Human perceptions of artificial surfaces for field hockey

Measuring the performance of a sports surface is typically derived from a series of field and laboratory tests that assess the playing properties under simulated game conditions. However, from a player’s perspective their own comfort and confidence in the surface and its playing characteristics are equally if not more important. To date no comparative study to measure playing preference tests has been made. The aim of this research was to develop a suitable method for eliciting player perceptions of field hockey pitches and determine the key themes that players consider when assessing field hockey pitches. To elicit meaningful unbiased human perceptions of a playing surface, an individual subjective analysis was carried out, using interviews and inductive analysis of the recorded player statements. A qualitative analysis of elite hockey players (n = 22) was performed to obtain their perceptions immediately after a competitive match. The significant surface characteristics that emerged as part of an inductive analysis of their responses were grouped together and formed five general themes or dimensions: player performance, playing environment, pitch properties, ball interaction and player interaction. Each dimension was formed from a hierarchy of sub-themes. During the analysis, relationships between the dimensions were identified and a structured relationship model was produced to highlight each relationship. Players’ responses suggested that they perceived differences between pitches and that the majority of players considered a ‘hard’ pitch with a ‘low’ ball bounce facilitating a ‘fast’ game speed was desirable. However, further research is required to understand the relative importance of each theme and to develop appropriate measurement strategies to quantify the relevant engineering properties of pitch materials.     

Exploring the relationships between collective efficacy,perceptions of success,and team attributions

Abstract

We examined the influence of collective efficacy and subjective interpretations of success/failure on team causal attributions. The participants were 71 male and female high school athletes on 20 track relay teams. Before a selected competition, participants completed a collective efficacy questionnaire. Then, immediately after their race, they were administered a modified version of the revised Causal Dimension Scale-II. A multi-level framework was employed to assess collective efficacy as an individually held perception and as a shared team belief. The individual perceptions of team success/failure significantly predicted the locus of causality and stability dimensions, whereas aggregated collective efficacy emerged as a significant team level predictor of average stability. Individual perceptions of collective efficacy were significantly related to team control and this relationship was moderated by the sex of the team. The findings indicate that collective efficacy beliefs held by athletes and teams prior to a competition influence the formation of post-competition team attributions in sport.     

Exploring the relationships between collective efficacy, perceptions of success, and team attributions

We examined the influence of collective efficacy and subjective interpretations of success/failure on team causal attributions. The participants were 71 male and female high school athletes on 20 track relay teams. Before a selected competition, participants completed a collective efficacy questionnaire. Then, immediately after their race, they were administered a modified version of the revised Causal Dimension Scale-II. A multi-level framework was employed to assess collective efficacy as an individually held perception and as a shared team belief. The individual perceptions of team success/failure significantly predicted the locus of causality and stability dimensions, whereas aggregated collective efficacy emerged as a significant team level predictor of average stability. Individual perceptions of collective efficacy were significantly related to team control and this relationship was moderated by the sex of the team. The findings indicate that collective efficacy beliefs held by athletes and teams prior to a competition influence the formation of post-competition team attributions in sport.     

Sports science for golf: A survey of high-skilled golfers’ “perceptions” and “practices”

ABSTRACT

Despite a growing body of evidence on the positive impact of sports science for golf, there is still a paucity of research investigating the “perceptions” and “practices” of high-skilled golfers. Professional Golfers’ Association Assistant Professionals (future-qualified coaches; n = 430) were surveyed on their “perceptions” and “practices” of “sports science”, “warm-ups”, “cool-downs” and “strength and conditioning” for golf. Participants perceived the discipline of sports science as beneficial to golfers but lacked implementation in coaching settings. Warm-up protocols were also perceived to be beneficial to all aspects of golf performance; however, the duration of tournament-based (37.84 ± 20.05 min), warm-ups was significantly greater (p < 0.001) than practice rounds (26.26 ± 18.63 min) and range sessions (13.00 ± 13.38 min). Education continues to be required to raise the understanding of warm-ups for golf. There were mixed perceptions regarding the benefits of a cool-down, with 62.1% of the high-skilled golfers omitting a cool-down following tournament play and practice. Strength and conditioning was perceived as beneficial, with 78.51% engaging in some form of training throughout the year. Results confirm, however, that certain misconceptions around surveyed sports science practices still exist and it is imperative that education disseminates research findings and validated applied practices to coaches and golfers alike.     

The effect of shaft flexibility on junior golfers' performance

The aims of this study were to examine the effect of shaft flexibility on the performance of junior golfers and to determine whether there is a relationship between golfers' physical characteristics (16 anthropometric measures, age, experience, strength), performance and shaft flexibility. We assessed the performance of 30 male golfers, aged 7–10 years, with three 7-iron golf clubs of different shaft flexibility at a driving range. The performance parameters measured for equipment evaluation were ball distance achieved, shot dispersion and impact position of the ball on the clubface. The results suggest that there is no particular shaft flex suitable for the age group considered and that experience, strength and arm span are the significant factors when selecting optimal shaft flexibility for children.     

Centre of pressure patterns in the golf swing: individual-based analysis

Weight transfer has been identified as important in group-based analyses. The aim of this study was to extend this work by examining the importance of weight transfer in the golf swing on an individual basis. Five professional and amateur golfers performed 50 swings with the driver, hitting a ball into a net. The golfer's centre of pressure position and velocity, parallel with the line of shot, were measured by two force plates at eight swing events that were identified from high-speed video. The relationships between these parameters and club head velocity at ball contact were examined using regression statistics. The results did support the use of group-based analysis, with all golfers returning significant relationships. However, results were also individual-specific, with golfers returning different combinations of significant factors. Furthermore, factors not identified in group-based analysis were significant on an individual basis. The most consistent relationship was a larger weight transfer range associated with a larger club head velocity (p < 0.05). All golfers also returned at least one significant relationship with rate of weight transfer at swing events (p < 0.01). Individual-based analysis should form part of performance-based biomechanical analysis of sporting skills.     

大学生体育环境感知、体育参与、体育收获相互关系的实证研究

目的通过研究大学生体育环境感知、体育参与、体育收获相互作用关系,促进大学生体育参与,增进健康。方法依据社会生态学与参与理论,构建了大学生体育环境感知、体育参与、体育收获的关系模型,通过大学生体育环境感知量表、大学生体育参与量表、大学生体育收获量表,对6 200名在校大学生进行了调查,使用SPSS20.0、AMOS20.0软件进行描述性统计、回归分析、共同方法偏差检验、验证性因素分析、结构方程建模。结果大学生体育环境感知4个维度变量对体育收获具有直接正向影响(P<0.001),分别解释了21.3%、14.6%、11.8%、24.8%的变量,且通过体育参与的中介作用产生间接影响(P<0.001),间接效应0.578;大学生体育参与对体育收获具有直接正向影响(P<0.001),直接效应0.679。结论环境影响参与、参与实现收获、收获体现了参与质量与环境支撑,三者相互作用的链式关系,影响着大学体育发展。应从课程构建、教师引导、物质环境、制度环境入手,改善大学生体育环境感知,促进大学生体育情感参与、行为参与、认知参与,提高大学生在体育认知、实践及社会适应能力等方面的收获感。     

Parental Behavior,Cognitive Appraisal,and Motivation in Young Athletes

Purpose: This study tested two hypotheses relating young athletes’ sports motivations to parental behaviors and cognitive appraisal: (1) young athletes’ motivation in sports is related to their parents’ behavior; and (2) this relationship is mediated by cognitive appraisal, even after controlling for competitive level and sports records. Method: This cross-sectional study included 673 young athletes and it measured the athletes’ perceptions of parental behaviors, cognitive appraisal, and sports motivation. Results: Structural equation modeling confirmed Hypothesis 1–the mother’s behaviors accounted for 15 to 16% of the variance in sports motivation, and the father’s behaviors accounted for 12 to 21% of the variance. The correlation patterns differed according to whether the athletes were evaluating the mother’s or father’s behaviors. Hypothesis 2 also was confirmed, for cognitive appraisal partially mediated the relationship between the perception of parental behaviors and sports motivation (34% of the variance was accounted for by the perception of the mother’s behavior; 30% by the father’s). The mediating model did not vary with competitive level or sports records. Conclusion: Parental behaviors and cognitive appraisal need to be taken into account to understand young athletes’ sports motivations.     

The effect of shaft flexibility on junior golfers' performance

The aims of this study were to examine the effect of shaft flexibility on the performance of junior golfers and to determine whether there is a relationship between golfers' physical characteristics (16 anthropometric measures, age, experience, strength), performance and shaft flexibility. We assessed the performance of 30 male golfers, aged 7-10 years, with three 7-iron golf clubs of different shaft flexibility at a driving range. The performance parameters measured for equipment evaluation were ball distance achieved, shot dispersion and impact position of the ball on the clubface. The results suggest that there is no particular shaft flex suitable for the age group considered and that experience, strength and arm span are the significant factors when selecting optimal shaft flexibility for children.     

Self-report vs. kinematic screening test: prevalence,demographics, and sports biography of yips-affected golfers

The yips is considered a task-specific movement disorder. Its estimated prevalence, however, is high compared to similar neurological movement disorders, possibly resulting from previous studies’ restriction of samples based on skill level, and self-report bias. Alternatively, this high prevalence might be an indication of additional aetiologies, for example the influence of previously played racket sports. We estimated the prevalence of the putting yips across the skill range, using self-reports in one study and a screening test in a second study. We explored if previously played sports matter for the development of the yips. In study 1, yips prevalence (N = 1,306) and golfers’ sports biographies (n = 264) were examined via two online surveys, in which golfers indicated if they were yips-affected. In study 2, golfers (N = 186) putted in a standardised putting test while kinematic and performance measures were recorded. Prevalence was estimated via a kinematic threshold. Sports biographies (n = 119) were obtained via an online survey. Prevalence of currently yips-affected golfers was 22.4% in study 1 and 16.7% in study 2. In both studies, more yips-affected than unaffected golfers had experience in playing racket sports. Yips prevalence remained higher than previously estimated prevalence of other movement disorders but decreased when the whole skill range including professionals and novices was considered. Future studies should use the kinematic screening test instead of self-reports to detect the yips and further investigate the influence of previously played racket sports.     

Perceptions of elite coaches and sports scientists of the research needs for elite coaching practice

A major objective of sports scientists and elite coaches is the enhancement of athletic performance. Despite this common goal, there is a general perception that research in sports science does not meet the needs of coaches. A study using survey and interview examined the perceptions of elite coaches and sports science researchers in Australia regarding the research needs of elite coaching. Congruence was found between coaches and researchers regarding research practice at the elite level. Both groups held common perceptions on the importance and application of research, the methods by which research questions are determined, and the qualities valued in elite coaches and sports science researchers. However, elite coaches perceived a need for more research in the area of sports psychology, dissemination of research findings via coaching clinics and sports-specific magazines, and the use of more appropriate "lay" language in information dissemination.     

Equipment set-up among Olympic sprint and slalom kayak paddlers

The anthropometry and equipment set-up for sprint (31 male; 11 female) and slalom (12 male; 12 female) kayak paddlers who competed at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney were measured in the 15 day period before competition. This paper provides normative data for equipment set-up in these sports, as well as information about differences in rigging and paddle dimensions between sprint and slalom kayak paddlers. These differences were consistent for both male and female athletes, with sprint paddlers seated higher and using longer paddles with longer, though narrower, blades (p < 0.0001). Among male sprint paddlers, only minor differences in equipment set-up were found between competitors ranked in the top 10 places compared to the rest of the field. Considering all male paddlers initially, then sprint paddlers alone, significant (p < 0.01) regression equations were developed for the prediction of foot bar distance (r2 = 0.482 and 0.589 respectively) and hand grip distance (r2 = 0.400 and 0.541 respectively). The process of fine tuning equipment set-up often requires hours of practice with subjective feedback from the athlete. The normative data presented in this paper should assist coaches with this process as their athletes evolve toward their individual optimum set-up.     

环京津地区居民体育旅游影响感知度研究

以研究环京津地区居民对体育旅游的社会文化、环境和经济影响的感知程度为目的,运用文献资料法、问卷调查法和主成份分析法得出：环京津地区居民对体育旅游的社会文化、环境和经济影响的正面感知一致性较强,不同年龄、性别、文化程度的居民,对体育旅游认知度不同的居民,旅游地与非旅游地的居民,居住时间长短不同的居民对体育旅游的社会文化、环境和经济影响的感知程度存在一定差异。     

Perceptions of elite coaches and sports scientists of the research needs for elite coaching practice

Abstract

A major objective of sports scientists and elite coaches is the enhancement of athletic performance. Despite this common goal, there is a general perception that research in sports science does not meet the needs of coaches. A study using survey and interview examined the perceptions of elite coaches and sports science researchers in Australia regarding the research needs of elite coaching. Congruence was found between coaches and researchers regarding research practice at the elite level. Both groups held common perceptions on the importance and application of research, the methods by which research questions are determined, and the qualities valued in elite coaches and sports science researchers. However, elite coaches perceived a need for more research in the area of sports psychology, dissemination of research findings via coaching clinics and sports-specific magazines, and the use of more appropriate “lay” language in information dissemination.     

大学生参与休闲体育行为意向模式研究

探讨影响大学生参与休闲体育行为意向的因素,采用问卷调研法对354名大学生进行测量,将影响大学生参与休闲体育的因素,运用计划行为理论与线性结构方程式统计分析,找出影响大学生参与休闲体育行为意向构面的影响力度。实证结果:态度、主观规范和知觉行为控制对行为意向有直接的显著影响,可以解释其参与休闲体育行为意向的0.37;情感性信念和工具性信念对态度有显著影响,可以解释其参与休闲体育态度的0.22;主体群和次体群对主观规范有显著影响,可以解释其参与休闲体育主观规范的0.35;便利条件和自我能力对知觉行为控制有显著影响,可以解释其参与休闲体育知觉行为控制的0.68。研究提出了提高大学生参与休闲体育的行为意向策略。     

Developing a Scale of Perception of Sexual Abuse in Youth Sports (SPSAYS)

A scale was developed to measure perceptions of sexual abuse in youth sports by assessing (a) the perceived prevalence of sexual abuse committed by pedophilic youth sport coaches, (b) the perceived likelihood that a coach is a pedophile, (c) perceptions on how youth sport organizations should manage the risk of pedophilia, and (d) media influence on participant perception. Two studies were conducted for (a) the formulation of the conceptual framework, (b) the development of preliminary items, (c) an exploratory factor analysis, and (d) a confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling. The first data set (n?=?223) was used for exploratory factor analysis, and four factors (i.e., Management, Prevalence, Influence, and Likelihood) with 15 items emerged. With an independent sample (n?=?209), confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted and found strong support for the scale's psychometric properties, including, convergent validity, predictive validity, and reliability. Theoretical and practical implications were discussed along with study limitations and suggestions for future studies.     

时间知觉的研究进展及其对运动心理学研究的启示

从时间表征的研究、时间的信息加工机制、时间知觉的发展心理学研究等方面概括了心理学领域对时间知觉的研究进展：总结了时间知觉的研究范式及方法；分析了运动心理学领域对时间知觉的研究现状和不足。在此基础上，依据跳水和击剑两个运动项目的情境特点．提出了运动心理学中对时间知觉的研究假设。     

非正式结构体育社团成员社会资本对群体绩效影响的实证研究——基于群体凝聚力的中介

以社会资本理论为基础,结合本土化的非正式结构体育社团成员社会资本（5维度）、群体凝聚力（2维度）、群体绩效3个量表对武陵山片区1 253名非正式结构体育社团成员进行调查,采用回归分析和路径分析的方法试图构建成员社会资本、群体凝聚力以及群体绩效关系的模型。结果显示：（1）社会资本的4个维度（互惠互动、群体信任、群体志愿和社会支持）可直接正向预测群体绩效,网络关系维度直接预测群体绩效不显著。（2）社会资本的3个维度（互惠互动、群体信任、群体志愿）可正向预测健身吸引,社会支持可以负向预测健身吸引,网络关系对健身吸引的预测不显著;社会资本的5维度（互惠互动、群体信任、群体志愿、网络关系和社会支持）可以正向预测社交吸引。（3）群体凝聚力的2个维度（健身吸引、社交吸引）可以正向预测群体绩效。（4）群体凝聚力在互惠互动、群体志愿对群体绩效的正向影响中起着完全中介作用;群体凝聚力在群体信任、社会支持、网络关系对群体绩效的正向影响中起着部分中介作用。