Perceived competence in ice hockey and its associations with relative age, early sport specialization, and players' position.

Introduction: Ice hockey is a sport that has gained much attention in recent times, particularly concerning the development of young players. In the domain of youth sport development, one significant factor that must be considered is the perceived competence of players. This variable is closely linked to positive psychological outcomes and sustained practice. However, there is a lack of understanding about how other important developmental factors such as age, early sport specialization, players' position and relative age affect players' perceived competence. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the relationships between these developmental factors, perceived ice hockey competence and a global measure of perceived sport competence. Methods: Data was drawn from 971 players (14.78 ± 1.61 mean age), who completed on-line questionnaires, from which we conducted path analyses involving all variables. Results: Younger players tend to display higher perceived competence scores than older players. Additionally, players who opted to specialize earlier also reported higher perceived competence. Furthermore, forwards and defensemen had differing perceptions of their competence, which was in line with their respective roles on the ice. The study also showed relative age effects, in which players who were born earlier relative to the selection period tend to perceive themselves more advantageously in three components of perceived competence. Discussion: Based on these findings, several recommendations are proposed for coaches and decision-makers to encourage the positive development of ice hockey players. The study highlights that ice hockey-specific competencies are influenced by various factors, such as early sport specialization, relative age effect, player age, and position.

Community networks of sport and physical activity promotion: an analysis of structural properties and conditions of cooperation.

BACKGROUND: The importance of intersectoral cooperation networks among community organizations located in people's immediate environments in addressing population health problems such as physical inactivity has come into focus in recent years. To date, there is limited evidence on how and why such networks emerge. Therefore, the aims of this study were (a) to analyze the structural properties and (b) to identify the conditions of cooperation in interorganizational community networks of sport and physical activity promotion. METHODS: Survey data on cooperative relationships and organizational attributes of sports and physical activity providers as well as sports administrating organizations in two community networks located in urban districts in southern Germany were collected (Network I: n = 133 organizations; Network II: n = 50 organizations). Two quantitative descriptive procedures - network analysis and stochastic analyses of network modeling (exponential random graphs) - were applied. RESULTS: Similar structures and conditions of cooperation were found in the networks (e.g. low density, centralization). The community sports administrations had the most central positions in both networks. Exponential random graph modeling showed that cooperation took place more frequently in triangular structures (closure effect) and revolved around a few central actors (preferential attachment effect). Organizations from different sectors cooperated more often than organizations from the same sector (heterophily effect). CONCLUSION: The study provided valid and robust findings on significant mechanisms and conditions of interorganizational cooperation in community networks focused on sport and physical activity promotion. Based on the results, implications for the development and most efficient governance of these networks can be derived.

An Examination of Relative Age and Athlete Dropout in Female Developmental Soccer.

Sport dropout rates among children and youth are a concern for researchers and policy makers. The impact of relative age effects (RAEs) on dropout trends has not been adequately examined in female samples. The purpose of this study was to longitudinally examine dropout in a female soccer cohort in Ontario, Canada. Registration entries for a one-year cohort were examined across a seven-year period (n = 9908; age 10-16 years). A chi-square analysis established the presence of RAEs in the initial year of registration. Survival analyses assessed the impact of relative age, competition level, and community size on athlete dropout. A median survival rate of four years was observed for players born in the first quartile, while all remaining quartiles had a median survival of three years. Community size did not predict dropout in this analysis; however, competition level was a significant predictor, with competitive players being more likely to remain engaged vs. recreational players (55.9% vs. 20.7%). The observed trends are likely to have a significant impact from both a healthy development and systems perspective (e.g., economic/market loss). Intervention is needed to mitigate current dropout trends in female athletes. Practical applications are discussed.

Mapping Women's Community Sport Participation to Inform Sport Development Initiatives: A Case Study of Row Ontario.

Using a spatial analysis methodology, we analyzed sport participation through membership data of a Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) in Ontario, Canada. Specifically, our analysis brings attention to the participation of women and girls in Row Ontario and the urban and rural nature of the PSO's membership. This research was conducted in partnership with the PSO to provide insights into how contextual factors influence sport participation and how these findings can inform future sport development efforts. Our results demonstrate that women and girls represented the majority of participants within the PSO and highlight an opportunity to use participant centered approaches for sport development to grow women and girls' participation. This is a promising outcome as women and girls are generally underrepresented in sport and may face greater participation barriers in rural contexts.

Compromiso e intención de abandono en adolescentes de selecciones nacionales argentinas: el papel de los agentes sociales y efectos del género / Engagement and intentions of drop-out in adolescents of Argentinean national teams: The role of social agents and gender effects

Resumen Introducción/objetivo. El objetivo de esta investigación es examinar el poder predictivo de la percepción de los estilos interpersonales de entrenadores/as, padres y madres en el compromiso e intención de abandono de adolescentes deportistas argentinos de alto rendimiento, considerando el papel del género en esta relación. Método. Participaron 234 adolescentes de entre 12 y 16 años (M = 14.48, DT = 1.09) seleccionados para los Juegos Olímpicos de la Juventud -Buenos Aires 2018-, quienes cumplimentaron cuestionarios para la evaluación de las variables de interés. Resultados. Los varones perciben mayores niveles de compromiso que las mujeres y estas perciben mayor apoyo a la autonomía de la madre. El apoyo a la autonomía del entrenador tuvo mayor capacidad predictiva en el compromiso de los varones y en la intención de abandono del deporte de las mujeres. En ambos géneros, el efecto del apoyo a la autonomía del entrenador fue mayor que el de los padres. Conclusiones. Estos resultados muestran la importancia de los otros significativos en la participación deportiva y contribuyen al conocimiento de los factores que pueden favorecer el desarrollo positivo en deportistas adolescentes de alto rendimiento.

Abstract Introduction/Objective. This research aims to examine the predictive power of perceived interpersonal styles of coaches, fathers and mothers on engagement and intentions to drop-out of Argentinean high-performance adolescent athletes considering the role of gender in this relationship. Method. A total of 234 adolescents aged 12-16 years (M = 14.48, SD = 1.09) selected for the Youth Olympic Games -Buenos Aires 2018- participated in the study, who answered questionnaires assessing the variables of interest. Results. Males perceived higher levels of engagement than females, and females perceived higher autonomy support from the mother. Coaches' autonomy support had greater predictive power on males' engagement and females' intentions to drop-out sport. In both genders, the effect of coach autonomy support was greater than parents. Conclusions. These results show the importance of significant others in sport participation and contribute to the knowledge of factors that may foster positive development in high-performance adolescence athletes.

Practice context on sport development of elite brazilian volleyball athletes / Contextos de prática na formação esportiva de atletas de elite do voleibol brasileiro

ABSTRACT The contexts of sports practice are important elements that influence the sports development of children and young people. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the contexts of sports practice of elite Brazilian volleyball athletes, based on the verification of practice contexts and sociodemographic variables (gender, development stage and training category) that could influence the insertion on these environments. In this retrospective study, 121 athletes, members and former members of Brazilian national teams participated in the male and female suits. Data were collected from the Instrument for Analysis of Sports Development in Volleyball (IAFEV) and analyzed by descriptive statistics (gross and relative frequency) and inferential statistics (Multinomial Logistic Regression). The results revealed a significant association between practice sites and development stage [X2 (6) = 52,709; p <0,001), sex [X2 (3) = 8,387; p = 0.039] and category [X2 (9) = 22,297; p = 0.008], showing that the athletes practiced, throughout their sports development, physical and sports activities in more structured environments, such as clubs and gyms, especially during the specialization and investment years. In addition, the practice in clubs stood out among female athletes and among athletes belonging to the younger categories, revealing specific aspects that can influence the choice of practice environments.

RESUMO Os contextos de prática esportiva são importantes elementos que influenciam na formação esportiva de crianças e jovens. Assim, o objetivo desse estudo foi analisar os contextos de prática esportiva de atletas de elite do voleibol brasileiro, a partir da verificação dos locais de prática e de variáveis sociodemográficas (sexo, estágio da formação esportiva, categoria de formação) que pudessem influenciar na inserção a esses ambientes. Participaram desse estudo retrospectivo 121 atletas, integrantes e ex-integrantes das seleções brasileiras nos naipes masculino e feminino. Os dados foram coletados a partir do Instrumento de Análise da Formação Esportiva no Voleibol (IAFEV) e analisados pela estatística descritiva (frequência bruta e relativa) e inferencial (Regressão Logística Multinomial). Os resultados revelaram associação significativa dos locais de prática com o sexo [X2(3)=8.387;p=0,039], os estágios [X2(6)=52.709;p<0,001) e as categorias de formação [X2(9)=22.297;p=0,008], evidenciando-se que os atletas investigados praticavam, ao longo de sua formação esportiva, as atividades físicas e esportivas em ambientes mais estruturados, como clubes e academias, principalmente durante os anos de especialização e de investimento. Além disso, a prática nos clubes destacou-se entre as atletas do sexo feminino e entre os atletas pertencentes às categorias mais jovens, revelando aspectos específicos que podem influenciar na escolha dos ambientes de prática.

Relationships Between Physical Testing and Match Activity Profiles Across the Australian Football League Participation Pathway.

Purpose: To establish levels of association between physical fitness and match activity profiles of players in the Australian Football League (AFL) participation pathway. Methods: Players (N = 287, range 10.9-19.1 y) were assessed on 20-m sprint, AFL agility, vertical jump and running vertical jump, 20-m multistage fitness test (MSFT), and Athletic Abilities Assessment. Match activity profiles were obtained from global positioning system measures: relative speed, maximal velocity, and relative high-speed running. Results: Correlational analyses revealed moderate relationships between sprint (r = .32-.57, P ≤ .05) and jump test scores (r = .34-.78, P ≤ .05) and match activity profiles in Local U12, Local U14, National U16, and National U18s, except jump tests in National U18s. AFL agility was also moderate to strongly associated in Local U12, Local U14, Local U18, and National U16s (r = .37-.87, P ≤ .05) and strongly associated with relative speed in Local U18s (r = .84, P ≤ .05). Match relative speed and high-speed running were moderate to strongly associated with 20-m MSFT in Local U14, Local U18, and National U18s (r = .41-.95, P ≤ .05) and Athletic Abilities Assessment in Local U12 and Local U18s (r = .35-.67, P ≤ .05). Match activity profile demands increased between Local U12 and National U16s, then plateaued. Conclusions: Physical fitness relates more strongly to match activity profiles in younger adolescent and national-level players. Recruiters should consider adolescent physical fitness and match activity profiles as dynamic across the AFL participation pathway.

Influences of population size and density on birthplace effects.

Contextual influences on talent development (e.g., birthplace effects) have become a topic of interest for sport scientists. Birthplace effects occur when being born in a certain city size leads to participation or performance advantages, typically for those born in smaller or mid-sized cities. The purpose of this study was to investigate birthplace effects in Portuguese volleyball players by analysing city size, as well as population density - an important but infrequently used variable. Participants included 4062 volleyball players (Mage = 33), 53.2% of whom were men. Using Portuguese national census data from 1981, we compared participants (within each sex) across five population categories. In addition, we used ANOVAs to study expertise and population density. Results indicated that men and women athletes born in districts of 200,000-399,999 were 2.4 times more likely to attain elite volleyball status, while all other districts decreased the odds of expert development. For men, being born in high-density areas resulted in less chance of achieving expertise, whereas there were no differences for women. The results suggest that athletes' infrastructure and social structure play an important role in talent development, and that these structures are influenced by total population and population density, respectively.

Physical characteristics of players within the Australian Football League participation pathways: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Australian football (AF) players require endurance, strength, speed, and agility to be successful. Tests assessing physical characteristics are commonly used for talent identification; however, their ability to differentiate between players across the Australian Football League's (AFL) participation pathway remains unclear. The objective of this review was to quantify the physical characteristics of male AF players across the AFL participation pathway. METHODS: A search of databases was undertaken. Studies examining tests of physical performance were included, with 27 meeting the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Study appraisal was conducted using a checklist of selection criteria. RESULTS: The 20-m sprint time was the most reported test, followed by vertical jump (VJ), AFL planned agility, and 20-m multi-stage fitness test (MSFT). The fastest times for 20-m sprint were for Elite AFL players (range 2.94-3.13 s), with local-level players the slowest (3.22-4.06 s). State Junior Under (U) 18s (58-66 cm) had higher jumps than senior players, with the lowest jumps reported for Local U10s (mean 31 cm). No elite-level data were reported for the AFL planned agility or 20-m MSFT. AFL planned agility times were only reported for talent pathway levels, with large performance variability evident across all levels (8.17-9.12 s). Only mean 20-m MSFT scores were reported from Local U10s to National Draft Camp (6.10-13.50 shuttles). CONCLUSIONS: Talent pathway players exhibit similar mean test scores irrespective of the physical test, with the exception of 20-m sprint and VJ. Physical tests can discriminate between local participation level players but are less useful within the AFL talent pathway.

Exhaustion Experiences in Junior Athletes: The Importance of Motivation and Self-Control Competencies.

Quality of motivation, self-control competencies, as well as past performance experience influence sport participation outcomes in developing athletes. Studies have shown that junior athletes high in self-determined motivation are less prone to experience burnout, while self-control competencies help developing athletes to be conscious and deliberate in their self-regulatory efforts toward elite sport performances and avoid negative sport participation outcomes. Combining the self-determination theory framework and psychosocial theories of self-regulation, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine how various types of motivation and self-control competencies together are associated with the development of burnout symptoms in junior athletes. High-level Norwegian winter-sport athletes from elite sport academies (N = 199; female n = 72; 16-20 years of age) consented to participate. Associations between six types of motivational regulation, self-control, and indices of exhaustion were investigated. We hypothesized that athletes' self-control competencies are important to operate successfully, and influenced by different types of motivation, they are expected to help athletes avoid negative sport participation outcomes such as emotional and physical exhaustion. Structural equation modeling analyses were conducted to analyze these relationships, and results revealed some multifaceted associations. When identifying antecedents of sport participation exhaustion and burnout, there is a need to go beyond the unique framework of motivation theories, and explore what cognitive competencies ensure fulfillment of motivation desires. In the current study, differences in junior athletes' quality of motivation influenced self-control competencies when predicting exhaustion. Interestingly, young athletes driven by self-determined (intrinsic, integrated, and identified), and controlled (introjected and amotivation) regulations in association with self-control offered the strongest negative and positive associations with exhaustion, respectively. Findings clearly indicate that motivation and self-control competencies are meaningfully interrelated when assessing burnout propensity in young developing athletes.

O interesse público do desporto das organizações desportivas sem fins lucrativos que são apoiadas pela administração pública / The public interest of sports at non-profit sports organizations that are supported by the government

Resumo O artigo analisa o conceito de interesse público do desporto e os critérios que devem ser tidos em conta na relação de apoio entre a administração pública, os clubes e as associações desportivas. Metodologicamente, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas a nove dirigentes desportivos com responsabilidades diretivas: sete de clubes e associações desportivas e dois da administração pública. Os dirigentes consideraram que o desporto é de interesse publico quando: a) é desenvolvido na perspectiva da generalização da prática da atividade fisica e desportiva; b) proporciona beneficios para a saúde; c) serve como ferramenta de educação e de desenvolvimento social. No que respeita às vantagens utilizadas com o estatuto de utilidade publica, os beneficios fiscais e as parcerias com organizações do sistema desportivo, foram as mais apontadas. Os entrevistados consideram que o Governo deveria ter uma estratégia focada na definição de prioridades e de seriação de critérios de financiamento, no sentido de um melhor aproveitamento do papel dos clubes e da obtenção de resultados desportivos. Sugerem ainda um maior cuidado e rigor, por parte da administração pública regional, na avaliação do papel social e desportivo dos clubes e associações, tendo em conta o desenvolvimento do interesse público e social do desporto. Como conclusão o desporto e a atividade fisica devem ser considerados como atividades de interesse público desde que assegurem efeitos positivos nos planos da saúde e do bem-estar da população, proporcionem o desenvolvimento qualitativo e sustentado da prática desportiva e potenciem o desenvolvimento econômico-social.(AU)

Abstract This paper analyses the concept of public interest in sport and the criteria that must be taken into consideration in terms of Government support to clubs and sports associations. The data was collected through semi structured interviews that were applied to nine sports directors with board responsibilities: seven of them from sport clubs and sport associations, and two of them from public administration. The directors pointed out that sport is considered to be of public interest when: it is developed in the concept of “sport for all”, provides health benefits and serves as a means of education and social development. Regarding advantages used with public utility status, tax benefits and partnerships with the sports system organizations were the most mentioned aspects. Given a better use of financial resources provided by public administration to clubs and associations, sport directors believe that the Government should have a strategy focused on setting priorities and ranking financing criteria for sport. If the government had that strategy, the development of sports results would be much better. The participants also suggest that the Government should conduct an assessment of the social role of sport clubs and associations, according to the public and social interest of sport. In conclusion, sport and physical activity should be considered as public interest activities, provided that: are able to ensure positive effects on health plans and wellness, provide a qualitative and sustainable sport development, improve economic and social development of a population.(AU)

Análise da estrutura e organização esportiva da natação no Estado de São Paulo / Analysis of sport organization and structure of swimming in São Paulo State

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a estrutura de organização para o desenvolvimento da natação de alto rendimento no Estado de São Paulo. Para isso foi realizada uma entrevista semiestruturada com 11 técnicos de natação de alto rendimento do Estado de São Paulo, e dois funcionários da Federação Aquática Paulista. Na análise dos dados foi utilizado o método do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Verificou-se que os clubes e as Entidades Municipais de Práticas Desportivas são responsáveis tanto pela formação esportiva, quanto pelo treinamento a longo prazo para a natação de alto rendimento. A administração das ações e políticas esportivas para o desenvolvimento da natação no Estado de São Paulo não acontece de modo centralizado, não segue orientação de entidades nacionais como o COB ou o Ministério do Esporte, ou de alguma entidade de administração da modalidade, como CBDA ou FAP. A elaboração e administração de ações e políticas esportivas para o desenvolvimento da natação de alto rendimento ocorre nos clubes e Entidades Municipais de Práticas Desportivas, de maneira autônoma e individualizada. Deste modo, cada entidade de prática é responsável pela definição de suas diretrizes, aplicação de recursos financeiros, prestação de contas, auditorias e relacionamento com patrocinadores.

Abstract The aim of this research is to analyze the organizational structure for high level swimming in the State of Sao Paulo. To achieve this goal a semi-structured interview was performed with eleven elite swimming coaches of the State of São Paulo, and two officials of the Paulista Aquatic Federation. The results were analyzed through Group Character Speech Method (GCS). It was verified that the clubs and Municipal Entities of Sports Practices are responsible for sports training for grassroots and elite athletes. The action's and policies administration for the development of high level swimming in the State of São Paulo does not happen in a centralized way through national organizations such as the COB or the Ministry of Sports, as well as any specific organization, such as FAP or CBDA. The actions and policies management for the development of elite athletes in swimming are responsibility of clubs and Municipal Sports Practices Entities on an individual form, like the definition of guidelines, application of financial resources, accountability, audits and relationships with sponsors.

Como a eficiência do comportamento tático e a data de nascimento condicionam o desempenho de jogadores de futebol? / How tactical behavior efficiency and birthdate affect performance of soccer players?

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar como a eficiência do comportamento tático e a data de nascimento podem condicionar o desempenho tático de jogadores de futebol. A amostra foi composta por 6640 ações táticas realizadas por 108 jogadores da categoria Sub-15. Foi utilizado o FUT-SAT para coleta e análise dos dados. A data de nascimento foi obtida através da carteira de identidade ou da certidão de nascimento. Foram utilizadas análise descritiva, teste de Regressão Logística Multinomial (p < 0,05) e o teste Kappa de Cohen. Para as análises estatísticas foi utilizado o software SPSS. Foram verificadas associações positivas entre a eficiência do comportamento tático e o desempenho tático para os princípios "cobertura ofensiva", "unidade ofensiva", "cobertura defensiva", "equilíbrio" e "unidade defensiva". Foram verificadas associações positivas entre a data de nascimento e o Índice de Performance Tática Defensiva em jogadores nascidos no segundo quartil. Conclui-se que para esta amostra, a eficiência do comportamento tático e a data de nascimento influenciaram o desempenho tático.

The aim of this study was to investigate how tactical behavior efficiency and birthdate affect the tactical performance of soccer players. The sample comprised 6640 tactical actions performed by 108 players of U-15. FUT-SAT was used to collect and analyze data. Birthdate was obtained through identity card or birth certificate. It was used descriptive analysis, Multinomial Logistic Regression (p < 0.05) and Cohen's Kappa tests. For statistical analysis, SPSS software was used. It was found positive associations between tactical behavior efficiency and tactical performance for the tactical principles "offensive coverage", "offensive unity", "defensive coverage", "balance" and "defensive unity". It was also observed positive associations between birthdate and Defensive Tactical Performance Index for players who were born within the second quartile. It is concluded that for this sample, tactical behavior efficiency and birthdate influenced tactical performance.

A participação dos pais na carreira das atletas femininas de ginástica artística: a perspectiva dos técnicos / The parents' involvement in the career of female artistic gymnasts: the coaches' perspectives

Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar e discutir como os técnicos de Ginástica Artística avaliam a participação dos pais no desenvolvimento atlético das ginastas nas categorias formativas. Trinta e quatro técnicos que estão distribuídos em 29 instituições do Brasil foram entrevistados. Para o tratamento dos dados utilizamos a técnica de análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin. Observou-se que a maioria dos técnicos reconhece a importância da participação dos pais e, assim, busca estabelecer canais de comunicação e aproximação para que os mesmos estejam engajados com o cotidiano dos treinamentos e das competições, bem como cientes das suas atitudes, ações e investimentos que são fundamentais para apoiar o sucesso das ginastas no esporte de competição.

This study aimed to identify and discuss how the Artistic Gymnastics coaches perceive the parent's participation on gymnasts sport development in the formative years. Thirty four coaches from 29 sport institutions in Brazil were interviewed. The content analysis technique proposed by Bardin was adopted for data treatment. The results showed that most coaches are aware of the importance of parental involvement and, therefore, they try to establish ways of communication and approaching to ensure that parents are engaged in the daily workouts and competitions, as well as aware of their attitudes, actions and investments that are crucial to support the gymnasts' success at competitive sport.

Concepções de treinadores "experts" Brasileiros sobre o processo de formação desportiva do jogador de voleibol / Expert coaches conceptions concerning the sport development of the volleyball player

O presente estudo teve como objetivo examinar a concepção de treinadores experts acerca das etapas de formação desportiva a longo prazo do jogador de Voleibol. A amostra do estudo foi composta por 10 treinadores "experts" brasileiros. Os sujeitos apresentaram idade média de 45 ± 13,8 anos e 24,8 ± 12,1 anos de experiência profissional, sendo todos licenciados em Educação Física. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevista estruturada e de resposta aberta, baseada no protocolo de Fernandes (2004). A sua adaptação de conteúdo à realidade sócio-cultural e desportiva brasileira foi efetivada pelo método de peritagem. O tratamento das informações foi realizado por meio da análise de conteúdo, com o recurso à interpretação lógico-semântico das ideias prevalecentes no "corpus" das entrevistas. A fidedignidade de codificação foi assegurada pela percentagem de acordos, para o mesmo codificador e codificadores distintos, situando-se os valores registrados entre 95 por cento e 100 por cento. Os resultados revelaram o desconhecimento, por parte dos investigados, acerca da existência de um modelo de formação desportiva do voleibolista, a longo prazo, no Brasil. Além de confirmarem que o Voleibol é uma modalidade de especialização tardia, os participantes do estudo apontam que a idade de iniciação da sua prática sistemática se situa no início da adolescência, por volta dos 13 anos. As componentes de desenvolvimento desportivo acentuam a prática do jogo deliberado na primeira etapa, onde as experiências motoras diversificadas prevalecem. A partir da segunda etapa aumenta a prática deliberada, com o incremento da aquisição de competências específicas e o comprometimento com a modalidade. A ausência de especificação dos conteúdos de treino ao longo das etapas, bem como a parca referência às competências psico-sociais pode dever-se, em grande medida, à possível inexistência de um modelo nacional referenciador da formação desportiva a longo prazo do jogador de Voleibol.

The aim of the present study was to examine the conceptions of expert coaches concerning the volleyball player's long term sport development. The participants were 10 expert coaches. The sample presented 45 ± 13.8 years old and 24.8 ± 12.1 years of coaching experience in the Brazilian volleyball. Data collection was accomplished through structured open answer interviews based on Fernandes' protocol (2004). Its content adaptation to sociocultural and sportive Brazilian reality was accomplished through expert validation. The treatment of the information was accomplished through content analysis, with logic-semantic procedures of the prevalent ideas in the corpus of interviews. The reliability of codification was assured by percentage accord of the same encoder and the different encoders, registering values between 95 percent and 100 percent. The present study evidences that no participant knows about the existence of a national long term sport development model for a volleyball player. Moreover, coaches confirmed that the Volleyball is a sport of late specialization, being a widespread consensus that the age of initiation of systematic practice is in the beginning of adolescence, around the age of 13 years old. The components of sport development throughout the stages highlight the practice of the deliberate play in the first stage, where diversified motor experiences prevail. From the second stage, the deliberate practice increases with the acquisition of specific competences and commitment with the modality. The absence of specification of the training contents along the stages, as well as the scanty reference to the psychosocial competences along the stages, can be due, in great measure, to the inexistence of a national model of long term sport development.