Extended Abstract
Background and Purpose
This study aimed to identify and prioritize factors influencing the participation of sports federations in student talent identification. Using a qualitative, exploratory–analytical design, participants were selected through purposive sampling and included 11 experts with managerial experience, academic background, policy-making knowledge, and direct involvement in federations. Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a three-stage coding process—open, axial, and selective—with MAXQDA 2020. Findings indicated that effective strategies could be classified into three main dimensions—organizational, operational, and informational—comprising 59 key indicators. Evaluation of the current status showed that while most components were relatively favorable, weaknesses persisted in facilities, equipment, and bureaucratic processes. Results from the Friedman test highlighted human resources, extracurricular programs, and social networks as the most critical factors. Credibility was ensured through expert validation. Overall, the study provides a foundation for evidence-based policymaking and enhanced collaboration between sports federations and educational institutions to strengthen talent development and human capital.
Methods
This qualitative and applied study was designed to identify and rank the factors influencing the development of sports federations' participation in the student athletic talent identification process. Focusing on the role of sports federations as key institutions in talent identification, the research aimed to provide practical strategies to strengthen this participation and address existing gaps in the literature. A snowball sampling method was used due to the qualitative nature of the study and the need to reach knowledgeable and experienced individuals. In total, 11 experts and managers in the field of student sports federations were purposefully selected based on their expertise, experience, and relevant knowledge. The sampling process continued until data saturation was achieved, meaning no new information was emerging from the interviews and responses became repetitive. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. One week before the interviews, the research proposal and a summary of theoretical and empirical background were shared with participants to ensure they were well prepared for the discussion. On the interview day, the main topics were explained, and participants were invited to share their views on the central question: What are the factors influencing the development of sports federations' participation in the identification and guidance of student athletic talent? Ethical principles were strictly observed throughout the research. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants for their involvement and for recording the interviews. Additionally, participants were informed of their right to withdraw at any stage of the study. To ensure confidentiality, all data were anonymized and securely stored and analyzed to fully protect the privacy of the respondents. This approach ensured that the research process met the required ethical standards while providing in-depth insights to guide future policies and actions in the field of student sports talent development.
Results
This study analyzed data using thematic analysis. Concepts emerging from the expert interviews were first identified through open coding, then organized into related categories using axial coding, all facilitated by MAXQDA 2020. To ensure validity, feedback from sports talent development specialists and participants was incorporated when interpreting the data. Reliability was verified using Cohen's Kappa coefficient (κ = 0.75). The current status of each factor was examined with a one-sample T-test in SPSS. The results identified three key dimensions affecting the development of sports federations' participation in student talent identification: organizational, operational, and informational. The organizational dimension includes managerial, administrative and bureaucratic, and financial-economic components. Key points here were long-term planning, strategic development documents, supportive legislation, and increasing state funding and private sector investment. The operational dimension includes four components: sports facilities and equipment, extracurricular programs, human resources, and talent recruitment processes. Notable codes highlight the need for adequate facilities, specialized staff recruitment, teacher training, and valid assessment tools. The informational dimension covers mass media, social networks, and environmental advertising, emphasizing news coverage, student engagement as sports reporters, and using social media and local advertising to promote school sports teams. Experts were then asked to rank all components from 1 to 10. The comparison of mean ranks showed that human resources (mean = 6.8), extracurricular programs (mean = 6.7), and administrative and bureaucratic factors (mean = 6.5) were the highest priorities for strengthening federations' participation in student talent identification. In contrast, managerial, financial, and sports facility components still fell below an average score of 5, showing a significant gap compared to the ideal state. Overall, the findings reveal that while federations perform well in mobilizing human resources and extracurricular programming, structural, financial, and facility-related weaknesses remain. These insights highlight the need for strategic planning and investment to close existing gaps and enhance the role of sports federations in discovering and developing student athletic talent more effectively.

Conclusion
This study identified 59 key indicators across three main dimensions—organizational, operational, and informational—that influence the participation of sports federations in identifying and developing student athletic talent. The organizational dimension includes managerial, administrative-bureaucratic, and financial factors, emphasizing strategic planning, supportive policies, and sufficient funding. The operational dimension covers sports facilities, extracurricular programs, human resources, and talent recruitment processes, highlighting the importance of proper infrastructure, skilled staff, and structured pathways for talent development. The informational dimension focuses on the role of mass media, social networks, and environmental advertising in promoting student sports. Findings showed that while components like human resources, extracurricular activities, and social media presence are relatively strong, gaps persist in areas such as facilities, bureaucracy, and management. Experts ranked human resources, extracurricular programs, and administrative processes as top priorities for improvement. Overall, strategic investments and improved collaboration between education and sports institutions are essential for advancing student talent identification.
Article Message
This article highlights the critical factors shaping the participation of sports federations in student talent identification. By examining organizational, operational, and informational dimensions, the study reveals the need for strong managerial planning, adequate funding, efficient administrative processes, skilled human resources, supportive extracurricular programs, and active use of media and social networks. Current gaps, especially in facilities and bureaucracy, limit effectiveness. The findings suggest that prioritizing human capital, improving structures, and fostering collaboration between schools and sports bodies can significantly enhance talent discovery and development. These insights offer practical guidance for policymakers to strengthen student sports talent pipelines.
Authors' Contributions
Conceptualization: Mitra Sadoughi and Atieh Shafaghat Roudsari
Data Collection: Mitra Sadoughi and Atieh Shafaghat Roudsari
Data Analysis: Mitra Sadoughi
Manuscript Writing: Mitra Sadoughi and Atieh Shafaghat Roudsari
Review and Editing: Mitra Sadoughi
Literature Review: Mitra Sadoughi and Atieh Shafaghat Roudsari
Conflict of Interest
No conflict of interest.
Acknowledgments
We would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to all the participants in this study.