The conceptual framework of combining the approaches for athletes' professionalism in the career-sports path (Study of team sports in Kurdistan region-Iraq)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 university of kurdistan

2 PhD student in sports management, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.

3 PhD in Sports Management, Gilan University, Rasht, Iran.

10.22080/jsmb.2025.26619.3888

Abstract

One of the requirements for the modernization of competitive sports in developing countries is the professionalization of human resources, including athletes, because without professionalism, they cannot reach a suitable level of progress and success in sports. Due to the difference between disciplines, systems and sports environments in the professionalism capacity; This research was focused on the theoretical integration of various approaches to the professionalism of athletes in the sports-career path. The research method was qualitative with thematic analysis approach. The consulted experts included two groups of scientific experts, executive experts and experimental experts. The sample was estimated based on reaching theoretical saturation in the interview (17 people). Sampling was done by judgment method. The research tool was a semi-guided exploratory interview based on a descriptive-questioning framework. The validity of the research was confirmed through appropriate selection of the sample, internal validity control during the interview, agreement between the correctors of coding. The results showed that the framework of extracted concepts includes 84 primary concepts, 34 secondary themes, 11 main themes and 5 general themes. Five general themes include; The environmental context of professionalization, the capacity building of the sports system for professionalization, the alignment of the approaches of professionalism in athletes, the professionalism of the sports-career path and the functions of the professionalism of athletes. Finding showed that the professionalism of athletes requires the establishment of the internal and external environment of the sports system and the use of individual (professional self-improvement), group (professional community) and organizational (professional program) approaches. It is suggested that professionalism is a multi-dimensional and multi-stage category that combines the approaches of athletes' professionalism at the same time and should be considered as a strategy by the analysts of the competitive sports system of the Kurdistan region.

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Main Subjects

Journal of Sport Management and Motor Behavior
Volume 22, Issue 44
November 2026

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