Designing a Model for Sustainable Security in Major Sports Events in Iran

Achieving sustainable security in major sporting events is one of the most important challenges in the world. In Iran, due to special national and regional conditions, it is more important. The purpose of this study is to design a sustainable security model in major sporting events in Iran. This study uses qualitative method and foundation data theory (Strauss & Corbin 1990) and semi-structured interviews with 20 experts; sports management (9 people), security and law enforcement (8 people) elites of sports offices (3 people) were performed through purposive non-random sampling. Information was collected through the study of previous research and interviews. The results of the study were presented to the participants, and their opinions were applied. In addition, face and content validity were determined and retest method was used to check the reliability. The mean reliability of retest (82%) was reported. Based on the findings, causal factors include proper management and planning, law enforcement and security control, interaction and organizational communication; underlying factors include fans' emotion management, which was psychological support. Further, interfering factors include weak enforcement of laws and regulations, poor control of the media, and cyberspace, and poor sports policy. Strategies include promoting culture, social integration, proper education, sports diplomacy, improving welfare and sports infrastructure, investment and financial aid, technology and information. It is suggested that sports authorities, by creating national determination and changing the attitude of the country's sports community with management integrated and coordinated with the focus of the police, build a constructive and unifying interaction to create lasting security.