Management of judo federations : a comparative analysis

Abstract: Globally, the success of elite athletes at international competitions attracts the attention of governments due to the potential sociocultural, political and economic benefits. Underpinned by a systems theory framework, governments invest a substantial amount of resources into the professionalisation of elite sport systems. The mere existence of elite sport systems can no longer predict success. Rather, Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) plans can only have effect through optimal management that facilitates the development of athletes in their sporting careers. Although judo is relatively less lucrative for professional judokas, it is one of the most widespread Olympic sports, and requires sound governance to ensure credibility, secure resources and achieve success. This thesis firstly reflects on the professionalisation of sport at the global level from a figurational sociological perspective and in the three sample countries. Secondly, elite sport systems are discussed and applied to judo in the countries under study. Thirdly, results provide strategic insights for improving existing high performance judo practices through the management of judokas and the governance of the sport federations. Two internationally successful judo countries (The Netherlands and England) were selected for this comparative case study analysis with South Africa. A purposive sample of elite judokas from South Africa (n=37), the Netherlands (n=38) and England (n=29), as well as elite judo coaches (n=26) and executive members (n=2) from the respective countries participated in this study. The research found that more successful elite judo systems have comprehensive policies that create an enabling environment through facilitating access to resources and forming key strategic alliances. Coach education, performance pathways and access to high performance training facilities are essential mechanisms that contribute to successful elite sport performances. A contextualised approach to discuss governance principles and the articulation of different systems that incorporate macro-level considerations, is suggested. These outcomes are affected by circumstances and power relations inherent in society and within the sport fraternity.D.Phil. (Sport Management

The effect of variable environmental factors on sport performance

M.Phil. (Sport Management)Available literature revealed a gap in the body of knowledge regarding the effect of environmental and related factors on the performance of elite under 17 judokas in South Africa in order to address the lack of available research. Scholars increasingly researched the social importance attached to the performance of athletes and the competitive environment, including the role of social agents and simulated training. The aim of this study translates into objectives, namely: i) to describe the sport competition environment through an extensive literature study, ii) to determine the effect of environmental and selected physical factors (sleep and nutrition) on the performance of elite judokas in South Africa in the under 17 age category with a self-designed questionnaire, iii) to determine psychosocial effects on judo performance with the Sport Competition Anxiety Test (SCAT) and the Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire (SMTQ), iv) to determine the effect of environmental factors, selected physical factors and psychosocial factors on the performance of elite under 17 judokas with a focus group, v) to determine the effect of environmental, psychosocial and selected physical factors on the performance of elite judokas from the perspective of judo coaches by way of interviews, and vi) to conduct a comparative analysis based on various variables such as gender, locality, frequency of competition participation and access to resources. Both qualitative and quantitative data were gathered, constituting an exploratory research design. Questionnaires (SCAT and SMTQ) and qualitative data was gathered by way of interviews with judo coaches (n=8) and a focus group with judokas (n=8). In total sixty five (n=65) judokas participated in this study. A purposive sample of coaches and elite judokas were recruited as research participants. Results indicate that judokas have relatively moderate mental toughness (M=41.66) and that mentally tougher judokas experience relatively less anxiety whilst competing (r=-.48, n=60, p<.01). An increase in anxiety is correlated with a decline in performance and medal winning judokas were relatively more confident than non-medal winners. All research participants were negatively affected by not having adequate exposure to environmental simulated training conditions, with temperature as a main factor impacting on performance

A comparative analysis of elite sport systems of national judo federations in Great Britain, South Africa and The Netherlands

The growing social significance of international sport competition, and the benefits of sport at socio-political level, have resulted in increased  recognition for systems in sport that promote the development of elite athletes. Elite sport systems are globally becoming increasingly more uniform, with local variations characterising the differences in  implementation such as higher levels of complexity, greater financial investment and optimising talent identification and talent development processes to function more effectively. The question therefore arises as to what extent differences could be measured amongst elite sport systems of different national judo federations. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative analysis of elite sport systems of three national judo  federations (Great Britain, South Africa and The Netherlands). Judo in England forms part of the British Judo Association. The study followed an international comparative case study design utilising qualitative methods (document analysis and interviews), in order to explore the management of elite judo systems in depth. The research model consisted of a vertical (micro, meso and macro-levels), and horizontal analyses, with multilevel elements articulated as a subset within a subsequent higher level for analysis. The horizontal analysis assisted in seeking similar and distinct trends between the judo federations at each level. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with one (n=1) executive member of the British and South African judo federations (n=1), as well as a sample of elite judo coaches from Britain (n=3), South Africa (n=3) and the Netherlands (n=2). Results indicated that elite sport systems are guided by a sound vision, mission, strategy and plan supported by relevant and sufficient human, financial and physical resources systems. The extent to which these systems are aligned and integrated with the strategy and plan, will determine the success of the input of elite sport systems. Britain, South Africa and the Netherlands have are similar in terms of structural components; however the main differences that exist are related to the contextual realities of these countries.Keywords: Elite sport systems, long-term athlete development, strategic management