Journal of Sport Management and Development

Theory: The Foundation of Research in Sport Management

Rahim Ramezaninejad

Volume 15, Issue 4 , December 2026

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2026.9624

Abstract

In research, theory means that the research process is not a chaotic collection of opinions, ideas, and methods. Theory should be used as a theoretical framework for the entire project. If research is not theory-based, it tends to become merely descriptive, whereas sport management requires research ... Read More In research, theory means that the research process is not a chaotic collection of opinions, ideas, and methods. Theory should be used as a theoretical framework for the entire project. If research is not theory-based, it tends to become merely descriptive, whereas sport management requires research evidence that is more strongly grounded in theory. In quantitative studies, research questions are usually derived from an existing theory or a combination of related theories that determine the hypothesis, research protocol, and interpretation of results. Of course, this does not necessarily need to be definitively established from the very beginning of the project; in fact, a theoretical approach may evolve as the project progresses. A theory that we initially believed would help answer the questions may not fully do so, and therefore we may shift our focus to a complementary theoretical approach. In qualitative studies, theory is a key and inseparable part of the research, and distinguishing between theory and method is almost impossible. Alongside the contribution of theory to research, investment should also be made in theory-building studies. This includes developing existing theories or generating new theories, which, especially in relation to sport management, may potentially have broader applications as well. An important point is that research, conducted without following a specific research trend or direction, cannot provide the foundation for theory construction. Although doctoral dissertations, qualitative and review studies, and even the development of research-based books can be highly beneficial, this issue requires the research specialization among scholars in the field of sport management. Only in this way can the development of specialized human capital and the professional deepening of sport management be achieved. Unlike other specialized fields in sport sciences, sport management developed within departments of physical education and sport sciences. Although some management scholars contributed to this field, most of them were not particularly interested in sport studies. In contrast, specialists in sociology, psychology, and biological sciences became more interested in sport studies, whereas such a foundation did not exist for management researchers. Therefore, sport management scholars and researchers still have much work ahead to expand their perspectives and theoretical foundations. Sport management researchers must emphasize these theories in order to achieve unity and coherence among theory, research, and practice. Theory-driven and theory-building research contributes to the legitimacy and credibility of sport management. Sport management researchers should borrow theoretical frameworks and research tools from other disciplines, modify and develop them, or create new theories in sport management that are purposefully aligned with this field, so that, like sport psychology and sport sociology, they may provide specialized theories of their own. At present, however, sport management still requires years of hard work and qualitative research to develop its own specific theories. Some researchers believe that the field is currently in the stage of stabilizing and testing hypotheses before it can present its own interdisciplinary theory. Therefore, the lack of theoretical foundations and the limited practical applicability of research in this field may diminish the status of sport management within the academic system and among scholars.

Sport Economics, Marketing and Tourism

Branding startegies for the Iranian Zurkhaneh Sport and Pahlevani Wrestling Federation

Mehdi Rasooli; Mohsen Esmaeili

Volume 15, Issue 4 , December 2026, Pages 1-20

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.30242.2974

Abstract

Objective: Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling, as one of the ritualistic and cultural heritages of Iran, despite their millennia-long history and ethical-heroic values, have faced multiple challenges in recent years. These include weak advertising, gender exclusivity, negative public perceptions, ... Read More Objective: Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling, as one of the ritualistic and cultural heritages of Iran, despite their millennia-long history and ethical-heroic values, have faced multiple challenges in recent years. These include weak advertising, gender exclusivity, negative public perceptions, and lack of financial resources. So, the aim of this research was developing branding startegies for the Iranian Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling federation.Methodology: This research project aims to identify and propose branding strategies for Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling and is structured into three main sections. First, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight experts, including members of the federation’s board of directors, professional athletes, academic researchers, and Zurkhaneh club owners, to gain insights into the challenges, capacities, and branding priorities. In the second stage, the federation’s strategic plan was analyzed, and brand-related codes were extracted from this document. Finally, a focused working group of sports marketing specialists utilized the collected data to design branding strategies.Results: The findings indicate that sustainable development of Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling requires a calculated rebranding effort and innovation within traditional frameworks. Key strategies include: establishing "Classic" and "Modern" committees within the federation, gradually facilitating the inclusion of women, integrating the sport into schools and universities, collaborating with other federations and joint events, redesigning Zurkhaneh equipment for fitness clubs, and enhancing advertising and social media presence through the selection of cultural ambassadors. If these strategies are implemented, it is expected that negative public perceptions will shift, a broader audience will be attracted to Zurkhaneh sport and Pahlevani wrestling, sustainable income will be generated for the federation, and the national and international status of this sport will be elevated.Conclusion: These results can serve as a foundation for planning by sports managers, cultural policymakers, and researchers interested in reviving the Iranian-ritual identity within the realm of sports.

Sport Management and Development

Proposing a Model for the Success of Iran's Paralympic Sports in International Events

Mehdi Nasiri Khouzani; Mehr Ali Hemati Nezhad; Roya Boveiri; Farahnaz Shams; Sajad Gholami Torksaloyeh

Volume 15, Issue 4 , December 2026, Pages 21-46

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.30167.2971

Abstract

Objective: This research aims to proposing a pattern for the success of Iran‘s Paralympic sports in international events.Methodology: The research method was qualitative and based on the grounded theory. The philosophical basis of the research was interpretive and based on the inductive approach. ... Read More Objective: This research aims to proposing a pattern for the success of Iran‘s Paralympic sports in international events.Methodology: The research method was qualitative and based on the grounded theory. The philosophical basis of the research was interpretive and based on the inductive approach. Participants included sports science specialists, experts from federations, coaches and paralympic athletes. Sampling was conducted using a purposive method and theoretical approach. The sampling adequacy criterion was the theoretical saturation of data, which was achieved after conducting 22 semi-structured interviews. The trustworthiness of the study was assessed by applying the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability and conformability. Additionally, the reliability of the data was evaluated using the interview retest method.Results: 310 primary concepts, 37 subcategories and 13 main categories were extracted, which within the framework of the paradigmatic model including contextual factors such as the establishment of supportive regulations, the role of mass and social media and a comprehensive framework for sports events, causal conditions including fostering a culture of sports advocacy, education with a research-oriented approach and the development of equipment with cutting-edge technologies, intervening factors such as challenges hindering the success of Paralympics sports, development of financial resources and monetizing, collaboration and synergy among stakeholder organizations, strategies including the necessity of adapting sports and urban facilities, establishing a comprehensive talent identification system and development sports for women with disabilities and consequences such as promoting socio-sports status, champion development and medal achievement were identified.Conclusion: Based on the results, it is suggested to develop educational programs, increase the per capita specialized sports space, provide training equipment and intelligent tools, establish a rehabilitation center and specialized occupational therapy, implement the talent identification process, encourage active participation in competitions, and enforce supporting laws for disabled sports in social, sports, financial, and construction activities.

Sport Management

Designing a Volunteer Management Model in Iran's Sport Federations

Azad Ahangaran; Alireza Elahi; Hossein Akbari Yazdi

Volume 15, Issue 4 , December 2026, Pages 47-64

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2024.28220.2922

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to design a volunteer management model for Iranian sport federations. Methodology: The present study is applied in terms of purpose and qualitative in terms of data collection, which was conducted using the grounded theory method with the Glaserian approach. The ... Read More

Sport Economics, Marketing and Tourism

Analyzing and Modeling Financial Success of Iranian Premier League Football Clubs Using a Mixed-Methods Approach

Amir Hossein Labbaf; Mehdi Salimi; Mohammad Soltan Hosseini

Volume 15, Issue 4 , December 2026, Pages 65-90

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.31215.3009

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to present a model for the financial success of Iran's Premier League football clubs. Methodology: The research employed a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods. The qualitative part was based on Grounded Theory with Charmaz's approach. ... Read More

Culture, Media and Technology in Sport

Designing an Identity and Historical Model for Indigenous, National, and Ritual Sports

Syedeh Tahereh Azimzadeh; Morteza Dousti; Seyed Mohhamad Hosein Razavi; Masoume Kalateh Seifari

Volume 15, Issue 4 , December 2026, Pages 91-108

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2024.25510.2836

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research was to design the historical and identity model of indigenous, national and ritual sports.Methodology: The current research method was qualitative and exploratory. The statistical population included local native sports specialists with a university teaching experience ... Read More Objective: The purpose of this research was to design the historical and identity model of indigenous, national and ritual sports.Methodology: The current research method was qualitative and exploratory. The statistical population included local native sports specialists with a university teaching experience or active in the field of public sports, experts and officials of sports, policy makers and sports consultants. The sampling method was non-probability sampling, with targeted selection and maximum diversity or heterogeneity. Using the theoretical saturation method, the sample size was equal to 25 people. The data collection tool was an open interview and was analyzed based on three stages of open, central and selective coding. In the current research, the criteria of long-term engagement, stable observation, re-inspection of the path of information acquisition, checking, triangulation, and continuous comparison were used to measure validity.To calculate the reliability, the within-subject agreement method was used, and the reliability between the coders for the interviews conducted in this study was equal to 88%.Results: Based on the findings, causal factors include religious identity and social identity; Background factors including infrastructure and planning; Intervening factors including participation and support; The central phenomenon including identification in ritual and national sports; Strategies include executive and structural; Consequences included social and cultural functions.Conclusion: This research was conducted with a qualitative approach to identify the identity and historical concepts of native, national and ritual sports and presented a model to explain the identity and historical pattern of native and ritual sports in the form of a theory through which native and ritual sports can be explained well. Therefore, it is recommended to pay attention to social and cultural principles in order to improve the historical and identity components of native, local and ritual sports and to provide the necessary platforms for identifying and transferring culture.

Social Issues in Sport Management

Influential Factors and Outcomes of Transgender Individuals’ Participation in Physical Activity

Ali Jamshidi; Amin Khatibi; Seyed Hossein Marashian; Esmaeil Veisia

Volume 15, Issue 4 , December 2026, Pages 109-133

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.31009.3003

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to explore the factors affecting transgender people’s participation in physical activities and the consequences of such participation. Methodology: This study was conducted with a qualitative approach and using thematic analysis method. In order to collect data, in-depth ... Read More

Sport Management and Development

Identification of economic components in physical education and sports of I.R. Iran from Based on the statement of the second step of the revolution

Seyed Reza Mousavi Biouki; Gholamreza Shabanibahar; Habib Honari; Gholam Ali Karegar

Volume 15, Issue 4 , December 2026, Pages 135-154

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2024.27271.2888

Abstract

Objective: Professional planning in the economic dimension to solve sports problems, including privatization, contracts, foreign coaches and the role of the government in sports teams. The purpose of this study is to design the pattern of factors affecting the realization of the economy in the second ... Read More

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Sport Economics, Marketing and Tourism

Designing an Entrepreneurship Development Model for the General Departments of Sport and Youth in Northwest of Iran

Maryam Malaei; Ali-Mohammad Safania; Mehrdad Moharramzadeh; SeyedSalahoddin Naghshbandu

Volume 15, Issue 4 , December 2026, Pages 155-178

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2024.25723.2855

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to design an entrepreneurship development model for the General Departments of Sport and Youth in northwest Iran.Methodology: This applied research employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was conducted ... Read More Objective: This study aimed to design an entrepreneurship development model for the General Departments of Sport and Youth in northwest Iran.Methodology: This applied research employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential exploratory design. In the qualitative phase, thematic analysis was conducted using a systematic review of 40 scientific studies and focus group sessions with seven experts. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population included all managers and employees across five northwestern provinces. The sample size was 217 individuals, determined using the inverse square root method and G*Power software. Data were collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire with 118 items derived from the qualitative phase. Validity was confirmed through content and construct validity, while reliability was established using Cronbach's alpha (0.85) and composite reliability. Quantitative data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.Results: The qualitative findings identified nine main themes: structural factors supporting entrepreneurship; implementation of a research and development system; managerial factors; entrepreneurship education; strategic empowerment of human resources; sports entrepreneurship knowledge management; systematic evaluation of entrepreneurship programs; formulation of operational strategies; and development of an organizational entrepreneurial culture. In the quantitative phase, all 11 causal paths of the model were confirmed.Conclusion: The extracted model indicates that entrepreneurship development in these organizations is a systematic, multi-layered process that begins with structural and managerial factors and ultimately leads to the development of an organizational entrepreneurial culture. Accordingly, it is recommended that specialized entrepreneurship committees be incorporated into the organizational chart of these departments, and that systems for education, empowerment, and entrepreneurial performance evaluation be established.

The Role of Sport in Sustainable Environmental Development

Volume 14, Issue 1 , March 2025, , Pages 169-190

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2022.21038.2632

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this article was to study the role of sport in sustainable environmental development.Methodology: The research method is applied – developmental. method. In order to collect data, exploratory type of qualitative research. The statistical population included top managers of ... Read More

Content Analysis of Judicial Documents of Sports Incidents in East Azarbaijan Province

Volume 14, Issue 3 , September 2025, , Pages 27-48

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2024.25797.2863

Abstract

Objective: This research aims to conduct content analysis of court cases related to sports incidents in East Azarbaijan province during the years 2019 to 2021.Methodology: This study serves an applied purpose, utilizing quantitative content analysis as the research method and employing a descriptive ... Read More

Organizational attractiveness of sport sciences departments and faculties of Iranian national universities from the perspective of undergraduate students

Volume 14, Issue 1 , March 2025, , Pages 143-168

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2024.27423.2893

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research was to identify and explain the dimensions of the organizational attractiveness of sport sciences departments and faculties of Iranian national universities from the perspective of undergraduate students.Methodology: The research method was qualitative and in the ... Read More

Examination of Ethical Behaviors of Clubs in Contracts with Football Players

Volume 14, Issue 2 , June 2025, , Pages 111-128

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2022.22211.2698

Abstract

Objective: The main objective of this research was to examine the extent to which sports clubs adhere to ethical behaviors in executing financial contracts with football players.Methodology: The statistical population comprised all football players active in the Iran Premier League in 2021, from which ... Read More

The Interpretive-Structural Model of Fans’ Stimulant to Involvement in the Virtual Pages of Football Clubs

Volume 13, Issue 4 , February 2025, , Pages 1-23

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2021.16373.2309

Abstract

Objective: The present study investigated the motivational factors of sports fans for participation in the virtual pages of football clubs. Methodology: This research is an exploratory kind of mixed method that was performed in two qualitative and quantitative parts. In the qualitative part, along with ... Read More

Pattern analysis Organizational Resilience in Iranian Sports Organizations

zohreh karimi; ali mohammad safania; Ali Zarei; Hossein Poursoltani Zarandi; reza nikbakhsh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 24 February 2025

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2023.24641.2806

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research is to provide a model of organizational resilience in Iranian sports organizations. Methodology: This research is a type of combined research. In the qualitative part, foundation data theory with Strauss and Corbin's approach is used, and in the quantitative part, ... Read More

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Thematic Analysis of the Sports Hall’s Stabilization with Green Energy

MohammadAmin Sayadi; Negin Ahmadi; Iraj Mehdizadeh; Omid Fathullahi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 26 April 2025

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.29849.2954

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to Analysis of empowerment indicators for the sustainable development of sports halls using by green energy in west Azerbaijan province.Methodology: The research methodology was descriptive-analytical with qualitative approach. Statistical population was university professors ... Read More

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The impact of smart development requirements on the development of sports tourism services and sustainability in the Kurdistan Region

Samar Atta Jafar; Rahim Ramezani nejhad; Nooshin Benar

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 17 August 2025

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.30259.2975

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present research was to present a smart sports tourism model in order to develop sustainable sports tourism in the Kurdistan Region based on structural modeling.Methodology: This research is quantitative in terms of implementation, applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-survey ... Read More

A Conceptual Model for Aligning Sports Development Pathways through Leveraging Organizational Capacities in Iran

Mohammad Sadegh Vaghar; Hamidreza Goharrostami; Rahim Ramzaninezhad

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 17 August 2025

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.30832.2996

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to propose a framework for aligning sports development pathways by leveraging the capacities of sports organizations in Iran.Methodology: This qualitative research employed thematic analysis with the participation of 16 experienced sports management professors and managers. ... Read More

Quantitative Content Analysis of Neuromarketing Research in Sports Management: A Systematic Review of Scientific Outputs Indexed in the Islamic World Science Citation Database

Yaghoub Mohamadi; Alireza Elahi; Hossein Akbari Yazdi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 29 August 2025

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.30336.2977

Abstract

Objective: In today’s competitive world, neuromarketing plays a prominent role in the sports industry as an innovative and effective tool for gaining deeper insights into consumer behavior. By combining neuroscience and psychology, this approach helps event organizers and sports organizations make ... Read More

Sport and Women's Identity Development in Iran

Masumeh Fadaeidehcheshmeh; Seyed Reza Hosseini Nia; Mohammad Mahdi Rahmati; Hadi Bagheri

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 29 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.31065.3005

Abstract

Objective: The present research was conducted with the aim of investigating the role of sport in women's identity formation in Iran.Methodology: This study was conducted using an exploratory mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, a constructivist grounded theory approach (Charmaz) was employed, ... Read More Objective: The present research was conducted with the aim of investigating the role of sport in women's identity formation in Iran.Methodology: This study was conducted using an exploratory mixed-methods approach. In the qualitative phase, a constructivist grounded theory approach (Charmaz) was employed, while the quantitative phase utilized Fuzzy DANP, a technique within multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM). The qualitative sample included female athletes at amateur, championship, and professional levels, as well as national team coaches and academic experts in sports management and sociology specializing in women’s sports research, until theoretical saturation was reached. In the quantitative phase, 15 experts knowledgeable about women’s sports and professional female athletes were selected. The research instruments comprised semi-structured interviews for the qualitative phase and a Fuzzy DANP pairwise comparison questionnaire for the quantitative phase.Results: The analysis of 380 initial codes in this study resulted in 41 focused codes (concepts), which were ultimately reduced to 9 main categories. Eight of these primary categories were identified as influential factors in women’s identity formation and subsequently prioritized using the Fuzzy DANP pairwise comparison method. The results of the Fuzzy DANP analysis indicate that these factors do not have equal influence. Among them, the role of coaches (0.1317) emerged as the most influential factor in the identity formation process, followed by empowerment of women in other aspects of life through sports (0.1302), gender stereotypes (0.1293), and enhancement of women’s psychological strength through sports (0.1287). In contrast, factors such as overt gender discrimination (0.1269), gendered perspectives on sports disciplines (0.1212), obstacles created through regulations (0.1177), and low levels of women’s physical literacy (0.1141) ranked lower in terms of influence.Conclusion: The process of women’s identity formation through sports is primarily influenced by supportive and empowering factors, particularly the role of coaches, whereas structural barriers and gender-based discrimination exert a comparatively lesser impact. Therefore, strengthening the role of coaches, enhancing empowering sports opportunities, and reforming discriminatory policies can facilitate the identity development of women in the athletic context.

Impact of the Political and Economic Consequences of Women's Presence in Stadiums on the Credibility of Iranian Football with the Mediating Role of Media Flow and Sports Cultural Diplomacy

Fatemeh Hadipoor; Shahram Shafiee; Hossein Brakhas

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 30 September 2025

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.31175.3008

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the political and economic consequences of women's presence in stadiums on the credibility of Iranian football with the mediating role of media flow and sports cultural diplomacy.Methodology: This research was descriptive-correlational ... Read More Objective: The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of the political and economic consequences of women's presence in stadiums on the credibility of Iranian football with the mediating role of media flow and sports cultural diplomacy.Methodology: This research was descriptive-correlational in nature, applied in purpose, and conducted through a field study approach. The statistical population consisted of sports managers and experts, coaches, referees, athletes, and university faculty members. A sufficient sample size for modeling was selected non-randomly and conveniently and analyzed (101 individuals). The measurement tools included a questionnaire on political consequences (10 items), economic consequences (7 items), media flow (6 items), sports cultural diplomacy (6 items), and football credibility (14 items), based on a five-point Likert scale. The content and face validity of these tools were confirmed by experts in the fields of football, women's sports, and sports management professors (11 individuals), and composite reliability, construct validity, convergent validity, and divergent validity were established using factor analysis. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS 3 software.Results: The results indicated that the political and economic consequences of women's presence significantly affected media flow, sports cultural diplomacy, and the credibility of Iranian football. Media flow and sports cultural diplomacy had a significant effect on the credibility of Iranian football. Additionally, the Sobel test results demonstrated that the political and economic consequences significantly influenced the credibility of Iranian football through the mediating roles of media flow and sports cultural diplomacy.Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the credibility of Iranian football stems not only from sports performance but also from its ability to intelligently manage the social, political, and economic dimensions of women's presence, leverage media power, and employ active diplomacy. These synergistic factors contribute to consolidating and enhancing the position of this sport both nationally and globally.

Stability-Efficiency Analysis of the Competitiveness of Elite Sport in the Islamic Republic of Iran at the Summer Olympic Games

Hasan Gholami Ghajari; Hamidreza Goharrostami

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 02 October 2025

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.31329.3010

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to analyze the stability-efficiency of competitiveness in elite sports of the Islamic Republic of Iran at the Summer Olympic Games.Methodology: This applied, descriptive-analytical study used a quantitative approach. The research population included all elite sports ... Read More

A Conceptual Framework for Analyzing and Assessing Digital Maturity in Sports Enterprises Based on a Systematic Literature Review

Sadegh Fatahi Milasi; Nooshin Benar

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 16 March 2026

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2025.31412.3012

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a localized and stage-based framework for analyzing and evaluating the digital transformation maturity of small and medium-sized sports enterprises (SMEs).Methodology: This research employed a systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis approach ... Read More

Analyzing the degree of compliance between the intended and implemented curriculum in the field of sports science: From design to action

Meimanat Abedini Baltork; Mozhgan Memarmoghaddam; Afsaneh Yanpi

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 16 March 2026

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2026.30065.2966

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the planned and implemented curriculum of the undergraduate sports science major University of Mazandaran.Methodology: This research was designed quantitatively and followed the descriptive survey method. The statistical population included ... Read More Objective: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the planned and implemented curriculum of the undergraduate sports science major University of Mazandaran.Methodology: This research was designed quantitatively and followed the descriptive survey method. The statistical population included 22 professors and 340 students of the Sport Sciences major at the University of Mazandaran in the academic year 2023-2024, respectively. To select the professors, the census sampling method was employed, and to select the students, Morgan's table and proportional stratified random sampling were used, resulting in the selection of 181 students to participate in the study. The research instruments included researcher-made questionnaires for professors and students, along with a quantitative classroom observation checklist. These tools were designed to assess both the intended and implemented curriculum, and their content validity was calculated as 89%. The reliability of the questionnaires, calculated using Cronbach's alpha, was as follows: for the intended curriculum, 0.97 (professors' questionnaire) and 0.90 (students' questionnaire); for the implemented curriculum, 0.96 (professors' questionnaire) and 0.83 (students' questionnaire. . The reliability of the observation tool using the coefficient of agreement was also obtained as 0.92. Descriptive statistics (percentage and frequency) and inferential statistics (dependent t-test and one-sample t-test) were used to analyze the collected data.Results The results showed that from the professors' perspective, there was a fundamental gap between the intended and implemented curriculum in all elements (goal, content, teaching-learning strategy, and evaluation). From the students' perspective, there was a gap between the intended and implemented curriculum in terms of goals, as well as in other elements (content, teaching-learning strategy, and evaluation. The results from classroom observation also indicated that there was no congruence between the implemented and intended curriculum.Conclusion: The existence of a gap between the intended and implemented curriculum shows that a revision of the curriculum is necessary to improve the quality of education in this field. Also, in order to realize the approved curricula, a set of factors is needed to reach the implementation stage properly.

Presenting an Identity Marketing Model in Professional Sports

Mehdi Salimi; Amir Hossein Labbaf

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 16 March 2026

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2026.32405.3029

Abstract

Objective: The present study aimed to propose a comprehensive model of identity marketing in professional sports.Methodology: A mixed-methods design (qualitative–quantitative) was employed. In the qualitative phase, based on grounded theory (Glaser’s approach), data were collected through ... Read More

Explaining the Legitimizing Functions of Sport in Health

Maryam Besharatimoghadam; Rahim Ramzaninejad; Mohammad Mahdi Rahmati

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 14 April 2026

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2026.32650.3037

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this research was to explain the legitimizing functions of sport in the health domain.Methodology: The present study was conducted using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis. Required data were collected through a systematic search in reputable scientific databases and analyzed ... Read More

Strategies for Developing Collaborative Governance: Case Study: Deputy of Physical Education and Health of Iran’s Ministry of Education

Mohsen Vahdani; Jamshid Jalilvand; Najmeh Rezasoltani

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 21 April 2026

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2026.32852.3043

Abstract

Objective: Given the complexity of issues in physical education and student health and the multiplicity of stakeholders involved, shifting from traditional management models to participatory and network-based approaches is an unavoidable necessity. This study aimed to identify and explain strategies ... Read More

Challenges and Facilitators of the Motherhood Process of Female Athletes in Iran

Khdijeh Javanbakht; Mohammad Sadegh Afroozeh; Ebrahim Khoshnam; Hosein Dast Barhagh

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 22 April 2026

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2026.32864.3045

Abstract

Objective: Many female athletes at some point feel that they have to make difficult decisions between Motherhood and continuing their sports career. Considering the growing trend of women's participation in championship sports and the simultaneous maternal expectations from them, this article examined ... Read More

Video Assistant Referee Implementation in the Iranian Football Pro League: An Analysis of Fan and Referee Attitudes

SeyedReza Hosseini; Amin Khatibi; Tahereh Azmsha

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 06 May 2026

https://doi.org/10.22124/jsmd.2026.32862.3048

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the attitudes of fans and referees toward the implementation of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in the Iranian Football Pro League. Methodology: This study was applied in terms of its purpose and employed a descriptive-survey design for data collection. The statistical ... Read More

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Volume 13 (2024)

Volume 12 (2023)

Volume 11 (2022)

Volume 10 (2021)

Volume 9 (2020)

Volume 8 (2019)

Volume 7 (2018)

Volume 6 (2017)

Volume 5 (2016)

Volume 4 (2015)

Volume 3 (2014)

Volume 2 (2013)

Volume 1 (2012)

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