Designing a Safety Model for Sports Venues and Its Role in Improving Physical Capabilities and Sports Performance: A Case Study of Imam Ali Officers’ University

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a sports venue safety model and explain its role in improving physical capabilities and sports performance at Imam Ali Officers’ University of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This applied, exploratory, qualitative study employed systematic grounded theory based on the Strauss and Corbin approach. Participants comprised 22 experts in sports venue safety, physical education managers at Imam Ali Officers’ University, and specialists in sports motor behavior, selected through purposive and snowball sampling until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using NVivo 10 through three stages of open, axial, and selective coding. The coding process was supervised by qualitative research experts, member checking was employed to enhance credibility, and the intra-subject agreement coefficient was 0.91. The analysis yielded a sports venue safety model comprising five major dimensions. Causal factors encompassed the importance of safety, existing safety problems and requirements, the need to promote physical health, the necessity of enhancing physical fitness and sports performance in a safe environment, and greater attention to sports injury prevention. Contextual factors included managerial and infrastructural factors, a supportive organizational culture, and educational and motivational support. Intervening factors consisted of economic, political, and social conditions, coaches’ and athletes’ safety knowledge, participation, and psychological and motivational conditions. Identified strategies comprised managerial, financial, educational, and infrastructural measures together with continuous monitoring and evaluation of physical condition and sports performance. The principal consequences were enhanced safety, functional development, financial development, and the creation of competitive advantage. The proposed model indicates that sports venue safety requires an integrated approach combining effective management, adequate infrastructure, education, financial support, and continuous monitoring. Coordinated implementation of these components can reduce injury risks and improve safety standards while creating conditions conducive to enhanced physical fitness, sports performance, and the operational effectiveness of sports and military activities at Imam Ali Officers’ University.