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English (Men’s) Football, Masculinity and Homophobia: From Hegemonic to Inclusive Masculinity
No full textEnglish men’s football has traditionally been a hostile environment for sexual minorities. Gay male footballers – or even those suspected of being gay – have been excluded, marginalised and subordinated from the game by men attempting to (re)prove and (re)establish their heteromasculine identities. Over the past two decades, however, attitudes towards homosexuality have seen a remarkable improvement across much of the Western world. Despite claims that sport – and football, in particular – is slower to adopt broader social change, and that homophobia remains an endemic social problem affecting the game, a significant body of research has documented how football is becoming increasingly acceptant and inclusive of homosexuality. In this chapter, we explore how this scholarly work has departed from previous, outdated attempts at theorising masculinities – notably Connell’s notion of hegemonic masculinity; and has, instead, employed Eric Anderson’s theoretical lens, inclusive masculinity. We discuss how inclusive masculinity has evolved into the most dominant paradigm for theorising contemporary masculinities
Homophobia, hate crime and men’s professional football
No full textEnglish (men’s) football has traditionally been a hostile environment for sexual minorities. Gay male footballers, or even those suspected of being gay – have been excluded, marginalised, and subordinated from the game by men attempting to (re)prove and (re)establish their heteromasculinity. Over the past two decades, however, attitudes towards homosexuality have seen a marked improvement in the UK, and across much of the Western world. While there remain claims that sport – and English men’s football, in particular – is slower to adopt social change, a significant body of research has documented how football is becoming increasingly acceptant and inclusive of homosexuality. In this chapter we outline some of this research, before outlining some of the ongoing issues with respect to homophobia, biphobia and transphobia (HBT) in the professional game—paying particular attention to Kick It Out’s annual reporting statistics
‘I didn’t know girls could coach football that well’: The experiences of female football coaches in the South East of England
No full textAlthough women’s football has seen a significant growth of participation in recent years, this has not reflected in the number of female coaches. In this semi-structured interview research, we examine 10 female football coaches’ experiences in the South East of England. Our findings document three central findings: (1) participants were motivated to pursue a coaching career either due to a love of football, an alternative to a playing career, or were inspired by a recent increase of female role models in the game; (2) the institutional support networks (i.e., those established by the game’s governing body, the Football Association) were inadequate, forcing them to seek support from elsewhere, such as their family; and (3) consistent with previous research, all participants in this research had encountered some form of sexism in their coaching careers. Accordingly, this article con-tributes to a growing body of research centered on female coaches’ experiences of football
The impact of Fallon Sherrock and the increasing prominence of women within professional darts events: A call for future research
No full textRationale/Purpose - This positioning paper is a call to action for future research regarding the roles of women in the male-dominated sport of professional darts. Women have been present at darts events for over 80 years; however, the success of Englishwomen Fallon Sherrock and Lisa Ashton at the male-dominated Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events placed the sport into the global spotlight in the early 2020s. Sherrock’s successes in particular have been a catalyst, bringing increased exposure to women players competing in mixed draw professional darts tournaments against their male counterparts. Following a historical exploration of women in darts, the article explores the contrasting roles of women at contemporary live darts events. Practical Implications - Theoretically, the article draws on gender essentialism and Kane’s (1995) sports continuum to consider how the sport can challenge notions of men’s ‘natural’ superiority. Research Contribution - We propose a number of areas for future research, including: the rise of women players in professional darts; women’s fandom at live professional darts events; the changing roles of women in media and broadcasting; critiques of meritocracy in the game; men’s responses to the increased visibility of women in this male-dominated arena; and strategies to strive for gender equity
Coach experience and age-category effects on young soccer players training environment: an exploratory study on perceived coaching behavior in Timor-Leste
No full textThe objective of this investigation was to analyse soccer player’s perception of coaching behavior in Timor-Leste, comparing coaching experience (experienced vs inexperienced coaches) and age-categories (under-10 vs under-14 male). Data was collected using the Coach Behavior Assessment System questionnaire. Two experienced coaches and three inexperienced coaches from five different soccer clubs were subjects of the investigation. Seventy-five under-10 and one hundred and forty-two under-14 players responded the questionnaire. A Kruskal-Wallis test was completed to evaluate differences between the two scenarios. Statistical differences were observed in inexperienced coaches for mistakes/errors and misbehaviors as rated by the players, and in experienced coaches for general technical instruction. Under-14 players revealed significantly higher scores to the opposing age group for all spontaneous behaviors and for positive reinforcement, mistake-contingent encouragement, and mistake-contingent technical instruction, while Under-10s rated higher behaviors for keeping control. Timorese’s soccer coaches should promote a positive and reinforced training environment that can be focused on player’s progress. It is recommended a more holistic approach to coach educational programs
Maintaining long-term physical activity after cancer:a conceptual framework to inform intervention development
No full textPurposeThis paper describes a conceptual framework of maintenance of physical activity (PA) and its application to future intervention design.MethodsEvidence from systematic literature reviews and in-depth (N = 27) qualitative interviews with individuals with cancer were used to develop a conceptual framework of long-term physical activity behaviour. Determinants of long-term PA were listed and linked with domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework which in turn were linked to associated behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and finally to proposed mechanisms of action (MoA).ResultsThe conceptual framework is presented within the context of non-modifiable contextual factors (such as demographic and material resources) and in the presence of learnt and adapted behavioural determinants of skills, competence and autonomous motivation that must be established as part of the initiation of physical activity behaviour. An inventory of 8 determinants of engagement in long-term PA after cancer was developed. Clusters of BCTs are presented along with proposed MoA which can be tested using mediation analysis in future trials.ConclusionUnderstanding the processes of PA maintenance after cancer and presentation of implementable and testable intervention components and mechanisms of action to promote continued PA can inform future intervention development.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsThis resource can act as a starting point for selection of intervention components for those developing future interventions. This will facilitate effective support of individuals affected by cancer to maintain PA for the long term
Supervision during resistance training positively influences muscular adaptations in resistance-trained individuals
No full textThis study compared the effects of supervised versus unsupervised resistance training (RT) on measures of muscle strength and hypertrophy in resistance-trained individuals. Thirty-six young men and women were randomly assigned to one of two experimental, parallel groups to complete an 8-week RT programme: One group received direct supervision for their RT sessions (SUP); the other group performed the same RT programme in an unsupervised manner (UNSUP). Programme variables were kept constant between groups. We obtained pre- and post-study assessments of body composition via multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA), muscle thickness of the upper and lower limbs via ultrasound, 1 repetition maximum (RM) in the back squat and bench press, isometric knee extension strength, and countermovement jump (CMJ) height. Results showed the SUP group generally achieved larger increases in muscle thickness for the triceps brachii, all sites of the rectus femoris, and the proximal region of the vastus lateralis. MF-BIA indicated increases in lean mass favoured SUP. Squat 1RM was greater for SUP; bench press 1RM and isometric knee extension were similar between conditions. CMJ increases modestly favoured UNSUP. In conclusion, our findings suggest that supervised RT promotes greater muscular adaptations and enhances exercise adherence in young, resistance-trained individuals
A conceptual evaluation of the Data as Partner (DAP) framework
No full textThis paper explores the innovative Data As Partner (DAP) philosophy as a transformative approach to organisational data strategy, drawing upon established concepts of information value, technology acceptance, and inclusivity for people with disabilities (PwD) in smart cities. The study conducted a comprehensive systematic review, after meticulous screening, 20 eligible papers were selected, forming the foundation for deriving the key components of the DAP framework. Subsequently, a qualitative focus group study engaged 18 participants from diverse sectors to evaluate the practical applicability of the DAP conceptual framework. Thematic analysis of the focus group sessions revealed five key themes: practical value, pragmatic performance, ethical perspective, clarity of the framework, and enhancement tools. These findings offer valuable insights for refining the DAP framework and optimising its integration into real-world scenarios, in empowering individuals in smart cities, especially those with disabilities. Future research should explore larger and more diverse samples to generalise findings and assess the framework's long-term impact through longitudinal evaluations. By adopting user-centred methodologies, the DAP framework can be further enhanced as a strategic tool, empowering data to actively participate in organisational decision-making processes
The changing dynamics of student engagement
No full textThe overall aim of this chapter is to provoke reflection around how higher education (HE) engaged students in online learning during COVID-19. Discussion will outline the challenges that HE faced in engaging students in a complex and uncertain COVID-19 landscape and how this changed the dynamics of student engagement and support. It also discusses the role of the academic in the use of inclusive pedagogies to ensure that learning and support met the needs of the students’ in their online learning journeys. The chapter concludes that while COVID-19 meant wide scale change for HEIs that these best practices should create the “new norm” in curriculum design and is an era where HE professionals should be proud of the legacy they leave and the support they gave to ensure that students could continue their learning journeys
Supervision during resistance training: a comparison of trainer and trainee perceptions
No full textBackground: Resistance training has well-documented health benefits; however, participation and adherence remain overwhelmingly low. Supervision has been evidenced to improve adherence, and produce favourable adaptations compared to unsupervised resistance training. A recent exploratory systematic review and meta-analysis on supervision during resistance training noted a lack of clarity as to the purpose/intent of the supervisor within the body of literature.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey study was conducted in English and distributed primarily across social media platforms and through the authors’ personal and professional networks. The aim of the survey was to compare the perceptions of supervision between trainers and trainees. Secondary outcomes included exploratory analyses of the impact of training experience, sex of participant, and comparison based on supervision type.Results: 468 participants completed all elements of the survey (68% male, 32% female). Of which 236 were personal trainers/strength coaches, and 232 were trainees. In brief, descriptive data from the survey suggest that trainers perceived supervision as more important than trainees for the characteristics and variables measured. Females perceived supervision in resistance training as more important than males. Trainees who engage in supervised resistance training reported supervision to be more important compared to those training alone or with a training partner. Technical coaching was reported to be the most important characteristic of supervision. Finally, trainers and trainees engaging in supervised strength training reported lower injury rates compared to those strength training unsupervised or with a training partner. Qualitative data are presented regarding perceptions of how and why supervision should differ based on sex, age, and experience, as well as reporting injury experiences.Conclusion: Our data suggest that the perceived benefits of supervision vary based on population. We posit that the present data have implications for both trainers and trainees, which might serve to strengthen a relationship by aligning roles and realising goals in supervised resistance training. Further, this data might provide insight and prompt future research as to how to engage more people into resistance training
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