Author(s): CIACCIONI, S., PERAZZETTI, A., GALEA, E., KOZSLA, T., SACRIPANTI, A., LAMPE, N., LAMPE, Š., SPANJOL, I., JELUŠIC, T., BRADIC, S., LASCAU, M.L., RODICA-BORZA, A., CAMACHO PÉREZ, R., DIÉGUEZ RODRÍGUEZ-MONTERO, F., KAPAN, M., GEZEKER, K., RUDAS, K., DOUPONA, M., MAGNANINI, A., CAPRANICA, L., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF ROME “FORO ITALICO”, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 1961

Introduction: The European Union has recently supported intergenerational sports, aiming to promote active aging, foster connections between individuals, and strengthen community ties, with the primary goal of encouraging a healthy society. This study investigates the opinions, knowledge, and experiences of judo coaches about the most relevant aspects to be included in the intergenerational training program [1-3].
Methods: 349 international judo coaches (40.5±14.7 years; ≥4 dan: 46%; F = 18%; former elite athlete: 71%; university education: 72% >BA) responded an online survey encompassing 21 close-ended questions, to be rated and ranked on two Likert scales, divided into socio-demographic characteristics, key characteristics, judo coach’s roles, barriers, and facilitators; and a final open question. Non parametric statistics (p < 0.05) was applied to account for potential between groups’ unequal sample sizes across the different independent variables.
Results: A Chi-Square analysis revealed significant associations between coaching philosophy and variables such as age (X² = 26.9, p = 0.02), former elite status (X² = 16.8, p = 0.019), coaching experience (X² = 40.5, p < 0.001), and degree in sport sciences (X² = 25.9, p < 0.001). Salary was significantly associated with coaching experience, judo level, and sport sciences education (p < 0.05). Mann-Whitney U analyses indicated gender differences in ranking the relevance of inclusion, role model, and technical expertise (p < 0.05), while coaching experience influenced perceptions of mutual respect, inclusive training, and shared passion (p < 0.05). Former elite athletes prioritized role modeling and communication differently than non-elite coaches (p < 0.05). Coaches with sport sciences degrees valued mutual respect and passion for sport more highly than those without (p < 0.05). From Kruskal-Wallis analysis, age influenced perceived impacts of motivation, social interactions, and mentorship (p < 0.05). Overall, intergenerational activity and training volume significantly impacted perceptions of adaptability, environmental factors, and technical expertise (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: The multifaceted influences shaping judo coaching highlight the importance of tailored professional development and mentorship to foster effective intergenerational coaching practices and to address diverse challenges within the judo community.
References:
1. European Commission. (2020). Mapping study on the intergenerational dimension of sport – Final report to the European Commission, Publications Office, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2766/339239.
2. Ciaccioni et al. (2023). Martial arts, combat sports, and mental health in adults: A systematic review. Psych Sport Exer, 70(2024), 102556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2023.102556.
3. Ciaccioni et al. (2024). Intergenerational Judo: Synthesising Evidence-and Eminence-Based Knowledge on Judo across Ages. Sports, 12(7), 177. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports12070177.