, the themes that were presented for analysis were defined and reviewed again, and the data were analyzed within them. By defining and examining, the form of what a theme discusses is determined and it is determined which aspect of the data each theme contains.Finally, the results showed that the main concepts of the present study included 4 main themes, which were grouped under the main theme of the study, which was analyzing the problems of sports contracts with blockchain: a case study of football sports contracts in the countryDiscussion and ConclusionThe results showed that the initial research concepts included 73 concepts, which were grouped into 16 categories. Finally, the results showed that the main concepts of the present study included 4 main themes. These concepts include legal and legal, technical and technological, financial and economic, and social and cultural. Blockchain is recognized as a powerful tool for improving transparency and security in football contracts. However, legal and legal challenges related to validity, enforcement, and property rights prevent the full adoption of this technology. Peng et al. (2022) have emphasized that blockchain can facilitate transactions and reduce administrative costs.Blockchain as a new technology can help improve transparency, security and efficiency in football contracts, but its numerous technical and technological challenges, including scalability, security and privacy, property rights and compatibility with existing systems, prevent the widespread adoption of this technology. Krall et al. (2018) have examined the security and privacy challenges in blockchain in a study and proposed solutions to improve these aspects. In the social and cultural dimension, the acceptance of blockchain technology depends on public awareness and education. In summary, the success of blockchain implementation in the football industry requires a multidimensional and comprehensive approach. This approach should include interaction and cooperation between all stakeholders, including leagues, clubs, regulatory bodies and the media.It is also important to create appropriate educational and cultural platforms to increase public awareness and build trust. The use of blockchain can help facilitate tax processes, as all transactions are accurately recorded and can be easily accessed by tax authorities. However, there is a need to adjust and update tax laws to adapt to new technologies. Ultimately, it can be said that blockchain can be an effective tool to improve the financial and economic situation of football contracts. However, there are significant challenges in the areas of costs, financial transparency, economic sustainability, and tax and regulatory issues that need to be addressed.To overcome these challenges, close cooperation between clubs, regulatory bodies, and tax systems is needed to find effective solutions to these issues. In addition, there is a need to change and update tax laws and regulations related to new technologies to best exploit the benefits of blockchain. Ultimately, the future of football contracts with blockchain depends on the industry’s ability to embrace change and adapt to new technologies.According to the results of the present study on the importance of individual issues in the factors affecting the development of blockchain technology in Iranian football, it is suggested that by holding training courses to improve the technical and practical knowledge of people involved in sports regarding blockchain technology, it is proposed to provide a basis for improving individual knowledge in this regard. It is suggested that by comprehensively covering sports contracts at all levels and groups using blockchain technology, it is proposed to provide a basis for the presence of all people in the field of blockchain technology. It is suggested that by creating committees and specialized departments to form blockchain technology infrastructures, it is proposed to provide conditions for utilizing all the capacities of sports in this direction.K E Y W O R D SSports contracts, Blockchain, FootballReferencesHeydari, Hassan (2019) The validity of confidentiality clauses in international contracts with emphasis on sports contracts, Master's thesis, Molavi Institute of Higher Education, Judicial Law Department (Persian)Hewa, T., Ylianttila, M., & Liyanage, M. (2021). Survey on blockchain based smart contracts: Applications, opportunities and challenges. Journal of Network and Computer Applications, 177, 102857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnca.2020.102857Kumar, N. M., & Chopra, S. S. (2022). Leveraging blockchain and smart contract technologies to overcome circular economy implementation challenges. Sustainability, 14(15), 9492. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159492Kushwaha, S. 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