Oral / Poster Presentation File
1Department of Sport Sciences, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University
2Assistance professor. Faculty of physical education and sport sciences. Bu-Ali Sina University of Hamedan. Iran.
Methods: The present review research has been done in two parts. At first, the main problem of retired Iranian athletes was identified based on previous research. Various electronic databases were systematically searched to retrieve all articles related to Sport Retirement in Iran. A total of 30 references were identified that only 6 of them met the inclusion criteria. In second part of the study, the programs of the leading countries in the field of sports retirement (1, 3) were reviewed and a program was developed to prevent the problem of retired athletes.
Results: Results showed that job-related problem is the main problem that Iranian athletes face with it after retiring from sport (5, 6, 7, 8). In the second part, a 4-step program was developed to prevent this problem. Step1: Athletes are invited to participate in a comprehensive vocational assessment program. Various factors such as personality, interests, aptitudes and work values of athletes are evaluated and with the counselor’s help, a list of career options is generated for athletes in this step. Step2: The counselor helps the athlete identify and evaluate potential education and training programs and pursue their professional development during the off season. Step3: Athletes are introduced to various organizations for internship. These internship options offer players an opportunity to gain a job experience in an industrial environment. Also it can prepare them for a job after retirement. Step4: The athletes meet again with their counselor and reviewing the results of the previous steps together. According to the athlete's skills and the experiences of internships, they plan for jobs after retirement.
Conclusion: Unquestionably, the career development of elite and professional athletes has been largely neglected in Iran. Sports organizations should provide opportunities to help retired athletes and prepare them for a career transition. To achieving this, we propose them the 4-step program that offers a win-win outcome for all involved.
