Exploring the Factors Affecting Recruitment and Retention of Different Race Groups in Judo South Africa
In recent years, Judo South Africa has encountered challenges regarding the recruitment and retention of participants from various race groups. Understanding the factors influencing these dynamics is essential to promoting a more inclusive and diverse sporting community. This study, published in the Journal of Biomedical Research & Environmental Sciences (JBRES), investigates these factors, aiming to provide valuable insights for improving participation and retention rates.
Key Findings from the Study
1. Historical Impact of Segregation: Judo South Africa (JSA) has had to overcome the legacy of apartheid, which severely restricted participation based on racial lines. The post-apartheid era has seen efforts to unify the sport across race groups, but the legacy of segregation still affects current recruitment and retention.
2. Barriers to Participation: Participants from different race groups identified several barriers to participation, including lack of government funding, limited access to quality coaching, and transportation challenges. The study found that while transportation to training venues was not considered a significant issue by many, the general lack of financial support for judo was a major hindrance.
3. Perceptions of Accessibility and Inclusivity: While judo is generally perceived as an inclusive sport, with equal participation opportunities for all, the reality is that athletes from certain racial groups continue to face disparities in access to resources. The study found that white participants had more favorable perceptions of the sport’s inclusivity compared to black and colored participants.
4. Social Justice and Support Systems: The study highlighted the importance of social justice in judo, with participants agreeing on the need for equal opportunities and better resources for athletes from historically disadvantaged backgrounds. The lack of encouragement from family and friends, coupled with inadequate facilities, further contributed to the challenge of retention.
5. Role of Government and Funding: A common theme among athletes, coaches, and officials was the underperformance of the government in supporting the sport. While the availability of training facilities and coaches was seen positively, the need for more financial investment to support high-performance athletes was emphasized.
Key Recommendations for Improvement
· Increased Government Support: Strengthening funding for judo is crucial, particularly to support athletes from low-income backgrounds. A clearer strategy for resource mobilization, beyond reliance on government funds, could be vital for the long-term sustainability of the sport.
· Improvement in Coaching and Facilities: There is a clear need for better-trained coaches and higher-quality training facilities. Ensuring that all athletes, regardless of race, have access to excellent coaching can help improve performance and retention.
· Community Engagement: Engaging communities more effectively and providing more inclusive platforms for participation can encourage younger generations to take up judo. Promoting the sport in schools and local areas, particularly among marginalized groups, is essential to increasing the sport’s reach.
Call for Papers: Contribute to the Next Issue!
We invite researchers and practitioners in the fields of medicine, sports science, and social equity to contribute to the upcoming issue of JBRES. If your research explores sports inclusivity, community engagement in sports, or health and physical activity, we encourage you to submit your work for publication.
Key topics for upcoming submissions include:
- Sports Participation and Inclusivity
- Social Justice in Sports
- Community Development through Sports
- Sports Policy and Equity
- Physical Education in Schools
Submission Details
Manuscripts can be submitted through our online submission portal:
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