Identifying and explaining the main factors affecting the professionalization of sports federations

The current research was carried out in order to identify and explain the main and essential drivers affecting the professionalization of sports federations in Iran. This research is one of mixed research (a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods) in terms of its implementation. In addition to the qualitative study with the theme analysis method using semi-structured interviews, in the quantitative part, the model arising from the research was tested with the confirmatory factor analysis method. The statistical population of this research in the qualitative part was made up of managers and officials of the National Olympic Committee and sports federations, university professors, as well as specialists of organizations and organizational strategy (12 people). The interviewees were selected by purposeful sampling. In the quantitative section, employees of the National Olympic Committee, selected sports federations and the Ministry of Sports and Youth were selected (210 complete and correct questionnaires). The results obtained from the research identified two endogenous and exogenous factors during the professionalization process with subcategories including the expectations of the subgroup members, the management department, the structure of the decision-making process, the specific characteristics of the federation, pressure from stakeholders, and the competitive environment. Confirmatory factor analysis data also showed a good and sufficient fit for the identified factors. In general, professionalization is known as a multifaceted and complex phenomenon various factors influence its formation and creation. In the meantime, sports federations should be able to use the best solution in the face of professionalization in the sports environment by knowing the factors.