Antonio Campos-Izquierdo

Multi-functionality and occupations of sport and physical activity professionals in Spain.

ABSTRACT Research question: Increased attention to the multiple benefits attributed to sport and physical activity (SPA) in recent years has boosted the sport industry and related employment opportunities. SPA professionals are central in delivering the core services in this sector. This paper analyzes the key functions of Spanish SPA professionals in order to reveal the range of opportunities and to strengthen their position in a tapering labour market in Spain. Research methods: Face-to-face interviews based on a standardized questionnaire were conducted with 2500 SPA professionals, who were active in 1797 sports facilities across the country. Functions and multi-functionality (MF) were analyzed based on city size, age, sex and type of organization. Results and findings: The results show an extensive, diversified and multifunctional panorama of SPA functions in cities of all sizes. SPA functions shift with age, and women are underrepresented in the majority of these occupations. MF is significantly higher among men, older SPA professionals and in the for-profit sector (compared to public and non-profit sector). Implications: The results assist professional and entrepreneurial training institutions to align their programs with the needs of the labour market, thereby enhancing the employability of their graduates, the level of professionalism as well as the working conditions in the SPA sector. Human resource processes can also be enhanced, improving the quality and efficiency of SPA services delivered in SPA organizations.

Sources of knowledge used by Spanish coaches: A study according to competition level, gender and professional experience:

This research analyzed sources of knowledge used by Spanish coaches according to competition level, gender, and professional experience. It provides valuable insight regarding the influence of demographic factors on the knowledge acquisition of coaches in a sub-group of the population (Spanish coaches) for which little is known. Participants were 675 coaches of different team and individual sports. Data were collected through the use of a standardized validated questionnaire. Results indicated that coaches in Spain subscribe to informal knowledge acquisition methods more than formal and non-formal ones. The sources of knowledge most used were an exchange of knowledge with other professionals, observation of other coaches, and previous athletic experience. The sources of knowledge least used were reading books or magazines, and conducting research. Additionally, it was found that coach demographics were associated with differences in the priority given to specific sources of knowledge. Consequently, commonly utilized formal knowledge translation approaches may need to be reconsidered.

The evaluation and planning method of Spanish sport and physical activity instructors: A comparative study across gender, age, level of studies and work experience

The purpose of this study is to investigate the planning and the evaluation of Spanish sport and physical activity instructors as well as to analyze and compare the two variables in terms of their gender, age, level of studies and work experience. This research falls inside the quantitative type methodology of descriptive cut through standardized interview using the standardized questionnaire: “Human resources of sport and physical activity”. It analyses the situation and performance of people working in functions of sport and physical activity. The questionnaire was completed by 600 sport and physical activity instructors from Spain. Key results revealed that 48.0% of them plan their classes and 58.17% assess. The study also found male university graduates between the ages of 60 and 70, with 10 years of experience or more spend the most time on planning and assessment. Daily classroom observation was the tool which physical activity and sport instructors used the most, followed by execution tests. The lesser used tools were theoretical knowledge exams, diaries and the personally created tests, across all of the variables.