Magister Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science - MSRES

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hdl.handle.net/10566/11258

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 70

A comparative study for the removal of humic acids from power plants make-up waters
(University of the Western Cape, 2002-06) Linkov, V
Water treatment forms an integral part of thermal electric power generation (coal fired as well as nuclear power stations). There are generally two main water cycles associated with thermal power generation, namely the steam/water cycle that uses demin water for the production of steam and the cooling water circuit, which is used for condensing the steam back to water. The two cycles are isolated from each other and exchange heat via a condenser. Power station make up water treatment plants have traclltionally been designed to produce water of a very high quality (free from inorganic salts) by synthetic ion exchange resins. Raw water quality (mainly TDS, OA and silica) is the key factor in the design of the plant. Any deterioration of raw water quality during the life cycle of the plant, which is currently a South African and worldwide phenomenon, will inevitably have a negative impact on treatment plant performance and plant integrity. ln order to meet the specifications of the water quality required for proper plant operation, an extra burden, as well as associated treatment costs, will therefore have to be placed on existing treatment processes to compensate for change in feed water quality.
A study on the readability of the Eritrean biology textbook for grade eight
(University of the Western Cape, 2003-09) Ghebremichael, Ogbagebriel Elekal
The purpose of the study was to determine the readability of the Eritrean biology textbook for grade eight. The study was conducted in Eritrea in four selected senior secondary schools. The motivation for the study was the significant role textbooks play in the educational setting as a primary source of information. Drawing on the assumption that students and teachers depend heavily on textbooks as a major source of information, the study is premised on the assumption that students must be provided with materials, particularly, the textbooks, that take into consideration the language ability of the students for whom they are written. With this in mind, the research sets out to determine the readability of the grade eight biology textbook to find out the congruence or otherwise with its intended grade level learners. To collect data for the study, both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used. The quantitative research methods were the Flesch, the Frequency of Gobbledygook (FOG), and the Fry readability formulas, cloze test, Word Difficult Index (WDD test, and a questionnaire. These were used to ascertain the congruence or otherwise of the readability of the prescribed biology textbook for grade eight level students. The questionnaire was included for the purpose of data triangulation. The qualitative research method was a set of interviews with students, teachers and the biology curriculum designer. They were used to reveal first hand information from the subjects of the study about the appropriateness of the language used in the prescribed biology textbook in relation to its intended grade eight level students
Perceptions of constraints to recreational sports participation :a case study of the University of the Western Cape (UWC) undergraduate female students
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Solomon, Ghebremedhin Asihel; Jones, D.E.M.; Malcolm, C.; Dept. of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
The effects of attitudes and perceived constraints on behavior and the choices females make about involvement in recreational sports, exercise, and other physical recreation activities are important to consider if females physical, social, and emotional quality of life is to be enhanced. The main aim of this study was to explore the perception held by female undergraduate students at UWC regarding the physical and socio-cultural constraints that influence their participation in recreation sport.
The effect of accumulative physical activity on the fitness and health status of rural school children
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Wildschutt, Phillip Jacobus; Travill, Andre; Jordaan, G.; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Numerous studies focusing on cardiovascular disease risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, smoking, diabetes mellitus, elevated serum lipids, inactivity and lack of physical fitness prevalent in children highlight the importance of the early diagnosis and prevention of conditions that are associated in adulthood with cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of accumulative physical activity on the fitness profile, blood pressure and body composition in 14-16 year old school children in the Western Cape of South Africa.
Incidence of football injuries in different age groups at a professional football club
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Curtis, Vernon Glen Lagrotteria; Travill, Andre; Dept. of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Football is the most popular sport in the world, and it continues to have a progressive annual increase in the number of active players and the number of games played per season, which in turn, leads to an increase in the frequency of injuries. Football is extensively researched worldwide, however, some current studies confirm that the results on football injury factors are limited, as well as inconsistent and incomplete. The main aim of this study was to examine interrelating factors of football injuries through the various age groups at a designated football club. The study aimed to expose the injury risk factors and patterns present in the various age groups.
Accessibility of recreational sports for students with disablilities at the University of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Wright, Shernel A.; Jones, D.E.M.; Struthers, P.; Dept. of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science; Faculty of Science
Participation in recreational sports can play a vital role in enhancing a student's life. Recreational sports are esepecially beneficial for students with disabilities as it aids in the facilitation of integration into mainstream society. The University of the Western Cape offers a range of recreational sports to their students but the question posed is, are these recreational sports accessible to students who are physically, auditory and/or visually disabled? The aim of this research project was therefore to explore the extent to which the University of the Western Cape's recreational sport was accessible to male and female studnets with disabilities.
The implementation of sports policies and procedures at professional sport clubs at the University of the Western cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Rossouw, Geraldine Elvira; Titus, S.
The importance of having a structure in any sport code and following them ensures better functioning of the particular sport code. The management of sport is defined as "the study and practice involved in relation to all people, activities, organizations, and businesses involved in producing, facilitating, promoting, to organizing any product that is sport, fitness, and recreation-related; and, sports products can be goods, services, people, places, or ideas" (Park house 2001) The running of a club should be looked at holistically and any flaws should be looked at holistically and any flows should be identified and corrected. This study explores the implementation of sports policies and procedures for professional sports clubs at the University of the Western Cape at theirs. Method The study employed a quantitative setting using a questionnaire administered to eight members of the selected five professional clubs of the university. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel. Results The results reflected the problem areas that the clubs needed to look at. Amongst these included the attendance of meetings by both executive and ordinary members, the composition of the clubs, and fines that members should receive for non-attendance at meetings. Members are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the constitution of their club.
The implementation of sport policies and procedures at professional sport clubs at the university of the Western Cape
(University of the Western, 2007-11) Rossouw, G.E; Titus, S
The importance of having a structure in any sports code and following it ensures better functioning of the particular sports code. The management of sport is defined as "the study and practice involved in relation to all people, activities, organizations, and businesses involved in producing, facilitating, promoting, to organizing any product that is sport, fitness, and recreation-related; and, sports products can be goods, services, people, places, or ideas" (Parkhouse,2001). The running of a club should be looked at holistically and any flaws should be identified and corrected. This study explores the implementation of the sports policies and procedures of professional sports clubs at the University of the Western Cape.
The experiences of female sport administrators in the Western Cape: gender bias in the Workplace
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Titus, Simone; Jones, Denise; Terblanche, Susan S.; Dept. of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science; Faculty of Arts
Research indicates that the advancement of women into top management positions is steadily increasing. However, it seems as if gender divisions in the workforce do not encourage equal opportunities for women in the labor sector. In the world of sport, gender equity has been promoted with some progress. However, this progress, both globally and in South Africa, is still limited both quantitatively and qualitatively. There has been very little research on the experiences of women in leadership positions, specifically in the field of sport. This study explored the experiences of female sports administrators in the workplace. This study employed a qualitative research methodology. Purposive sampling was used to select suitable candidates in the field of sport and recreation in the Western Cape, South Africa. Data was collected by using semi-structured interviews and data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results indicate that participants in this study experience gender bias in the workplace in terms of differential treatment, organizational fit and harassment and intimidation. Conclusions and recommendations are also offered.
Service quality in leisure program delivery : a case of the Salomon Puffer endurance trail run
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Joubert, Etienne; Jones, D; Mwaba, K
In a demanding and diverse corporate market any organization wanting to make a profit should adhere to certain business principles in order to stay economically competitive. The product of the leisure service organization consisting of tangible and intangible factors makes it difficult to market and sell their product as compared to organizations in the manufacturing industry. The quality of the product or service, made up of tangible and intangible factors therefore becomes the benchmark for the leisure service organization to ensure prolonged economic participation in an ever changing business environment. A service of high quality will therefore ensure higher profit and more opportunities for the leisure organization. This study assessed the service quality of the SALOMON PUFFER (hereafter called the PUFFER) Endurance Trail Run in Table Mountain Nature Reserve in Cape Town as a leisure event. Service quality of the PUFFER was assessed through 33 participants from South Africa of both male and female and ranging in the ages of 2l and,70 completing the SERVQUAL questionnaire specially adapted to an endurance event like the PUFFER. Questions addressed issues on five SERVQUAL dimensions namely: Responsiveness, Reliability, Tangibles, Assurance and Empathy as well as the awareness and usage ratings of certain tangible and intangible aspects not necessarily part of the five dimensions mentioned. Questions were answered on a five point Likert style scales ranging from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". Data was analyzed using the STATISTICA package of data analysis. The organizers were rated as excellent on all five dimensions with ratings of over 60%o on average with only physical facilities as tangible factor receiving a lower score of 33%o in terms of excellence. The conclusion of the study is that both tangible and intangible factors plays a role in the overall impression participants have on the leisure event. It indicates therefore that the participants in the PUFFER perceived the service delivered at the event to be of acceptable quality.
A comparative study on high-risk sexual behaviour of male student elite athletes, male student non-athletes, and male student recreational sports participants at the University of Botswana
(University of the Western Cape, 2009) Sebele, Molly Kenaope; Avis, Paul; Mwaba, Kavin; Dept. of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science; Faculty of Arts
This study aims to compare the sexual behaviour patterns of male elite student athletes, male student recreational sports (RSP) and male student non-athletes at the University of Botswana in relation to high-risk sexual behaviours. High-risk behaviors in the domain of sexual behaviour were investigated in relation to the determinants of risk behaviour such as multiple partnerships, condom use, and history of sexually transmitted infections, the partners past sex life, current sexual life, casual sexual partners and age of first exual experience. The purpose was to establish which group of the male students is more at risk of HIV infection due to its engagement in high-risk sexual behaviour. Data was collected by means of an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Participants included 235 male students (94 non-athletes, 92 athletes and 50 elite athletes) at the University of Botswana. Selfreport questionnaires were administered, which included items from the 2005 Youth Risk Surveillance System (YRBSS), Student Life Style questionnaire, as well as items from a questionnaire assessing knowledge and practice of safe sex amongst Rhodes University students (Simpson, 1996).
Towards a level playing field -a case study of the challenges facing NGOs using sport for development within the educational system in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2010) Sanders, Ben; Phillips, Julie; van Reusel, Bart; Dept. of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science; Faculty of Science
The overall aim of the study was to determine the opportunities and challenges NGOs encounter when using sport as a vehicle for development within the education system, in post-apartheid South Africa. A case study design has been chosen since it will offer real insight, showing how specific sports programmes work in specific contexts. Two NGOs, Grassroot Soccer (GRS) and the Extra-Mural Education Project (EMEP) constitute the cases, with an in-depth exploration of their work and the challenges they face. The study population includes employees of GRS, EMEP, target groups of the organisations and officials in the Department of Education. Key informants, including the head of research, managing directors, coaching/training staff at each organisation, officials in the Department of Education and community leaders were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data was collected by means of in-depth interviews, document reviews and observations. In-depth interviews were conducted with the head of research, managing directors, coaching and training staff at each organisation, principals and teachers of selected schools and community leaders. The analysis of the interviews started with the transcription of information from audio-tape recordings. Both pre-determined and emerging themes were noted. The results illustrated that although certain challenges were common to both organisations, others are unique.
Insulin resistance, physical activity and physical fitness in adults residing in a northern suburb of Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Bartels, Clare; Bassett, Sue; Erasmus, R; Dept. of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science; Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
Insulin resistance has shown to be a precursor to a number of lifestylerelated chronic diseases and abnormalities in adults and is affected by a number of factors including genetics, age, physical activity and acute exercise, diet, obesity, body fat distribution and medication. Physical activity has shown to have marked effects on improving sensitivity to insulin though various physiological mechanisms, and numerous correlation studies have identified a relationship between these two variables, suggesting the beneficial role of exercise on insulin resistance. This study aimed to identify a relationship between current levels of physical activity, physical fitness and insulin resistance in adults between the ages of 35 and 65 years of age residing in a northern suburb community in Cape Town. A total of 186 volunteers participated in this study ranging from healthy individuals to those with diagnosed chronic conditions. Insulin resistance (determined by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance), physical activity (measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire) and five health-related physical fitness tests were measured. The five components included body composition, determined by body mass index and waist circumference, the 3-minute cardiorespiratory step test, the handgrip muscle strength test, one-minute crunches for muscle endurance and the sit-and-reach flexibility test. Spearman correlation was used to identify the relationships between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, age, body composition and physical activity and fitness.Results showed that body mass index and waist circumference were the only two variables which produced significant correlations with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (p < 0.019). No physical activity or fitness data produced significant scores with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance. Body mass index in men was the only significant predictor of HOMA-IR and explained 37% of the variance in insulin resistance, whereas in women, only waist circumference was related to HOMA-IR, but explained less than 16% of the variance. Associations between reported MET-minutes from the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and the four fitness tests indicated significance with handgrip strength (ρ = 0.17; p =0.039), one-minute crunches (ρ = 0.18; p = 0.024) and sit-and-reach flexibility (ρ = 0.17; 0.034). This study has shown that body composition is an important component in influencing insulin resistance therefore physical activity interventions should be targeted at increasing physical activity levels and reducing body weight.
Participation in sport and the perceptions of quality of life amongst high school learners in the Theewaterskloof Municipality, South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Van Hout, Roel Cornelis Henricus; Young, Marié; Bassett, Sue
In South Africa, sport can unite the country because it can transcend race, gender, politics or language groups. Much of the youth of the country are in the developmental phase where critical decisions are being taken on key life transitions including; education, work, lifestyle, participation in society and other psycho-sociological aspects. In this life phase, learners in high school within the previously disadvantaged communities form a crucial part of South Africa‘s future. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine how high school learners in the Theewaterskloof Municipality in South Africa, perceived the influence of sport participation on their quality of life. To specify the perceptions of the learners on the influence of sport participation, the research described quality of life according to six domains: drugs, alcohol and crime; mental health; social contact, culture and safety; happiness and wellbeing; physical health and diseases; and academic achievement. It was hypothesized that learners of high schools within the previously disadvantaged communities in the Theewaterskloof Municipality, who participated in sport, perceived a better quality of life than learners who did not play sport at all. The research was conducted at three high schools located in the Theewaterskloof Municipality of the Western Cape Province. A questionnaire was used to collect information from 484 learners aged 13 to 18 years. The questionnaire was structured according to the six domains of quality of life. The findings were described for each domain of quality of life and revealed multiple significant outcomes when compared to sport participation. A significant and/or practically significant relationship was noted for variables of each domain, except academic achievement. The domain of drugs, alcohol and crime was not statistically significant, but is considered to be practically significant. Thus, learners perceived that increasing sport participation resulted in a significantly more positive response of at least one variable for the domains social contact, culture and safety; drugs, alcohol and crime; physical health and diseases; mental health; and happiness and wellbeing. These findings of the study only addressed actual sport participation, while there were also significant relationships found between the quality of life variables and the question; ―I like playing sports and being physically active‖. It indicated the relationship between the interest of the participants to play sport and a possible increase on the domains of quality of life. Those variables that were significant to both sport participation and the interest of learners to play sport, were most meaningful. The general hypothesis was supported and it may be concluded that learners within the previously disadvantaged communities in the Theewaterskloof Municipality, who participated in sport, perceived a better quality of life than learners of the same age group who did not play sport at all. Each domain of quality of life was judged by an independent secondary hypothesis and five of the six domains identified that learners perceived a significantly more positive response for at least one variable of that domain, when they participated in sport.
Physical fitness of elite women's rugby union players over a competition season
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Hene, Nceba Mzimkulu; Bassett, Sue; Dept. of Sports, Recreation and Exercise Science; Faculty of Arts
The primary aim of this study was to investigate the changes in physical fitness characteristics of elite women's rugby union players over the duration of the season. Thirty two elite female rugby players who were identified as members of the South African Rugby Union High Performance Squad were assessed on three separate occasions (pre-season, mid-season and post-season) throughout the competition season. The players were sub-divided into two positional categories consisting of 17 forwards and 15 backs. On all testing occasions, players underwent anthropometric (stature, body mass and sum of 7 skinfolds) and physical performance measurements (sit-and-reach, vertical jump, 10m and 40m speed, 1 RM bench press; pull-ups;1 min push-ups and multi-stage shuttle run test). A two-factor analysis of variance evaluated differences in the physical fitness variables between and within playing positions over the competition season.
The relationship between fitness, morphological characteristics, skills and performance in men's fast pitch softball
(University of the Western Cape, 2012) Wentzel, Melissa; Travill, Andre
An understanding of the structure, function and performance relationships in different sports, including softball, allows for improved coaching approaches, development of sport specific fitness and skills training programmes, team selections and talent identification in young players. Despite the fact that fast pitch softball is an established sport with a long history, it has received little scientific attention. It does for example, not have a specific battery of softball specific fitness tests and relies on the tests and norms of baseball. The specific morphological and fitness demands of the sport are therefore not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to establish whether morphological and fitness characteristics are related to skill and performance measures in men's fast pitch softball players and to determine what the strengths of any such relationships are. The sample was purposively selected and consisted of 15 Provincial and 15 club male fast pitch softball players. All participants were members of the provincial Softball Federation. Anthropometric, fitness and skills test and measurements were conducted at the training sites over a number of weeks because it coincided with team training. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, skinfolds, and were done in accordance with ISAK specifications. Derived anthropometric variables included BMI and body fat percentage. The following physical fitness tests were conducted: vertical jump test, standing broad jump and the Illinois agility run while the skills tests conducted were the softball throw for distance, the two base sprint test, the batting tests and the fielding test. Match statistics were easier to obtain since records were available in printed form from the Provincial softball federation for the Provincial players and from the club for its members. The data obtained were analysed and interpreted both collectively as a group of thirty and then separately as provincial and club teams for the purpose of comparison. Since the data were not normally distributed, the Spearman's rank Correlation was used to test for associations between variables. Comparisons of the squads were done using the nonparametric Wilcoxon Rank Sum test. The results of the study identified a number of strong significant relationships between the different variables tested. Height and percent body fat, amongst others were found to be the two anthropometric variables which significantly interacted with two key performance areas of fast pitch softball i.e. batting and fielding. Percent body fat also negatively correlated with the vertical jump test which highlights the general negative impact of excess fat on performance. The relationships established in this research strongly suggest that coaches include fitness, morphological and skills tests in their coaching and fitness programmes and they should further be used in team selections processes as they are strong indicators for success and will make the selection process more objective.
Experiences of athletes living with HIV following disclosure of their sero-status in Ndirande Blantyre Malawi
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Kondowe, Ivy Yvonnie; Leach, Lloyd; Ley, Clemens
Athletes are at risk for HIV infection due to their celebrity status which enables them to associate with multiple concurrent sexual partnerships. Athletes with an HIV sero-positive status should be encouraged to disclose their HIV positive status to enable them access appropriate treatment, care and support. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of athletes living with HIV following disclosure of their sero-status. The study was conducted in Ndirande Township in the city of Blantyre, Malawi. Twelve purposively sampled athletes living with HIV, four males and eight females between the ages of 18 and 30 years, participated in this study. Data was collected using qualitative methods conducting semi-structured, face to face individual interviews and the data were analysed using thematic analysis. The consequence of disclosure model was used to explain the themes that emerged from the data. The results of the study indicated that all athletes disclosed their HIV seropositive status. The majority of the athletes disclosed their HIV positive status to spouses, family members, friends and health care providers in order to access support and treatment. However, athletes did not disclose to their clubs and sports institutions because there was no conducive environment. After disclosure of their status, most athletes had positive experiences that included increased psychosocial support and care from their social networks. Some athletes had negative experiences such as stigma and discrimination from teammates and distant relatives. While athletes living with HIV had support from families and community support groups, there was a lack of appropriate support systems in the sport institutions. In addition, athletes living with HIV had limited access to health care services. For athletes living with HIV to remain productive, there is need for further research and the establishment of appropriate support systems in different levels of the sport institutions.
Factors influencing particpation in physical activity in 11-13 year-old primary school children in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Cozett, Colleen; Leach, L.; Bassett, Sue
Physical inactivity is increasing among adolescents worldwide and may be contributing to the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity. South African adolescents are physically inactive and obesity has become an alarming trend. Physical activity behaviours have multiple levels of influence that include predisposing factors, reinforcing factors and enabling factors. This study aimed to identify the predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors of physical activity and which ones were the strongest predictors of physical activity participation among adolescents in the Western Cape. The study sample was conveniently selected from two schools in the Metropole South Education District. Using the children’s physical activity questionnaire and the children’s physical activity correlates questionnaire, a sample of 348 participants completed the questionnaires. Demographic variables were analysed using descriptive statistics which included means and standard deviations. Pearson correlation and regression analysis were performed to determine the relationship between the variables and to determine the strongest predictors of physical activity overall. Parental influence (r=0.236, p<0.01), peer influence (r = 0.012, p<0.05), perceived physical activity self-efficacy (r=0.212, p<0.05) and perceived physical activity competence (r = 0.192, p < 0.05) were all strong predictors of PA. However, parental influence was the strongest predictor overall (r=0.236, p<0.01). Adolescents are more likely to participate in physical activity if their parents encourage, support and participate in physical activity with them.
An assessment of quality management practices in high performance sport at two selected South African universities
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Groenewald, Ilhaam; De Coning, Christo; Keim, Marion
This study is motivated by the growing need for South African sport competitions (such as the Olympic Games and various other sport-specific world championships) to be transformed into quality and profitable events, noting that they need to be managed professionally, with well organised and sophisticated athlete preparation with excellent management systems. New pressures have emerged from within South Africa from key stakeholders that require sport organisations to become more performance orientated, and to build their capacity in order to improve or better manage their organisational performance. The primary focus of the research, therefore, is on quality management practices in high performance sport at a programme management level while the research also reviews substantial literature concerning the study in order to explain the dynamics surrounding the high performance management practices of Swimming Centres of Excellence at the two selected universities in South Africa. The study is qualitative and unpacks two theoretical frameworks namely, Total Quality Management practices and a conceptual framework of high performance management structures and processes. The overarching findings and recommendations are that the implementation of the Quality Management Practices (QMPs) require that the principles and philosophy of excellence are shared and understood by all stakeholders. To implement QMPs successfully, there is a need to radically transform conventional practices to achieve radical and pervasive change. The research shows evidence that QMPs involve the redesign of organisational structures, the re-design of work and the re-definition of management style. The swimming high performance environment must be willing to take this into consideration for successful implementation of QMPs at the Centres of Excellence to ensure its future performance
An exploratory study of the experiences of receiving funding support for elite sport in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Adom-Aboagye, Nana Akua Achiaa; Titus, Simone; Keim, Marion; Young, Marie
Despite government’s formation of financial support grants such as the Operational Excellence Programme to provide much needed assistance, South African elite athletes have not been performing to expectation at recent international championships, such as the Olympic Games. International experiences demonstrate the importance of a well-structured and implemented funding support system to improve elite athlete performance at international levels. This has led to questions of how to improve this situation for elite South African athletes who receive funding support from the South Africa Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee and to revisit the implementation of the funding support for elite athletes. This study will take, experiences of South African elite athletes as well as sport managers into consideration and will also look at international lessons of experience of the funding support of elite sport to provide improved options for financial support and elite athlete development. Using qualitative research methods, this study explored the underlying factors regarding funding support of elite athletes in South Africa based on experiences and perceptions of elite athletes. Within the context of the study, elite athletes would refer to senior track and field athletes and senior swimmers who had been a part of Team South Africa and represented the nation at international competitions. Data was collected in three ways: a) A literature review in the form of an analysis of the high performance policies of: the National Olympic Committee of South Africa and the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee that has governed elite sport in South Africa post 1994 and the policies that govern high performance funding support within Athletics South Africa and Swimming South Africa; b) interviews with eight preselected elite athletes to discuss career performances and funding support received and c) interviews with four coaches/managers of the preselected elite athletes to discuss their perspectives on the funding support their athletes received. Strict ethics considerations were also adhered to insofar as written consent was obtained from all participants beforehand, as the intended interviews would be either audio recorded or video recorded. Pseudonyms were also used for participants with the assurance that participation was voluntary. The eventual findings of the study brought to light that the implementation of the funding support provided by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee was good in theory but not necessarily so in practice. Overall, participants were grateful for the support received but felt that certain changes needed to be considered going forward for the improvement of future performances.

Browse

Browsing by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options