Football Saturday: are collegiate football stadiums adequately prepared to handle spectator emergencies?

BACKGROUND: Mass gatherings are a commonly occurring event, especially on college campuses. Any mass gathering gives rise to possible small- or large-scale emergencies. Mass gathering medicine is an integral part of emergency medical services (EMS). An assessment was performed to see if collegiate stadiums possess capabilities for advanced medical care when emergencies arise among attendees. METHODS: A standardized survey was sent by a single researcher to all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I programs regarding medical services they currently have in place at their stadiums during Saturday football games. A follow-up inquiry was made at each local community office of emergency management (OEM) to confirm responses or obtain missing data. RESULTS: Only 21.5% (N.=17) of stadium facilities reported having physicians solely dedicated to the care of fans and other support staff. Most stadiums (N.=70, 88.6%) offered ALS services for their fans, with the remaining ALS services provided by paramedics (N.=46, 58.2%) or registered nurses (N.=7, 8.9%). The remaining stadiums only offered BLS services (N.=6, 7.6%) or basic first aid (N.=3, 3.8%). One stadium offered athletic trainer services to its fan in addition to the ALS care. CONCLUSIONS: Given the potential for a large influx of patients at sporting events, almost all stadiums have some degree of prehospital emergency care on site. More than a 10% of stadiums lacked ALS services and very few stadiums have physicians on site. Many stadiums were unaware of the resources available during these events. The ability to have ALS services on site who can provide rapid, advanced care to spectators is important due to likely delays in 911 response. At a minimum ALS services should be available within the stadium with consideration of physician coverage as well.

Developing Indicators to Evaluate Instructor Management of Sports Centers for the People With Disabilities Based on Universal Design Principles in South Korea.

This study was conducted to develop evaluation indicators for instructor-led management of sports centers for the disabled using universal design (UD) principles in South Korea. These indicators have been developed through Delphi technique to identify the effectiveness of an instructor's management skills. There were 11 documents related to UD used in the literature review, and seven were related to the evaluation index. Through reading and analyzing the relevant contents of the collected literature and many rounds of the Delphi technique, we selected the method and criteria for deriving the evaluation index. In this study, we developed a method that constitutes an evaluation index. The index comprises one evaluation criterion and four evaluation indices. First, for the sub-items of the "recruitment" category, four principles of UD and one supplementary principle of product performance program (PPP) were applied to create items for the evaluation index. Second, the sub-items of the "education" category comprise three evaluation criteria and 10 evaluation indicators. These were applied to the fourth principle of UD and the first and second by-supplementary principles of PPP. The third category, "welfare," comprised two evaluation criteria and six evaluation indices, and the first by-supplementary principle of PPP was applied to the evaluation indices. The index created for evaluating instructors in sports centers using the method elucidated in this study was adequately reliable. Following a similar method, more evaluation indicators should be developed for evaluations of other functions (such as programs, public relations, safety, and finance) based on the principles of UD.

Spatial equity in the layout of urban public sports facilities in Hangzhou.

This paper proposes a framework for a layout evaluation of urban public sports facilities. First, the buffer analysis method is used to measure the service level of public sports facilities. The study findings indicate that the overall service level of public sports facilities presents the spatial characteristics of a central agglomeration, and the value of the service level diffuses outward from high to low. There is evident spatial heterogeneity in the layout of public sports facilities in Hangzhou. Second, the Gini coefficient, Lorenz curve, and location entropy are employed to measure the equity of the distribution among spatial units and the intradistrict disparity. The results show a mismatch between the spatial distribution of the facilities and the distribution of the permanent population. The patterns of distribution of the location entropy classes of Hangzhou can be divided into three types: balanced, alternating, and divergent districts. The method in this paper is effective in measuring spatial equity and visualizing it. it has a certain degree of systemicity, universality and operability. At the same time, this method can compare the diachronic characteristics of the same city and the synchronic characteristics of different cities, which has universal application value.

Healthcare system impacts of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing: evidence from a national trauma registry patient case series and hospital performance data.

INTRODUCTION: In response to detonation of an improvised explosive device at the Manchester Arena on 22 May 2017, we aimed to use detailed information about injured patients flowing through hospital healthcare to objectively evaluate the preplanned responses of a regional trauma care system and to show how routinely collected hospital performance data can be used to assess impact on regional healthcare. METHODS: Data about injury severity, management and outcome for patients presenting to hospitals were collated using England's major trauma registry for 30 days following hospital attendance. System-wide data about hospital performance were collated by National Health Service England's North West Utilisation Management Unit and presented as Shewhart charts from 15 April 2017 to 25 June 2017. RESULTS: Detailed information was obtained on 153 patients (109 adults and 44 children) who attended hospital emergency departments after the incident. Within 6 hours, a network of 11 regional trauma care hospitals received a total of 138 patients (90%). For the whole patient cohort, median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 1 (IQR 1-10) and median New ISS (NISS) was 2 (IQR 1-14). For the 75 patients (49%) attending a major trauma centre, median ISS was 7.5 (IQR 1-14) and NISS was 10 (IQR 3-22). Limb and torso body regions predominated when injuries were classified as major life threatening (Abbreviated Injury Scale>3). Ninety-three patients (61%) required hospital admission following emergency department management, with 21 (14%) requiring emergency damage control surgery and 24 (16%) requiring critical care. Three fatalities occurred during early resuscitative treatment and 150 (98%) survived to day 30. The increased system-wide hospital admissions and care activity was linked to increases in regional hospital care capacity through cancellations of elective surgery and increased community care. Consequently, there were sustained system-wide hospital service improvements over the following weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The systematic collation of injured patient and healthcare system data has provided an objective evaluation of a regional major incident plan and provided insight into healthcare system resilience. Hospital patient care data indicated that a prerehearsed patient dispersal plan at incident scene was implemented effectively.

Compression asphyxia and other clinicopathological findings from the Hillsborough Stadium disaster.

Ninety-six people died following a crowd crush at the Hillsborough Football Stadium, Sheffield, UK in 1989. The cause of death in nearly all cases was compression asphyxia. The clinical and pathological features of deaths encountered in crowds are discussed with a particular focus on the Hillsborough disaster.

Inclusion of Nutrition Expertise in Catering Operations at a Major Global Sporting Event: A Qualitative Case Study Using a Foodservice Systems Approach.

BACKGROUND: Major sporting event catering is a significant undertaking for foodservice providers, particularly with an increasing focus on sustainability, global health, and nutrition demands of athletes. Yet, the inclusion of nutrition expertise in catering varies significantly between events. Foodservice systems models are commonly used to evaluate foodservice operations but to date have not been applied to catering and nutrition at major sporting events. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this exploratory case study was to gain in-depth insights of key stakeholders (catering management, chefs, organizers, and dietitians) regarding the integration of nutrition into the catering operation of a major global sporting event, with a focus on future continuity, and map this to the foodservice systems model using a program logic model. SETTING: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 stakeholders during and after the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Gold Coast, Australia. RESULTS: The 8 themes that emerged were related to planning and preparation, refining processes, improvement of the menu, better technology, increase in food allergies/intolerances, organization controls, experience of the workforce, and increased client knowledge of nutrition. The logic model demonstrated that the system is driven by policy and budget at the level of control prior to and during the planning phase but modified by the environment during operation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recognition by stakeholders on the importance of change, there are barriers to the provision of suitable food. Integration of nutrition expertise into tender documents and budgets in major event catering will help ensure nutritionally adequate, culturally suitable, and safe menus for future events.

Managerial behavior of sports facilities managers: an approach with public and non-profit organizations in São Paulo

Abstract Aim: The sports facilities development and use optimization has been one of the main objectives of sports organizations. To understand how the management is performed, the knowledge about the manager and his function is crucial and may aid to improve facilities management and impact service quality. This study aimed to analyze the functional profile of sport facilities managers and verify their managerial behavior. Methods: A survey was conducted, 76 managers of public and non-profit sports facilities of São Paulo answering a questionnaire regarding their personal data and tasks performed in five related areas (Economic-Administrative Management, Human Resources Management, Maintenance, Supply and Exploration, and Marketing and Promotion). The data was analyzed through an Exploratory Factorial Analysis using the principal component method. Results: The low participation of managers in tasks related to the Economic-Administrative Management area was identified. The manager's other areas of activity had their tasks divided into the following factors: Human Resources (Work organization; Communication and Training); Maintenance (Maintenance and monitoring; Expansion, Construction, and Renovation); Supply and Exploration (Activities Organization; Activity Planning for Groups; Assignment and organization of use); Marketing (Communication, supply and demand analysis; Operation and occupation analysis). Conclusion: There is no standard managerial behavior of sport facilities managers since their performance is not focused on the proactive or non-proactive characteristic of the task, but rather on the field that the organization and/or manager deems necessary to be planned and developed.

[Health protection guideline of mobile cabin hospitals during COVID-19 outbreak].

This guideline is applicable to the health protection requirements of large indoor stadiums which are reconstructed as treatment sites for COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms during the outbreak. Focusing on the health emergency scenario of severe virus infectious diseases and atypical places where COVID-19 patients with mild symptom gather, from perspectives of functional zones, hygiene facilities, personal protection, and management system, health risk protection recommendations and countermeasures are comprehensively proposed to mainly protect staffs and surrounding environment. The implementation of this guideline will provide technique support for emergency requirements of indoor stadiums reconstructed as mobile cabin hospitals.

Geographic Information System as an aid instrument for public policies and management of sports facilities and programs

Abstract Aims: This paper sought to evaluate the infrastructure of public swimming pools in a countryside municipality of the state of São Paulo and to present the Geographic Information System (GIS) as a tool capable of assisting in the management of sports facilities and programs. Methods: This is a descriptive study since it intends to expose the characteristics of a certain context. First, documentary research was performed to map the facilities and their respective projects. After that, a field survey was conducted seeking to evaluate the infrastructure of public pools and their surroundings through observation. Lastly, using georeferencing software, the population, and socioeconomic data around these pools were obtained and analyzed. Results: It was identified ten public swimming pools, and in seven the offer of swimming projects was foreseen. The infrastructure of the pools is mainly unsatisfactory, making necessary the improvement of the installation itself and in its surroundings. According to the results of the GIS, each pool has its specific public target concerning the characteristics of the profile of the residents surrounding these facilities. Conclusion: Information regarding the public profile around sports facilities generated from a tool such as GIS showed it is possible to determine which sports projects should be prioritized in each facility, leading to improvement in the management of sports-related public policies.

A Qualitative Examination of the Physical Activity Needs of People with Severe Mental Illness.

It is recognised that physical activity has a positive impact on quality of life, social well-being and overall health of people with severe mental illness. However, there is a lack of theory informed programmes that support people with mental illness to adopt regular physical activity behaviour. The aim of this case study was to identify determinants of long-term physical activity among people with severe mental illness that may then inform the development of more suitable physical activity programmes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 people (13 men and 2 women) with a mean age of 36.7 [standard deviation (SD)=11.8] who had a diagnosed mental illness and were attending a physical activity programme run by a mental health non-governmental organisation. Interview data was analysed using the documentary method to emphasise the perspective of people with severe mental illness. Three participation types were generated in the context of individuals' physical activity orientation and social background-first 'rehabilitative orientated' (physical activity as a supportive measure to re-enter the labour market and develop a daily routine); second 'social-orientated' (social well-being within the group as the primary motive); finally, 'trust-orientated' (a sense of trust that encourages participation). Based on these type-specific categories, it is suggested that different settings (mental health care centres and sport clubs) might be needed to attract and maintain the physical activity engagement of people with severe mental illness. In the context of sport clubs, it is recommended that coaches undergo training in mental health literacy.

A randomized trial of a multi-level intervention to increase water access and appeal in community recreation centers.

INTRODUCTION: Improving children's tap water intake and reducing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption is beneficial for health and health equity, particularly in low-income communities and communities of color. Existing community level interventions to improve the intake of tap water have predominantly occurred in schools and have focused on promoting water consumption in cafeterias during lunch or snack periods. METHODS: The "Hydrate Philly" intervention was developed to target multiple environmental and social factors to improve tap water consumption in community recreation centers in low-income communities: replacing old and unappealing water fountains with appealing water-bottle-filling "hydration stations", conducting water safety testing and publicizing results, disseminating reusable water bottles, promoting tap water, and discouraging SSB consumption. Efficacy of the intervention will be tested through a group-randomized controlled trial (n = 28 centers) of the intervention's impact on center-level water fountain/station use as measured by flow meters during a youth summer camp program primarily for children aged 6-12 years. Intervention impact on the primary outcome (use of drinking water sources) will be examined with a difference-in-differences approach using an ordinary least squares regression model for analysis at the center level. Secondary outcomes include SSBs brought to summer camp, reusable and single-use bottled water use, program trash, and recreation center staff SSB consumption. DISCUSSION: Multilevel approaches are needed to increase tap water intake and decrease SSB consumption among low-income and minority youth beyond school and meal settings. The current study describes the Hydrate Philly intervention, the study design, and baseline characteristics of recreation centers participating in the study. ClinicalTrials.gov Registration: #NCT03637465.

Strategies for coaches' development in a football club: a learning organization

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the strategies adopted in a football club to support coaches' development. Methods: Eight coaches and four technical coordinators from a Brazilian elite club participated. After transcribing data from semi-structured interviews with coaches and technical coordinators, they were analyzed using the QSR Nvivo 9.2 software. Results: Three support schemes and their respective pillars of action were identified: a) Mentoring and meeting - Assistance among coaches, discussions with coaching staff, and free theme meetings; b) Incentive for continuing education; c) Club Pillars - Club goals, continuity of coaches, evaluation of coaches. Conclusion: Data allowed us to identify the important contributions of this Club in continued ongoing coach development. Moreover, we may characterize the Club as an authentic learning organization due to the promotion of a safe work environment that stimulates coaches' engagement in the Club's organizational culture and enables adequate communication and the constant update through courses and meetings.

Análisis de la percepción de objetivos y competencias adquiridas en la asignatura 'Equipamientos e Instalaciones Deportivas' / Analysis of the perception of objectives and competencies acquired in the subject 'Equipment and Sports Facilities' / Análise da percepção de objetivos e competências adquiridas no curso 'Equipamentos e Instalações Desportivas'

El reto del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior (EEES) es dotar a los alumnos/as de las competencias necesarias para hacer frente a los numerosos cambios que están aconteciendo. En este trabajo se analiza la adquisición por parte de los alumnos de los objetivos y competencias de la asignatura de 3º curso de Equipamientos e Instalaciones Deportivas del Grado en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte de la Universidad Pablo de Olavide (Sevilla) en el curso 2016/2017. Participan 122 estudiantes matriculados en la asignatura, 24 mujeres (19,67%) y 98 hombres (80,33%) y una edad entre 19 y 45 años (M= 22,06). Se administra un cuestionario ad hoc (Alpha = 0,935) compuesto de 26 ítems. La valoración media está en torno a 4 en una escala de 5, siendo la media de 3,96. Es la percepción de las competencias de las mujeres ligeramente por debajo de los hombres y sobresale el objetivo denominado 'Desarrollar un proyecto de gestión en una organización deportiva' (4,56) y la competencia 'Capacidad de trabajo en equipo', con una valoración de 4,36 sobre 5. Respecto a los cuatro bloques establecidos el más destacado es el de 'Objetivos generales' (4,10 sobre 5). Viendo la pertinencia del planteamiento de esta asignatura sería interesante analizarla en otras Facultades de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte

The European Higher Education Area (EHEA) provides students with the necessary skills to face new challenges. The acquisition of objectives and competences of the students is analyzed in the compulsory subject of 3rd year (2016/2017) of 'Equipment and Sports Facilities' of the Degree in Physical Activity and Sports Sciences of the Pablo de Olavide University (Seville). Participating 122 students enrolled, 24 women (19.67%) and 98 men (80.33%) and an average age of M = 22.06. An ad hoc questionnaire (Alpha = 0.935) composed by 26 items was administered. The average rating is 3.96 out of 5, there being no significant gender differences. The objective 'Develop a management project in a sports organization' (4.56) predominates and the competence 'Develop leadership skills, interpersonal relationship and teamwork' (4.36); and the block "General objectives" (4.10) out of 5. It would be interesting to analyze the relevance of this subject in other Faculties of Physical Activity and Sports Sciences

O Espaço Europeu de Educação Superior (EHEA) oferece aos alunos as habilidades necessárias para enfrentar novos desafios. Discute-se a aquisição de objetivos e competências dos alunos na disciplina obrigatória de 3º ano (2016/2017) de 'Equipamentos e Instalações Esportivas' do Curso de Licenciatura em Ciências da Atividade Física e do Esporte da Universidade Pablo de Olavide (Sevilha). Participaram 122 alunos matriculados, 24 mulheres (19,67%) e 98 homens (80,33%) e uma idade média de M = 22,06. Um questionário ad hoc (Alpha = 0,935) composto de 26 itens é administrado. A classificação média é de 3,96 de 5, não havendo diferenças significativas entre os sexos. Destaca o objetivo 'Desenvolver um projeto de gestão em uma organização esportiva' (4.56) e a competição 'Desenvolver habilidades de liderança, relacionamento interpessoal e trabalho em equipe' (4.36); e o bloco "Objetivos gerais" (4.10) de 5. Seria interessante analisar a relevância deste assunto em outras Faculdades de Atividade Física e Ciências do Esporte

La consideración de la propagación de errores en el análisis de importancia-valoración en gestión deportiva / The consideration of the propagation of errors for the importance-performance analysis in sports management / A consideração da propagação de erros na análise importância-desempenho em gestão esportiva

El análisis de importancia-valoración es una herramienta cada vez más empleada en la gestión de servicios deportivos, pero necesita ser enfocado desde una perspectiva más completa a la hora de calcular y reportar los errores de medición. En esta investigación hemos dado las indicaciones precisas para ayudar a mejorar esta situación, fundamentalmente a través del cálculo de las barras de error y la propagación de errores para cualquier función que se construya empleando las variables originales: importancia y valoración. A través de la simulación de varias distribuciones de probabilidad hemos calculado la imprecisión en las estimaciones, desarrollando la aproximación de Taylor para computar la varianza de una función de las variables originales. Las implicaciones para la investigación y gestión deportiva son discutidas finalmente

The importance-performance analysis (IPA) is a tool increasingly used in the management of sports services, but needs to be implemented from a more complete perspective when calculating and reporting measurement errors. In this research, we have provided precise indications to help to get that aim, through the calculation of the error bars and the propagation of errors for any function of the original variables: importance and performance. Through the simulation of several probability distributions, we have calculated the imprecision in the estimates, developing the Taylor approximation to compute the variance of a function of the original variables. The implications for sports research and management are finally discussed

A análise importância-desempenho é uma ferramenta cada vez mais utilizada no gerenciamento de serviços esportivos, mas precisa ser focada a partir de uma perspectiva mais completa ao calcular e relatar erros de medição. Nesta investigação, damos as indicações precisas para ajudar a melhorar esta situação, fundamentalmente através do cálculo das barras de erro e a propagação de erros para qualquer função que é construída usando as variáveis originais: importância e desempenho. Através da simulação de várias distribuições de probabilidade, calculamos a imprecisão nas estimativas, desenvolvendo a aproximação de Taylor para calcular a variância de uma função das variáveis originais. As implicações para a pesquisa e gestão esportiva são finalmente discutidas

Using local authority entrance charges to tackle inequalities in physical activity? A qualitative study of leisure and public health perspectives.

Background: Reducing or eliminating entrance charges for the public use of leisure facilities is one potential tool that local authorities (LA) have to reduce inequalities in physical activity (PA). Facility charges are likely to be a greater barrier to access for those who have lower incomes. Methods: Semi-structured 1-to-1 and group interviews were conducted with 33 leisure and public health professionals in seven LAs in north-west England. We investigated how approaches to pricing varied in these settings and rationales influencing decision making. Results: Welfare orientated (e.g. affordability) and commercial drivers (e.g. income generation) featured most prominently across areas. Pricing policies placed less direct focus on public health goals, although tackling inactivity was articulated as part of leisure's role more generally. Local targeting of free/concessionary offers was also defined and implemented differently. Decision makers described navigating competing pressures of providing services for the public 'good' yet remaining financially viable. Conclusion: Many LAs are reviewing the extent of subsidy for facilities or are considering whether to invest public health budgets in leisure. The findings offer evidence of how pricing decisions are made and the approaches adopted in practice as well as the conflicting priorities for decision makers within an austerity context.

Exploring the effects of deep-defending vs high-press on footballers' tactical behaviour, physical and physiological performance: A pilot study

Abstract AIMS The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a deep-defending vs high-press defending strategy on footballers' tactical behaviour, physical and physiological responses, when in numerical difference. METHODS Nineteen elite professional footballers (outfield players) participated in this study, playing an 11vs10 match (simulating an early dismissal) for two halves of 10 minutes on a full-sized regulation pitch. The 11-men team was instructed by the head coach to defend closer to goal in the first half (deep-defending) and then defend higher up the pitch in the second half (high-press). Players' positional data were used to calculate the distance between team centroids, players' distance to own and to opponent centroid, teams' effective playing space (EPS), teams' length per width ratio, distance covered and player velocity. Heart rate was measured via short-range radio telemetry. RESULTS Relative-phase analysis of teams' EPS showed 61.6% of anti-phase synchronisation pattern (i.e. the values change in opposite directions) in the deep-defending game. In the high-press game, teams' centroid distances were closer (% difference in means; ±90% CL, -21.0%; ±9.5%), while players' distances to own and opponent centroids were 20% more regular. Distance covered (-19.8%; ±2.5%), player velocity (-20.0%; ±2.5%) and heart rates also decreased in the high-press game. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that, adopting a high-press defending strategy can elicit closer centroid distances, more regular movement patterns, decreased synchronisation patterns of EPS, lower distance covered, lower player velocity, and lower heart rates. Coaches may also consider adopting a high-press strategy, when in numerical superiority, to decrease players' physical and physiological demands.

Smokefree signage at New Zealand racecourses and sports facilities with outdoor stands.

Smokefree signage is crucial to the implementation of smokefree policies for outdoor venues and for facilitating smoking denormalisation. Such signage helps to communicate the expected norms for not smoking at venues. Therefore, we aimed to identify such signage at racecourses and sports facilities that had outdoor stands. We surveyed the entrances of 25 racecourse and 25 sport facilities with outdoor stands, across New Zealand. There were smokefree signs at the main entrances of 40% of the sports facilities with outdoor stands, and at 16% of the 25 other entrances. None of the horse/greyhound racecourses had smokefree signage at any of their entrances.

The Size and Scope of Collegiate Athletic Training Facilities and Staffing.

CONTEXT: Athletic training facilities have been described in terms of general design concepts and from operational perspectives. However, the size and scope of athletic training facilities, along with staffing at different levels of intercollegiate competition, have not been quantified. OBJECTIVE: To define the size and scope of athletic training facilities and staffing levels at various levels of intercollegiate competition. To determine if differences existed in facilities (eg, number of facilities, size of facilities) and staffing (eg, full time, part time) based on the level of intercollegiate competition. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Web-based survey. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: Athletic trainers (ATs) who were knowledgeable about the size and scope of athletic training programs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Athletic training facility size in square footage; the AT's overall facility satisfaction; athletic training facility component spaces, including satellite facilities, game-day facilities, offices, and storage areas; and staffing levels, including full-time ATs, part-time ATs, and undergraduate students. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 478 ATs (response rate = 38.7%) from all levels of competition. Sample means for facilities were 3124.7 ± 4425 ft2 (290.3 ± 411 m2) for the central athletic training facility, 1013 ± 1521 ft2 (94 ± 141 m2) for satellite athletic training facilities, 1272 ± 1334 ft2 (118 ± 124 m2) for game-day athletic training facilities, 388 ± 575 ft2 (36 ± 53 m2) for athletic training offices, and 424 ± 884 ft2 (39 ± 82 m2) for storage space. Sample staffing means were 3.8 ± 2.5 full-time ATs, 1.6 ± 2.5 part-time ATs, 25 ± 17.6 athletic training students, and 6.8 ± 7.2 work-study students. Division I schools had greater resources in multiple categories (P < .001). Differences among other levels of competition were not as well defined. Expansion or renovation of facilities in recent years was common, and almost half of ATs reported that upgrades have been approved for the near future. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides benchmark descriptive data on athletic training staffing and facilities. The results (1) suggest that the ATs were satisfied with their facilities and (2) highlight the differences in resources among competition levels.

The role and working conditions of Movement Science students employed in sport and recreational facilities: An Italian multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: In Italy, students from Movement Science (MS) Degree Courses often work in sport and recreational facilities before graduation. OBJECTIVE: The employment conditions of Movement Science students working in sport/recreational facilities were investigated, and the management and structural features of the facilities were evaluated, including safety policies. Regional differences were also considered. METHODS: Questionnaires were administered to undergraduate and graduate students (N = 4,217) in 17 Universities. Students' perceptions of the quality of the facilities where they had been employed was evaluated using multivariate analysis. A latent class model with covariates was used to evaluate how variables relating to participants, employment facilities or regions influence their opinions. RESULTS: A high proportion of MS students were employed in sporting facilities (undergraduate level: 33% ; graduate level: 55%), in most cases without any formal employment contracts. Both the structural and hygienic features, as well as the professional knowledge of the staff, were considered good to excellent by the majority of participants (about 70%). Communication of the basic behavioral rules was considered adequate by 61-63% of undergraduate students and 71-75% of graduate students, while nearly half of the participants were dissatisfied with the staff safety training. Correlations between the perceived good structural/hygienic conditions, the presence of regulations and training programs for the staff were investigated. Differences regarding occupational level and safety training among different regions of Italy were also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Italian students in Movement Science were easily employed in sport/recreational facilities, but frequently without a formal contract. This is a consequence of the lack of specific regulations in the field of recreational/leisure employment and could have negative implications, especially in terms of safety.