Presenting a Qualitative Model of Alignment of Talent Identification Strategies of Iranian Sports Federations

The present study was conducted to provide a qualitative framework for qualitative Model Talent Identification Strategies for Iranian Sports Federations adaptation. The research was an exploratory study carried out using Grounded Theory, in-depth interviews and content and structural analysis based on Strauss and Corbin (2008). To gather data, 17 experts were purposefully selected, and by applying the snowball sampling method, the interviews continued till reaching theoretical saturation. Qualitative data analysis was undertaken by MAXQDA software, and the final model was reported. Based on the components of the paradigm model, 4 main factors (financial resource management, specialized management), 6 causal factors (role of media, scientific view of sports), 6 contextual factors (development of public sports, creation of talent identification centers), 7 intervening factors (weak management, attention to athletes' needs), 8 strategic factors (improving the knowledge of coaches, support of federations), 10 consequences (reducing costs, sustainable development of sports) were identified. Based on the overall conclusion, the country's sports authorities should attempt to coordinate and align talent identification strategies in sports federations by providing the main factors and managing the underlying and intervening factors, planning and explaining appropriate talent identification strategies. This can be helpful not only in identifying and nurturing talented individuals in specialized fields, but also in benefiting society from its obvious cultural, social, economic, and political consequences.