Ilvis Abelkalns - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Ilvis Abelkalns

Sabiedrība, integrācija, izglītība, Jul 24, 2015

This article discusses the viewpoints of graduates of the program Health and sports teacher (Spor... more This article discusses the viewpoints of graduates of the program Health and sports teacher (Sports teacher -since 2011) in University of Latvia, Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology and Art, on the particular study program, focusing on the importance of the educational environment. Parallel to the studies, students have the opportunity to develop their social experience, to participate in creative activities and to orientate themselves on a well-considered model of personal career. This article summarizes the opinions of the graduates on the study process and its importance as they commenced their professional activities, as well as opinions on the possibilities to engage in social and sports activities and the development of their careers in sports during the studies.

The article outlines the problem of traumatism, which is analyzed from the viewpoint of the socio... more The article outlines the problem of traumatism, which is analyzed from the viewpoint of the socio-medical aspect. The peculiarities of the impact of traumatism on the professional sports career were revealed through the analysis of the elite athletes' biographies (n = 296 respondents). The research was carried out applying the qualitative research design (biographical research). The assessment of life narratives of high-performance athletes performing on the world arena was carried out applying the criterion of traumatism and its impact on the athletes' lives ( the athletes' biographies are accessible through opensource Internet resources). The data obtained in the research framework revealed the possible trajectories of the impact of traumatism on the course of the professional sporting career: the process of career stagnation, professional success, the process of completion/ termination of a sporting career. The career stagnation was observed among all the respondents, which is predetermined by the rehabilitation process they had to go through. Based on the data obtained in the research framework, the conclusion can be drawn that reintegration into elite sports is primarily based on the resource potential of the athlete: the resources of the family/ the loved ones, the athlete's own capacity, as well as the state support provision. The possible trajectories of professional aging were identified, namely, high resource capacity, the reduction/loss of resource capacity (disability), zeroing of resource capacity (lethal outcome). In addition, the data showed that the potential trajectory for the reintegration was usually identified within the two directions: firstly, sports and physical culture; secondly, other professional spheres. It should also be highlighted that professional aging puts forward the issues related to social security of high-performance athletes worldwide. Therefore, the issue of reviewing the reintegration criteria into the education system or professional and labour market upon the completion of the sporting career is of highest topicality provided that it would positively impact both the positive capacity of the population group and the prestige of high-performance sports worldwide. The research results allow drawing the conclusion that the accumulated resources in the course of building and implementing a professional sports career have a positive impact on the duration of the professional age of a representative of elite sports, in its turn, providing the possibility to easily adjust to the new life upon the completion of the sports career.

The aim of the present study "Specific Features of Football Class in General Education Schools" i... more The aim of the present study "Specific Features of Football Class in General Education Schools" is to study and analyse specific features of football class in general education schools as well as give recommendations to football club "Metta" and school administration. The author of the study performed qualitative and a quantitative research, the obtained data were analysed using such programs as AQUAD Seven, EXCEL data statistical analysis methods -descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, factor analysis, content analysis. To obtain data there was semi-structured interview with predetermined set of open questions used in the present work. As a result, the factors prompting dual career in football players, as well as benefits and drawbacks of creating "football class" and working with students on daily basis were found out. The author has arrived at the conclusion that such "football classes" have positive impact on the team microclimate, and they also save time. Using special programme in secondary school helps to balance study plan, and interorganizational communication should be improved to successfully deal with various questions.

The Objective of the study Analysis and Use of Physical Characteristic Tests in the Training Proc... more The Objective of the study Analysis and Use of Physical Characteristic Tests in the Training Process for Football Players of Different Ages is to develop the physical characteristic profile of Football School (FS) "Metta" football players based on the data analysis of the applied study, and to assess the practical application towards the improvement of the training process. The authors conducted a study involving n = 61 football players (boys) in U14 age group, as well as n = 55 football players in U15 age group and n = 52 football players in U16 age group. All participants were tested by using a flying 20 m sprint test, and a modified T agility test and YYIR test (U14 and U15 -1 st level and U16 -2 nd level). U15 FS "Metta" football players are 1.7 km/h faster than U14 players and these differences are statistically reliable (p < 0.05) with an average effect size (d = 0.94). When comparing results obtained from both groups in YYIR1 and T agility tests, the differences are statistically reliable but with a low effect size: 290 m (d = 0.51) and 0.16 (d = 0.41) respectively, in favour of U15. Differences between U15 and U16 in the T agility test (turns to rights and left) are statistically reliable (p < 0.05) but with low effect size: 0.22 (d = 0.59) and 0.25 (d = 0.58) seconds respectively. U15 football players of FS "Metta," who have been included in the first team, exceed the average indicators in the physical characteristic profiles. In terms of speed, the player is close to the average adult level (~30 km/h).

Sabiedrība, integrācija, izglītība, May 20, 2020

This article aims to give an overview of students -top athlete experience, how to combine studies... more This article aims to give an overview of students -top athlete experience, how to combine studies at university with a sports career. For the data, the acquisition was used as an individual, written survey with mixed-type questions by form. Applicants of the survey were students who are in the national team or master players. The data from the survey was processed by AQUAD Seven, was used descriptive and inferring statistics analysis of factors using the data statistical processing programs SPSS and Excel. Talented athletes have to make an important choice about their future after graduating high school: to start studies at university, focus on sports careers or combine these two goals. Combining studies to the highachievement sport is the goal of dual career, it is a serious step for every young talent. In this article, we summarise top athlete opinions, who are studying in Latvian universities, about dual-career. Their recommendations for improving the situation, expanding opportunities and engaging mentors in certain study programs they are studying in. Conclusions are drawn, that there is possible development in a dual career, based on the results of this and previous author`s researches. Different universities and programs have different possibilities and experiences in creating the study process for the top athletes, which should be taken into consideration when making a united dual-career model for universities.

The main objective of this research is to analyse the situation regarding the development of dual... more The main objective of this research is to analyse the situation regarding the development of dual education in Vidzeme regional sports schools. The paper consists of an introduction, the results of the research and their analysis, a discussion and conclusions. The introduction examines the structure of the basic premise of dual education and examples from European countries, responsibilities and competences of educational institution management. The research is based on surveys of 9 major representatives of Vidzeme sports schools regarding the current state of dual education and plans for the future as well as 73 athletes of sports schools to learn about their experience. The data are analysed, followed by a discussion and conclusions.

SOCIETY. INTEGRATION. EDUCATION. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference

From the information of organisations EUSA (2020), EAS (2022) and FISU (2022) documents, it is in... more From the information of organisations EUSA (2020), EAS (2022) and FISU (2022) documents, it is indicated that dual careers have been one of the priorities at the EU level in the last decade. Today's complex conditions in the world and in Latvia require paying more attention to Dual career support for student-athletes. Mentor support centres are being created for this in the world. There is no such centre in Latvia yet. The time of an athlete's career is short, so support is needed for students-athletes both for successful studies and high sports achievements.The purpose of the article is to explore the historical formation and growth opportunities of Dual Career in Latvia.Materials and methods. Theoretical method – Analysis of theoretical sources and documents. The study analyses Dual career terminology, historical formation in the world and Dual career opportunities in Latvia. The support of University Sports Centres and mentor centre is needed to provide up-to-date informa...

PLOS ONE, Nov 30, 2022

The funders had no role in study (assistance/tutorship area), individual study plans and distance... more The funders had no role in study (assistance/tutorship area), individual study plans and distance learning (curricula requirements area), publicity for student-athletes and initiatives for increasing the awareness of student-athletes and knowledge of dual career issues (social support area), and access to educational facilities (logistic support area). The HEI experts' views represent a coherent and useful starting point to develop a deep understanding of the considered 26 aspects founded on a phenomenological lifeworld-led approach and emphasizes the need for a minimum standard for dual career policies and provisions. design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

This article aims to provide an overview of high performance athletesstudents' dual career manage... more This article aims to provide an overview of high performance athletesstudents' dual career management opportunities in Latvian higher education institutions. This paper analyzes the scientific literature and high performance athletes' survey results. The authors in the paper explore and analyze the possibilities for high performance athletes to get an education and to improve their training process. This paper provides a theoretical overview and analysis of high performance athletes' survey results in respect of the subject. Analyzing high performance athletes' study process in a higher educational institution the authors conclude that the number of high performance athletesstudents in the first two years of study, that is respectively 19-21 years of age, which is the transition period from early youth to youth age group, have problems with carrying out the study plan. Students -athletes make multiple mistakes in the management functions in the study process: time planning, organizing, controlling, lack of motivation. High performance athletes have four important indicators for dual career: the learning environment, the sport environment, the support that they have, athletes' self-contribution in the dual career process. As a result, dual career management guidelines suited to successful management of high performance athletes' dual careers in Latvian higher educational institutions have been worked out.


In the Article the Author used Qualitative methods: there was done normative document analysis, s... more In the Article the Author used Qualitative methods: there was done normative document analysis, sport functionaries’ interviews to get the information, opinions and beliefs about elite athletes’ support possibilities in the study and sport development process which is important to the effective management of dual career.Summing sport functionaries’ interview opinion analysis, the author concludes that elite athletes need education to form a way of thinking, a better understanding of themselves, which is also important in order to achieve high results in sport.The majority of respondents recognized that their represented sport federations do not have special support programs for elite athletes. To be able to successfully connect studies and high performance sport, must be created the right environment (infrastructure, study and training plan, etc.) for athletes to save time and energy. Elite athletes also support this environmental significance. Keywords: dual career, elite athletes,...

In fact, an exponential interest in sport dual career both in academic and political fields is ga... more In fact, an exponential interest in sport dual career both in academic and political fields is gaining its visibility. The European Commission (2012) defined the Dual career as the conciliation between education and sports. A well-balanced dual career can help to maximize the contribution of athletes to society, building on the capabilities athletes have developed during their careers, and can be seen as good preparation for becoming potential role models in society. Students often face challenges to combine their educational activities with sport. Naturally, the aim to succeed at the highest level of a sport demands intensive training/competitions, which can be difficult to reconcile with the challenges and restrictions in the educational system and the labor market (European Commission, 2012). Nevertheless, the student-athlete definition is differently used between European countries. Naturally, this fact enhances the existence of very different policies with regard to the support...

Human, Technologies and Quality of Education, 2019

The aim of the present study "Specific Features of Football Class in General Education Schools" i... more The aim of the present study "Specific Features of Football Class in General Education Schools" is to study and analyse specific features of football class in general education schools as well as give recommendations to football club "Metta" and school administration. The author of the study performed qualitative and a quantitative research, the obtained data were analysed using such programs as AQUAD Seven, EXCEL data statistical analysis methods -descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, factor analysis, content analysis. To obtain data there was semi-structured interview with predetermined set of open questions used in the present work. As a result, the factors prompting dual career in football players, as well as benefits and drawbacks of creating "football class" and working with students on daily basis were found out. The author has arrived at the conclusion that such "football classes" have positive impact on the team microclimate, and they also save time. Using special programme in secondary school helps to balance study plan, and interorganizational communication should be improved to successfully deal with various questions.

IZVLEČEK Vrhunski športniki opravijo ogromno količino treninga, kar je pogosto težko uskladiti z ... more IZVLEČEK Vrhunski športniki opravijo ogromno količino treninga, kar je pogosto težko uskladiti z izobraževalnimi obveznostmi. Dvojna kariera (uspešna kombinacija vrhunskega športa in izobraževanja) je več dimenzionalni proces, ki je pod vplivom posameznika (talent in psihološke značilnosti), medosebnih odnosov (socialna podpora in kulturni običaji), okolja (dostop in razpoložljivost storitev) in politike (nacionalni in mednarodni normativi). Zaradi različnih pristopov do dvojne kariere športnikov v različnih evropskih državah prihaja do različnih kariernih poti športnikov. Da bi zaščitili pravice športnikov do sočasnega ukvarjanja s športom in izobraževanjem, so evropski oblikovalci politike začeli spodbujati države članice EU, naj podprejo študente športnike na lokalni ravni in sicer tako, da sledijo smernicam EU o dvojni karieri športnikov in ključnim ukrepom. Znotraj tega okvira, od leta 2004 Evropska mreža za študente športnike ("EAS") dejavno podpira prizadevanja EU p...

Human, Technologies and Quality of Education, 2021, 2021

One of the European Union’s (EU) priorities in sports is the holistic development of athletes thr... more One of the European Union’s (EU) priorities in sports is the holistic development of athletes through combining high-performance sports with higher education. Within the ERASMUS+Sport Collaborative Partnership “More than Gold” (MTG, 603346-EPP-1-2018-1-LV-SPO-SCP), the aim of the empirical research was to clarify and analyse the opinions of high-performance athletes of five Member States on the opportunities for Dual Career (DC) implementation as well as support provision for high-performance athletes within their DC implementation. Survey as the research method was chosen applying questionnaire, interview and focus-group discussion as data collection methods. The research sample included in this work comprised 284 athletes. The data obtained revealed the challenges related to overlapping schedules, long distance from the university to the training venue, and the lack of understanding and flexibility from the academic staff, which was especially challenging in the first academic yea...

Human, Technologies and Quality of Education, 2021, 2021

The article outlines the problem of traumatism, which is analyzed from the viewpoint of the socio... more The article outlines the problem of traumatism, which is analyzed from the viewpoint of the socio-medical aspect. The peculiarities of the impact of traumatism on the professional sports career were revealed through the analysis of the elite athletes’ biographies (n = 296 respondents). The research was carried out applying the qualitative research design (biographical research). The assessment of life narratives of high-performance athletes performing on the world arena was carried out applying the criterion of traumatism and its impact on the athletes’ lives ( the athletes’ biographies are accessible through open-source Internet resources). The data obtained in the research framework revealed the possible trajectories of the impact of traumatism on the course of the professional sporting career: the process of career stagnation, professional success, the process of completion/ termination of a sporting career. The career stagnation was observed among all the respondents, which is p...

Frontiers in Psychology, 2021

This study aimed to investigate the student-athletes' capability to face the academic, sport,... more This study aimed to investigate the student-athletes' capability to face the academic, sport, and social challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and to disclose novel aspects of dual careers. A 32-item online survey encompassing demographic characteristics, sport and university engagement, support and dual-career benefits, physical activity, sitting time, and the time deemed necessary to recover the previous level of performance was developed. Four hundred sixty-seven student-athletes (males: 57%, females: 43%) from 11 countries, competing in 49 different sports (individual: 63.4%, team: 36.6%) at regional (17.5%), national (43.3%), and international (39.2%) levels, and enrolled at high school (21.9%) and university (78.1%) levels completed the survey. During the lockdown, the respondents decreased the time dedicated to sport and academics, although they maintained an active lifestyle. Student-athletes from countries under severe contagion were more li...

Nutrients, 2020

The revised European consensus defined sarcopenia as a progressive and generalized skeletal muscl... more The revised European consensus defined sarcopenia as a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder that is associated with an increased likelihood of adverse outcomes including falls, fractures, physical disability and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and analyse the influence of diet, physical activity (PA) and obesity index as risk factors of each criteria of sarcopenia. A total of 629 European middle-aged and older adults were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics were assessed. Self-reported PA and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were evaluated with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and Prevention with Mediterranean Diet questionnaire (PREDIMED), respectively. The functional assessment included handgrip strength, lower body muscle strength, gait speed and agility/dynamic balance. Of the participants, 4.84% to 7.33% showed probable sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was confirmed in 1.16% to 2.93% of...

SOCIETY. INTEGRATION. EDUCATION. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, 2020

The study explores factors that motivate high-performance athletes to manage their dual career wh... more The study explores factors that motivate high-performance athletes to manage their dual career while studying in secondary school. The dual career experience of Latvian youth is obtained. The paper analyses the results from young high-performance athletes’ questionnaire, focusing on the support young athletes receive and would need to receive in their education and sports training process. A survey, based on an individual approach, was carried out in training camps and schools; 125 high-performance athletes of the secondary school age completed the questionnaire (19 questionnaires were filled in electronically). The gained data were processed with the statistics methods using SPSS Statistics and Excel programmes. The young people in the age range from 15-19 years study in secondary school, vocational school or in Year 1 of a higher education institution; this is a young athletes’ transitional period from youth leagues to junior or adult sports leagues. In the education process, 77 y...

SOCIETY. INTEGRATION. EDUCATION. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, 2019

The aim of this article is to give an overview on possibilities for students – top athletes to co... more The aim of this article is to give an overview on possibilities for students – top athletes to combine their career in respective sports field with studies in different Latvian higher education establishments. Authors of the article analyse scientific literature and the opinions expressed in the individual interviews of the heads of higher education institutions of Latvia as well as officials of State departments responsible for Sports regarding support opportunities that are important for the promotion of dual careers for students – top athletes. Authors of the article study and analyze the possibilities for top athletes to obtain higher education and opportunities to improve the training process. The article gives a theoretical insight and analyzes the results of surveys led by sports managers in Latvia's higher education institutions. After processing the responses, recommendations for the management of the dual career process in higher education institutions have been develo...

SOCIETY, INTEGRATION, EDUCATION. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, 2015

This article aims to provide an overview of high performance athletes - students dual-career supp... more This article aims to provide an overview of high performance athletes - students dual-career support opportunities in the European Union, in order to create dual career support system in Latvia. The paper provides an explanation of terms, and analyzes the UK, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and other countries' experience in the dual career. In the process is created a comparative overview of the possibilities for support in several European countries. High-performance athletes main types of support are flexible exam schedule, individual study plan, consultations with lecturers, distance learning studies (e-learning), the mentor's advice, and reduced requirements for entrance exams. In Latvia there is not created united support system, each university tries to find support for their athletes at their own discretion.

Sabiedrība, integrācija, izglītība, Jul 24, 2015

This article discusses the viewpoints of graduates of the program Health and sports teacher (Spor... more This article discusses the viewpoints of graduates of the program Health and sports teacher (Sports teacher -since 2011) in University of Latvia, Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology and Art, on the particular study program, focusing on the importance of the educational environment. Parallel to the studies, students have the opportunity to develop their social experience, to participate in creative activities and to orientate themselves on a well-considered model of personal career. This article summarizes the opinions of the graduates on the study process and its importance as they commenced their professional activities, as well as opinions on the possibilities to engage in social and sports activities and the development of their careers in sports during the studies.

The article outlines the problem of traumatism, which is analyzed from the viewpoint of the socio... more The article outlines the problem of traumatism, which is analyzed from the viewpoint of the socio-medical aspect. The peculiarities of the impact of traumatism on the professional sports career were revealed through the analysis of the elite athletes' biographies (n = 296 respondents). The research was carried out applying the qualitative research design (biographical research). The assessment of life narratives of high-performance athletes performing on the world arena was carried out applying the criterion of traumatism and its impact on the athletes' lives ( the athletes' biographies are accessible through opensource Internet resources). The data obtained in the research framework revealed the possible trajectories of the impact of traumatism on the course of the professional sporting career: the process of career stagnation, professional success, the process of completion/ termination of a sporting career. The career stagnation was observed among all the respondents, which is predetermined by the rehabilitation process they had to go through. Based on the data obtained in the research framework, the conclusion can be drawn that reintegration into elite sports is primarily based on the resource potential of the athlete: the resources of the family/ the loved ones, the athlete's own capacity, as well as the state support provision. The possible trajectories of professional aging were identified, namely, high resource capacity, the reduction/loss of resource capacity (disability), zeroing of resource capacity (lethal outcome). In addition, the data showed that the potential trajectory for the reintegration was usually identified within the two directions: firstly, sports and physical culture; secondly, other professional spheres. It should also be highlighted that professional aging puts forward the issues related to social security of high-performance athletes worldwide. Therefore, the issue of reviewing the reintegration criteria into the education system or professional and labour market upon the completion of the sporting career is of highest topicality provided that it would positively impact both the positive capacity of the population group and the prestige of high-performance sports worldwide. The research results allow drawing the conclusion that the accumulated resources in the course of building and implementing a professional sports career have a positive impact on the duration of the professional age of a representative of elite sports, in its turn, providing the possibility to easily adjust to the new life upon the completion of the sports career.

The aim of the present study "Specific Features of Football Class in General Education Schools" i... more The aim of the present study "Specific Features of Football Class in General Education Schools" is to study and analyse specific features of football class in general education schools as well as give recommendations to football club "Metta" and school administration. The author of the study performed qualitative and a quantitative research, the obtained data were analysed using such programs as AQUAD Seven, EXCEL data statistical analysis methods -descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, factor analysis, content analysis. To obtain data there was semi-structured interview with predetermined set of open questions used in the present work. As a result, the factors prompting dual career in football players, as well as benefits and drawbacks of creating "football class" and working with students on daily basis were found out. The author has arrived at the conclusion that such "football classes" have positive impact on the team microclimate, and they also save time. Using special programme in secondary school helps to balance study plan, and interorganizational communication should be improved to successfully deal with various questions.

The Objective of the study Analysis and Use of Physical Characteristic Tests in the Training Proc... more The Objective of the study Analysis and Use of Physical Characteristic Tests in the Training Process for Football Players of Different Ages is to develop the physical characteristic profile of Football School (FS) "Metta" football players based on the data analysis of the applied study, and to assess the practical application towards the improvement of the training process. The authors conducted a study involving n = 61 football players (boys) in U14 age group, as well as n = 55 football players in U15 age group and n = 52 football players in U16 age group. All participants were tested by using a flying 20 m sprint test, and a modified T agility test and YYIR test (U14 and U15 -1 st level and U16 -2 nd level). U15 FS "Metta" football players are 1.7 km/h faster than U14 players and these differences are statistically reliable (p < 0.05) with an average effect size (d = 0.94). When comparing results obtained from both groups in YYIR1 and T agility tests, the differences are statistically reliable but with a low effect size: 290 m (d = 0.51) and 0.16 (d = 0.41) respectively, in favour of U15. Differences between U15 and U16 in the T agility test (turns to rights and left) are statistically reliable (p < 0.05) but with low effect size: 0.22 (d = 0.59) and 0.25 (d = 0.58) seconds respectively. U15 football players of FS "Metta," who have been included in the first team, exceed the average indicators in the physical characteristic profiles. In terms of speed, the player is close to the average adult level (~30 km/h).

Sabiedrība, integrācija, izglītība, May 20, 2020

This article aims to give an overview of students -top athlete experience, how to combine studies... more This article aims to give an overview of students -top athlete experience, how to combine studies at university with a sports career. For the data, the acquisition was used as an individual, written survey with mixed-type questions by form. Applicants of the survey were students who are in the national team or master players. The data from the survey was processed by AQUAD Seven, was used descriptive and inferring statistics analysis of factors using the data statistical processing programs SPSS and Excel. Talented athletes have to make an important choice about their future after graduating high school: to start studies at university, focus on sports careers or combine these two goals. Combining studies to the highachievement sport is the goal of dual career, it is a serious step for every young talent. In this article, we summarise top athlete opinions, who are studying in Latvian universities, about dual-career. Their recommendations for improving the situation, expanding opportunities and engaging mentors in certain study programs they are studying in. Conclusions are drawn, that there is possible development in a dual career, based on the results of this and previous author`s researches. Different universities and programs have different possibilities and experiences in creating the study process for the top athletes, which should be taken into consideration when making a united dual-career model for universities.

The main objective of this research is to analyse the situation regarding the development of dual... more The main objective of this research is to analyse the situation regarding the development of dual education in Vidzeme regional sports schools. The paper consists of an introduction, the results of the research and their analysis, a discussion and conclusions. The introduction examines the structure of the basic premise of dual education and examples from European countries, responsibilities and competences of educational institution management. The research is based on surveys of 9 major representatives of Vidzeme sports schools regarding the current state of dual education and plans for the future as well as 73 athletes of sports schools to learn about their experience. The data are analysed, followed by a discussion and conclusions.

SOCIETY. INTEGRATION. EDUCATION. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference

From the information of organisations EUSA (2020), EAS (2022) and FISU (2022) documents, it is in... more From the information of organisations EUSA (2020), EAS (2022) and FISU (2022) documents, it is indicated that dual careers have been one of the priorities at the EU level in the last decade. Today's complex conditions in the world and in Latvia require paying more attention to Dual career support for student-athletes. Mentor support centres are being created for this in the world. There is no such centre in Latvia yet. The time of an athlete's career is short, so support is needed for students-athletes both for successful studies and high sports achievements.The purpose of the article is to explore the historical formation and growth opportunities of Dual Career in Latvia.Materials and methods. Theoretical method – Analysis of theoretical sources and documents. The study analyses Dual career terminology, historical formation in the world and Dual career opportunities in Latvia. The support of University Sports Centres and mentor centre is needed to provide up-to-date informa...

PLOS ONE, Nov 30, 2022

The funders had no role in study (assistance/tutorship area), individual study plans and distance... more The funders had no role in study (assistance/tutorship area), individual study plans and distance learning (curricula requirements area), publicity for student-athletes and initiatives for increasing the awareness of student-athletes and knowledge of dual career issues (social support area), and access to educational facilities (logistic support area). The HEI experts' views represent a coherent and useful starting point to develop a deep understanding of the considered 26 aspects founded on a phenomenological lifeworld-led approach and emphasizes the need for a minimum standard for dual career policies and provisions. design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

This article aims to provide an overview of high performance athletesstudents' dual career manage... more This article aims to provide an overview of high performance athletesstudents' dual career management opportunities in Latvian higher education institutions. This paper analyzes the scientific literature and high performance athletes' survey results. The authors in the paper explore and analyze the possibilities for high performance athletes to get an education and to improve their training process. This paper provides a theoretical overview and analysis of high performance athletes' survey results in respect of the subject. Analyzing high performance athletes' study process in a higher educational institution the authors conclude that the number of high performance athletesstudents in the first two years of study, that is respectively 19-21 years of age, which is the transition period from early youth to youth age group, have problems with carrying out the study plan. Students -athletes make multiple mistakes in the management functions in the study process: time planning, organizing, controlling, lack of motivation. High performance athletes have four important indicators for dual career: the learning environment, the sport environment, the support that they have, athletes' self-contribution in the dual career process. As a result, dual career management guidelines suited to successful management of high performance athletes' dual careers in Latvian higher educational institutions have been worked out.


In the Article the Author used Qualitative methods: there was done normative document analysis, s... more In the Article the Author used Qualitative methods: there was done normative document analysis, sport functionaries’ interviews to get the information, opinions and beliefs about elite athletes’ support possibilities in the study and sport development process which is important to the effective management of dual career.Summing sport functionaries’ interview opinion analysis, the author concludes that elite athletes need education to form a way of thinking, a better understanding of themselves, which is also important in order to achieve high results in sport.The majority of respondents recognized that their represented sport federations do not have special support programs for elite athletes. To be able to successfully connect studies and high performance sport, must be created the right environment (infrastructure, study and training plan, etc.) for athletes to save time and energy. Elite athletes also support this environmental significance. Keywords: dual career, elite athletes,...

In fact, an exponential interest in sport dual career both in academic and political fields is ga... more In fact, an exponential interest in sport dual career both in academic and political fields is gaining its visibility. The European Commission (2012) defined the Dual career as the conciliation between education and sports. A well-balanced dual career can help to maximize the contribution of athletes to society, building on the capabilities athletes have developed during their careers, and can be seen as good preparation for becoming potential role models in society. Students often face challenges to combine their educational activities with sport. Naturally, the aim to succeed at the highest level of a sport demands intensive training/competitions, which can be difficult to reconcile with the challenges and restrictions in the educational system and the labor market (European Commission, 2012). Nevertheless, the student-athlete definition is differently used between European countries. Naturally, this fact enhances the existence of very different policies with regard to the support...

Human, Technologies and Quality of Education, 2019

The aim of the present study "Specific Features of Football Class in General Education Schools" i... more The aim of the present study "Specific Features of Football Class in General Education Schools" is to study and analyse specific features of football class in general education schools as well as give recommendations to football club "Metta" and school administration. The author of the study performed qualitative and a quantitative research, the obtained data were analysed using such programs as AQUAD Seven, EXCEL data statistical analysis methods -descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, factor analysis, content analysis. To obtain data there was semi-structured interview with predetermined set of open questions used in the present work. As a result, the factors prompting dual career in football players, as well as benefits and drawbacks of creating "football class" and working with students on daily basis were found out. The author has arrived at the conclusion that such "football classes" have positive impact on the team microclimate, and they also save time. Using special programme in secondary school helps to balance study plan, and interorganizational communication should be improved to successfully deal with various questions.

IZVLEČEK Vrhunski športniki opravijo ogromno količino treninga, kar je pogosto težko uskladiti z ... more IZVLEČEK Vrhunski športniki opravijo ogromno količino treninga, kar je pogosto težko uskladiti z izobraževalnimi obveznostmi. Dvojna kariera (uspešna kombinacija vrhunskega športa in izobraževanja) je več dimenzionalni proces, ki je pod vplivom posameznika (talent in psihološke značilnosti), medosebnih odnosov (socialna podpora in kulturni običaji), okolja (dostop in razpoložljivost storitev) in politike (nacionalni in mednarodni normativi). Zaradi različnih pristopov do dvojne kariere športnikov v različnih evropskih državah prihaja do različnih kariernih poti športnikov. Da bi zaščitili pravice športnikov do sočasnega ukvarjanja s športom in izobraževanjem, so evropski oblikovalci politike začeli spodbujati države članice EU, naj podprejo študente športnike na lokalni ravni in sicer tako, da sledijo smernicam EU o dvojni karieri športnikov in ključnim ukrepom. Znotraj tega okvira, od leta 2004 Evropska mreža za študente športnike ("EAS") dejavno podpira prizadevanja EU p...

Human, Technologies and Quality of Education, 2021, 2021

One of the European Union’s (EU) priorities in sports is the holistic development of athletes thr... more One of the European Union’s (EU) priorities in sports is the holistic development of athletes through combining high-performance sports with higher education. Within the ERASMUS+Sport Collaborative Partnership “More than Gold” (MTG, 603346-EPP-1-2018-1-LV-SPO-SCP), the aim of the empirical research was to clarify and analyse the opinions of high-performance athletes of five Member States on the opportunities for Dual Career (DC) implementation as well as support provision for high-performance athletes within their DC implementation. Survey as the research method was chosen applying questionnaire, interview and focus-group discussion as data collection methods. The research sample included in this work comprised 284 athletes. The data obtained revealed the challenges related to overlapping schedules, long distance from the university to the training venue, and the lack of understanding and flexibility from the academic staff, which was especially challenging in the first academic yea...

Human, Technologies and Quality of Education, 2021, 2021

The article outlines the problem of traumatism, which is analyzed from the viewpoint of the socio... more The article outlines the problem of traumatism, which is analyzed from the viewpoint of the socio-medical aspect. The peculiarities of the impact of traumatism on the professional sports career were revealed through the analysis of the elite athletes’ biographies (n = 296 respondents). The research was carried out applying the qualitative research design (biographical research). The assessment of life narratives of high-performance athletes performing on the world arena was carried out applying the criterion of traumatism and its impact on the athletes’ lives ( the athletes’ biographies are accessible through open-source Internet resources). The data obtained in the research framework revealed the possible trajectories of the impact of traumatism on the course of the professional sporting career: the process of career stagnation, professional success, the process of completion/ termination of a sporting career. The career stagnation was observed among all the respondents, which is p...

Frontiers in Psychology, 2021

This study aimed to investigate the student-athletes' capability to face the academic, sport,... more This study aimed to investigate the student-athletes' capability to face the academic, sport, and social challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown and to disclose novel aspects of dual careers. A 32-item online survey encompassing demographic characteristics, sport and university engagement, support and dual-career benefits, physical activity, sitting time, and the time deemed necessary to recover the previous level of performance was developed. Four hundred sixty-seven student-athletes (males: 57%, females: 43%) from 11 countries, competing in 49 different sports (individual: 63.4%, team: 36.6%) at regional (17.5%), national (43.3%), and international (39.2%) levels, and enrolled at high school (21.9%) and university (78.1%) levels completed the survey. During the lockdown, the respondents decreased the time dedicated to sport and academics, although they maintained an active lifestyle. Student-athletes from countries under severe contagion were more li...

Nutrients, 2020

The revised European consensus defined sarcopenia as a progressive and generalized skeletal muscl... more The revised European consensus defined sarcopenia as a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder that is associated with an increased likelihood of adverse outcomes including falls, fractures, physical disability and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and analyse the influence of diet, physical activity (PA) and obesity index as risk factors of each criteria of sarcopenia. A total of 629 European middle-aged and older adults were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Anthropometrics were assessed. Self-reported PA and adherence to the Mediterranean diet were evaluated with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and Prevention with Mediterranean Diet questionnaire (PREDIMED), respectively. The functional assessment included handgrip strength, lower body muscle strength, gait speed and agility/dynamic balance. Of the participants, 4.84% to 7.33% showed probable sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was confirmed in 1.16% to 2.93% of...

SOCIETY. INTEGRATION. EDUCATION. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, 2020

The study explores factors that motivate high-performance athletes to manage their dual career wh... more The study explores factors that motivate high-performance athletes to manage their dual career while studying in secondary school. The dual career experience of Latvian youth is obtained. The paper analyses the results from young high-performance athletes’ questionnaire, focusing on the support young athletes receive and would need to receive in their education and sports training process. A survey, based on an individual approach, was carried out in training camps and schools; 125 high-performance athletes of the secondary school age completed the questionnaire (19 questionnaires were filled in electronically). The gained data were processed with the statistics methods using SPSS Statistics and Excel programmes. The young people in the age range from 15-19 years study in secondary school, vocational school or in Year 1 of a higher education institution; this is a young athletes’ transitional period from youth leagues to junior or adult sports leagues. In the education process, 77 y...

SOCIETY. INTEGRATION. EDUCATION. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, 2019

The aim of this article is to give an overview on possibilities for students – top athletes to co... more The aim of this article is to give an overview on possibilities for students – top athletes to combine their career in respective sports field with studies in different Latvian higher education establishments. Authors of the article analyse scientific literature and the opinions expressed in the individual interviews of the heads of higher education institutions of Latvia as well as officials of State departments responsible for Sports regarding support opportunities that are important for the promotion of dual careers for students – top athletes. Authors of the article study and analyze the possibilities for top athletes to obtain higher education and opportunities to improve the training process. The article gives a theoretical insight and analyzes the results of surveys led by sports managers in Latvia's higher education institutions. After processing the responses, recommendations for the management of the dual career process in higher education institutions have been develo...

SOCIETY, INTEGRATION, EDUCATION. Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference, 2015

This article aims to provide an overview of high performance athletes - students dual-career supp... more This article aims to provide an overview of high performance athletes - students dual-career support opportunities in the European Union, in order to create dual career support system in Latvia. The paper provides an explanation of terms, and analyzes the UK, Ireland, Germany, Belgium and other countries' experience in the dual career. In the process is created a comparative overview of the possibilities for support in several European countries. High-performance athletes main types of support are flexible exam schedule, individual study plan, consultations with lecturers, distance learning studies (e-learning), the mentor's advice, and reduced requirements for entrance exams. In Latvia there is not created united support system, each university tries to find support for their athletes at their own discretion.