The purpose of this study was to examine what main factors are perceived as important for the talent development environment in a successful cross-country skiing association. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with eight participants with different positions within the cross-country ski association. All participants were over 18 years old. The models Athletic Talent Development Environment (ATDE) and The Environment Success Factors (ESF) were used as theoretical frameworks. Using thematic content analysis, the interview results were analyzed, and the results were later divided into the following main themes; the micro-level sports area, micro-level non-sports area, macro level, conditions, process, organizational development and culture, individual development and performance, team performance, and environmental efficiency. The three overarching factors that were perceived as important for a good talent development environment were: To conduct good youth activities with supportive relationships and competent coaches. That sports goals are supported by the environment through the association, family and sports-oriented high schools and universities. To focus on long-term development through a permissive environment and a high degree of autonomy. Future research of interest would have been to study other cross-country skiing environments as well as environments where associations' activities are not conducted in connection with upper secondary school or university / Syftet med studien var att undersöka faktorer som upplevs vara viktiga i en talangutvecklingsmiljö hos en idrottsligt framgångsrik längdskidförening.Insamlingen av data skedde genom semistrukturerade intervjuer som genomfördes med åtta deltagare med olika positioner inom längdskidföreningen. Samtliga deltagare var över 18 år. Som teoretiskt ramverk användes modellerna Athletic Talent Development Environment (ATDE) samt The Environment Success Factors (ESF). Med hjälp av tematisk innehållsanalys analyserades intervjuresultaten och resultatet delades in i följande huvudteman; det mikronivå-idrottsliga området, mikronivå-icke idrottsliga området,makronivå, förutsättningar, process, organisationsutveckling och kultur, individuell utveckling och prestationer, lagprestationer, samt miljöns effektivitet. Resultatet visade tre övergripande faktorer som upplevdes vara viktiga för en bra talangutvecklingsmiljö vilka var: Att bedriva en bra ungdomsverksamhet med stödjande relationer och kompetenta tränare. Att idrottsliga mål stöds av omgivningen genom föreningen, familj samt idrottsinriktade gymnasium och universitet. Likväl att fokus riktas på långsiktig utveckling genom en tillåtande och stöttande miljö och en hög grad av autonomi. Intressant framtida forskning hade varit att studera andra längskidåkningsmiljöer samt miljöer där föreningars aktiveter inte bedrivs i samband med gymnasium eller högskola.

This study examines the development of academic talent in higher education from a social exchange and organisation support perspective. More specifically the study investigates to what extent a quality leader-member exchange relationship between a chair of department and an academic staff member contributes to the perceived development of academic talent in higher education. The leader-member exchange theory was applied in this study to examine the influence of the quality of the relationship between an academic leader and a follower on supervisory support for development as well as its ultimate effect on perceptions of organisation investment in employee development. Insight into the said quality and the effect of this relationship would provide greater clarity to leaders about the development of academic talent in higher education. The study employed a mixed-method approach that combined quantitative and qualitative data collection. Quantitative data was collected from participants (members of academic staff as followers) through an online survey, and qualitative data was collected from leaders (chairs of academic departments as developers of academic staff) through conducting one-on-one interviews. In addition, a theoretical model of the hypothesised relationships between leaders and followers was tested using path analysis. The study found new evidence of the ways in which relationship resources embodied in the leader-member exchange relationship between supervisors (leaders) and employees (followers) influenced employee perceptions of both supervisory and organisation support for development. The results also demonstrated how leadermember exchange theory, combined with theoretical work on organisation support, helped to explain and understand the critical role of supervisors in developing academic staff. This study suggests that leader-member exchange theory could be used as an appropriate leadership theory for application in the development of academic talent in higher education. In addition specific development practices for a chair of department in their roles as developers were also presented. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / lk2014 / Human Resource Management / PhD / unrestricted

No description available.

Federal and state descriptions of gifted and talented services include identifying and developing leadership talent, but in many states, services are not mandated or funded. Consequently, leadership development is often left to extracurricular programs (e.g., student organizations, athletics). The Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) provides school-based military-focused leadership education and opportunities to apply emergent leadership skills. This qualitative descriptive study examined leadership talent development in JROTC and the postsecondary paths participants chose. A self-report survey was distributed to graduating seniors enrolled in JROTC in Texas public high schools and semi-structured interviews were conducted with JROTC instructors across the state. The findings highlighted characteristics of students in the sample who chose to pursue military-focused education or careers after high school and themes about the experiences and key considerations related to choosing postsecondary paths. JROTC instructors supported students with differentiated development plans and information about flexible pathways to reach postsecondary goals. Students benefitted from broad definitions of success, exposure to career options, realistic self-assessment, and alignment between intentions and preparation.

Background: The management, prevention, and recognition of injuries forms an integral part of coaches training. It is imperative that coaches are equipped with a sound understanding of specialised coaching to teach developing athletes correct performance techniques, promote strategies to reduce the risk of injury, and be able to determine the need for medical attention in the event of an injury (9). The South African Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) has created opportunities for young people living in low socio-economic settings to participate in various sports within the Mass participation, Opportunity and Development and growth (MOD) programme (10). Athletes showing potential for competing at a provincial or national level are selected into the specialised Talent Development Programmes (TDP). The MOD and TDP also provides an employment opportunity for coaches. At present, very little is known about the knowledge and practices of coaches working with young athletes in low socio-economic settings within South Africa. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the knowledge and practices of youth athletics coaches employed by the Western Cape (WC) TDP branch of the MOD within the under 12–14 year age group. The specific objectives were to: 1) describe the coaches qualifications and experience, using an online Demographic and Coaching Practices (D&CP) questionnaire; 2) assess coaches' knowledge regarding athlete development, injuries, and the management of injuries using an online Multiple Choice Quiz (MCQ); 3) describe coaches practices regarding injury prevention techniques using the D&CP questionnaire and 4) assess the relationship between the coaches a) experience and their MCQ scores, b) qualification and MCQ score, and c) qualification in first aid and the MCQ subsection score relating to injury and injury management. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used. Inclusion criteria were: 1) coaches associated with the TDP for Athletics in the WC, 2) coaches with > one year's experience coaching U12-14 athletics, and 3) access to internet. Exclusion criteria were: 1) coaches < one season coaching experience. Ethics approval was granted by the University of Cape Town Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC REF 554/2019). The online MCQ consisted of 40 questions covering topics relating to coaches' knowledge and understanding of methods used to reduce the risk of injury and management of acute injuries. The D&CP questionnaire included questions related to the practices used by coaches to reduce injury risk and management protocols used during pre-season, training, or in competition. Results: Twenty-six coaches consented to participate; five coaches exercised their right to withdraw after having only completed the online MCQ component. Profile of coaches: 16 of the 21 coaches (76.19%) reported having a coaching qualification. Most coaches were certified by Athletics South Africa (n = 12; 57.14%). Most coaches (n = 17; 81%) held a first aid qualifications ranging from level one to three. Participants' experience ranged from less than five years to 15 years (median = 7 years; IQR = 10.5 years). Performance on the MCQ: The median score achieved by the coaches (n = 26) for the MCQ was 14 out of 40 points (35%; IQR = 4) and only two coaches achieved a score greater than 50%. Coaching Practices: Most coaches (71%) used 30-minute warm-up sessions which included various exercise techniques. During warm-ups, a few of the coaches (n = 11) included static stretching, while the majority (n = 19) included dynamic stretching techniques. During competition season, most coaches encouraged athletes to complete a cool-down following each event (n = 17; 80.95%). Most coaches (90%) incorporated a pre-season conditioning programme, lasting an average of 7.5 weeks (range = 2-16 weeks). Injury Management: 19% of coaches relied on the first aider present at each training session. Sixteen of the 21 coaches depended on medical professionals to make the final decision regarding to returning the athlete to training and competing, and 38.5% (n = 26) of coaches believed it was the coach or parents' decision. Relationship between MCQ Performance and Coaching profile: A moderate correlation between coaches' years of experience and MCQ score was found, however this was not significant (r = 0.43; p = 0.054), and weak non-significant correlations were found between MCQ scores were not significantly for groups of coaches who held or did not possesses a coaching qualification (u = 37; z = 0.21; p = 0.84). There was no difference between coaches who had a first aid qualification and those who did not on the MCQ test scores (u = 22; z = 1.03; p = 0.32). Discussion and Conclusion: Coaches' knowledge regarding injuries, practices used to reduce the risk of injuries, and the acute medical management of injuries is less than optimal. Several coaches performed poorly on the MCQ, and some practices used by the coaches in our sample were questionable. Despite the majority having qualifications in both coaching and first aid, their understanding relating to injuries and the practices used did not always reflect the latest guidelines for coaching youth athletes. The findings of the present study are similar to the findings of others studies (11). This may be as a result of insufficient coaching development throughout their careers. The present findings indicated that 42.3% of TDP coaches still use outdated warm-up techniques (i.e., static stretches). Coaches are generally aware of the importance of strength and conditioning programmes. The moderate correlation between years of experience and MCQ score suggests that coaches do gain implicit knowledge through their experience. As health professionals working in the field of sport, physiotherapists are key allies for sharing knowledge with coaches. Empowering coaches with the knowledge and skills required to reduce the risk of injury development and manage injuries appropriately may, in turn, provide developing athletes with the support they require.

The holistic ecological approach (HEA) suggests that athlete’s talent development is influenced by the environment in which the athlete is embedded, and that some environments are more successful in facilitating athlete’s junior to senior transition. This study uses the HEA and the two working models to examine one effective talent development environment in Swedish table tennis. HEA promotes a case study design where the two working models are subsequently transformed into empirical models acting as a summary of the case. The focal environment was centred around a training group with supportive relationships, especially between the prospective and senior elite athletes. Furthermore, the environment supported the athletes in their dual careers (i.e., combination of sport and education), which helped the athletes to maintain a balanced lifestyle and to develop in both sport and life. The environment was characterized by a strong and coherent organizational culture centred around a basic assumption “we are community of committed members” contributing to the environment’s effectiveness, that is, to producing senior elite athletes, club growth, recognition, youth results and committed athletes in all ages. This study examines the pathway to sporting excellence in Swedish table tennis using the HEA and provides important insights to sport organizations working with talent development in a complex racket-sport, such as table tennis.

Syftet med studien var att få en berikad kunskap om talangutvecklingsmiljön i en framgångsrik golforganisation samt se hur organisationen arbetar för att skapa blivande seniordamspelare inom golf. Studiens frågeställningar var följande (1) vilka faktorer påverkar miljöns möjligheter för att skapa framgångsrika seniorspelare inom damgolf samt (2) hur ESF-arbetsmodellen finns representerad i miljön. Studien utgick från en kvalitativ tematisk analys. En semistrukturerad intervjuguide skapades varav den inspirerades från ESF-arbetsmodellen. Deltagarna i studien var niopersoner involverade i golforganisationen. Dessa personer ansågs ha god kännedom om talangutveckling i allmänhet samt i golforganisationen i fråga. Resultatet visade att faktorer såsom kompetenta tränare och tillräckliga träningsmöjligheter året runt var en väsentlig del i deras talangutvecklingsmiljö. Vidare identifierades det i resultatet att en organisationskultur med genomsyrad värdegrund inom alla parter var viktigt. Slutligen verkade det viktigt för att kunna skapa blivande damspelare inom golf att ha mixade träningsgrupper för tjejer och killar från tidig ålder / The purpose of the study was to increase the knowledge of the talent development environment in a successful golf organization and to see how the organization works to create future senior women players in golf. The objectives of the study were twofold; (1) to examine the factors contributing to the environment's effectiveness in developing successful senior women golf players, and (2) examine how the ESF working model is represented in the environment. The study was based on a qualitative thematic analysis. A semi-structured interview guide was created, of which it was inspired by the ESF working model. The participants in the study were nine people involved in the golf organization. These people were considered to have good knowledge of talent development in general and of the golf organization in question. The findings showed that basic prerequisites such as competent coaches and sufficient training opportunities all year around were an essential part of their talent development environment. Furthermore, findings showed that an organizational culture with permeated values within all parties was important. Finally, to create successful senior women players in golf it seems to be important with mixed training groups from an early age.

Abstract Talent identification and development are critical and ongoing processes in football, shaping future professional athletes and influencing attrition rates among youth players. This study sought to investigate the multifaceted mechanisms of talent identification and development, drawing on the perspectives of coaches and leaders within the sport. Key objectives included understanding the criteria driving talent identification as well as trying to unwind the existing problems regarding the talent identification process. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews with football professionals operating across various levels of the footballing pyramid. The findings revealed a nuanced approach to talent identification, anchored in four core components: physiological characteristics, psychological resilience, technical skills, and game intelligence. Psychological aspects emerged as the cornerstone of talent identification, with a strong consensus among professionals that player mentality ultimately determines progression to professional football. The study further noted several existing problems with the process of talent identification as we know it today but that gives the professionals a possibility for improvance. The study concludes that talent identification and development go beyond prescriptive criteria, often reflecting the personal experiences and preferences of the coaches and scouts. While this subjectivity can yield benefits, it may also contribute to early dropout rates in the sport. The study underscores the need for continuous professional development for coaches and scouts, as well as the establishment of acknowledged methods and models to foster a more inclusive and equitable talent identification and development process.

No description available.

Research on talent development has developed to highlight the central role of the environment and have found that good and supportive environments can ease prospective elite athletes’ transition from junior to senior elite level in sport. The aim of this study was to examine a successful athletic talent development environment in female football through a holistic ecological approach, in order to provide a holistic description of the environment. Furthermore, the aim was to explain how factors are influencing the environmental success in developing prospective elite athletes into senior elite athletes. The study was designed as a case-study and data collection included a total of eight interviews from multiple perspectives (prospective elite athletes, head coach, elite athletes and sport manager) and analysis of documents. The environment was characterized by good communication and cooperation, centered around the relationships between prospects, coaches and school. Moreover, the environment included a strong organizational culture characterized by good attitude and motivation, a whole person approach and coordinated and integrated efforts. The results showed many similarities with research conducted in other successful athletic talent development environments.