A Model for Development of Sport Careers in Iran

The aim of the present study was to develop a model for the development of sport careers in Iran. This study was qualitative that was conducted using the grounded theory. The population consisted of all the elites who had some knowledge, experience and clear background in entrepreneurship and sport careers and 22 subjects were selected using theoretical and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected by semi-constructed interviews that continued until theoretical saturation. For data analysis, six concepts of causal conditions, phenomenon, intervening conditions, context conditions, strategies and consequences were used in the framework of Strauss and Corbin (1990) coding model. In the final model which was formed based on data coding and analysis, causal factors (growth of sport industry, opportunities to create careers, and performance weaknesses) attract attention to the central phenomenon that is the quantitative and qualitative development of sport careers. Given the intervention factors (political, economic, managerial) and existing contexts (supportive contexts and infrastructures, weakness in entrepreneurial thinking and managerial support, insufficient influence of sports in society, social support, skilled manpower, entrepreneurial intent and financial support), the strategies of quantitative and qualitative development of sport careers (program and legal support, structural development, knowledge development, financial development, interaction development, entrepreneurial motivation development) will have positive consequences (economic growth, sport sustainability, promotion of sport performance, institutionalization of active lifestyle, sociocultural development) for Iran sport industry. The model developed in this study can be used by policymakers, planners, experts and sport managers as a base for plans to develop sport careers and employment.