Examination of sports people's opinions towards the sports sector

Sports play an important role in the development of both individuals and society. Therefore, determining the views of sports professionals, who play an important role in sports, regarding the sports sector is important in order to determine the current state of sports, which has such a significant impact on society. The aim of this study is to reveal the views of sports professionals regarding the sports sector. The research is descriptive in nature. To achieve the research objective, the phenomenological research design was used. In the research, a criterion sampling method was used, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 18 participants who had been working in the sports sector for at least 10 years in different sports disciplines. An interview form consisting of open-ended questions prepared by the researcher was used in the interviews. The data obtained were transcribed and coded by three experts in the field. The data were evaluated using content analysis. The research revealed two main themes: negative and positive perceptions. Under the main theme of negative perceptions, the sub-themes of Management and Education emerged. Within the sub-theme of Management, codes related to economy, sports facilities and equipment, infrastructure, systems, sports management, sports policy, politics, laws and regulations emerged, while within the sub-theme of Education, codes related to education, coach inadequacy, sports culture and social perception, career planning and future concerns, violence in sports and spectator behaviour, athlete favouritism, the role of the family, and performance codes emerged. Under the main theme of positive perception, the sub-themes of social benefit, health, economic gain, youth development, sporting success and image, and accessibility emerged.