Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license
Authors
1 Ph.D. Student in Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shomal University, Amol, Mazandaran, Iran
2 Professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shomal University, Amol, Mazandaran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Shomal University, Amol, Mazandaran, Iran
4 Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Department of Sport Sciences, Binaloud Institute of Higher Education Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to design national talent expansion framework for
Methodology: A qualitative study using Glaserian classical grounded theory was conducted. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 purposefully and theoretically selected experts across sports policy, grassroots development, sociology, and psychology. Analysis followed the constant comparative method (open, selective, and theoretical coding) using MAXQDA software. Trustworthiness was established via Lincoln and Guba’s criteria, and Inter-coder agreement was assessed using Scott’s pi (π = .91).
Results: Continuous comparative analysis and conceptual delimitation yielded six functional theoretical dimensions (Financial Resource Redistribution, Spatial Access Redistribution, Social Opportunity Redistribution, Developmental Opportunity Redistribution, Institutional Governance & Alignment, and Monitoring, Transparency & Accountability), comprising 20 components and 82 distinct operational strategies. The core variable emerged as the “distributive and equitable provision of sporting participation opportunities to widen the talent base during childhood and adolescence,” embedding justice across all dimensions.
Conclusion: The findings conceptualize talent expansion as a continuous equity-oriented support process integrated with talent management. Its content varies with developmental readiness; infancy concerns movement opportunities and caregiver support, not talent selection. The six-dimensional framework provides a basis for coordinated policy and oversight. The proposed 18-year boundary requires sport-specific validation and does not define entry into professional sport.
Keywords
- Grassroots Sport Policy
- Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD)
- Physical Literacy
- Social Justice
- Sport Ecosystem
Main Subjects
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