ETHIOPIAN JOURNAL OF SPORT SCIENCE

The Effects of Recreational Soccer and Basketball Games on Health-Related Physical Fitness Components among Secondary School Students: A Comparative Study

Haileyesus Gedefaw — 2025-12-26

This research aimed to investigate and compare the level of physical fitness among secondary school students at Fogera Secondary School after participating in recreational soccer and basketball games. This study used a quasi-experimental design. Forty students with an average age of 19.5 years were selected and divided into three groups: soccer, basketball, and control. The recreational soccer group had 14 participants (7 vs. 7), the basketball group had 12 participants (4 teams of 3 vs. 3 on both half courts), and the control group had 14. The soccer and basketball groups participated in 12 weeks of recreational activity, with three 90-minute sessions per week. Paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc tests were used for analysis at both pre- and post-intervention stages. Both recreational soccer and basketball programs showed significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance and flexibility. Performance on the 12-minute run test and sit-and-reach test was significantly better in both intervention groups compared to the control group

Managerial Skills of Athlete Managers in Ethiopian Middle- and Long-Distance Running: Athletes Perspective

Bereket Yitbarek — 2025-12-26

Today’s sport demands better management for its effect; hence, possessing the managerial skill becomes crucial. Proper management of athletes in sports ensures success; in doing so, athlete managers are expected to possess a great deal of managerial skills. To this end the study tries to assess the managerial skills exhibited by athlete managers while working with Ethiopian elite athletes. The study relies on the three managerial skills proposed by Katz: conceptual, technical, and human/interpersonal skills. The participants of the study were 248 athletes working with athlete managers in middle- and long-distance running, who are living in Addis Ababa. Both male and female athletes who were enrolled in different club setting and running disciplines participated in the study. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data from the subjects. SPSS version 27 was used to analyze data. For the descriptive statistics, frequency and percentage were used; and for the inferential statistics, non-parametric tests, specifically Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, were employed to the assess the group difference. The internal consistency for the questionnaire items was found to be 0.93. The findings portray significant differences observed in the athlete’s sex, club enrollment and average monthly income (p< .05). Female athletes were better off in perceiving the managerial skills of their managers, P < .05. No significant difference was observed in the managerial skills employed regarding athletes' running discipline; athletes were treated equally irrespective of their running discipline. The conceptual skills of athlete managers were found to be better with a slight limitation on the technical skill. Nevertheless, much work should be done on the interpersonal skills since they fail to make prolonged contact with the athletes and have poor relationships with the athletes’ club and the EAF. Hence, addressing all managerial issues becomes paramount requiring the managers to equip themselves with the managerial skills to meet the desired goal.

Volleyball for Peace in Africa: A Comparative Analysis of Program Design and Transferable Lessons

Demissie Gashu Walle (PhD) — 2025-12-26

This scoping review, guided by the Arkoses and O'Malley framework, systematically maps volleyball-based Sport for Development and Peace (SDP) initiatives across diverse African contexts. Despite growing recognition of sport's role in peace building, a comprehensive comparative understanding of these programs' designs, implementation strategies, and theoretical underpinnings remains underexplored. This study addresses this gap by synthesizing evidence from 11 African nations, including Rwanda, Kenya, and South Sudan. Findings reveal significant similarities across programs, such as volleyball's accessibility and low cost, a strong emphasis on youth and community engagement, and pervasive multi-stakeholder collaborations. Crucially, the review highlights consistent application of psychological frameworks like the Contact Hypothesis, Common In-group Identity Model, and Empowerment Theory. However, substantial differences in program design and objectives emerged, directly shaped by unique socio-political contexts and specific conflict types (e.g., post-genocide reconciliation, IDP integration, gender empowerment). Transferable lessons emphasize the critical importance of context-specific design, robust institutional support, and holistic integration into broader peace building ecosystems. This research offers valuable, evidence-based insights for designing sustainable, context-aware volleyball peace programs, particularly relevant for Ethiopia and other conflict-affected regions, by underscoring the necessity of tailored approaches, strong partnerships, and strategic policy integration for lasting positive change.

Sport Corruption Vulnerability and Its’ Associated Risks Factors in Ethiopian Football and Athletics Sport Clubs

Samson Wondirad — 2025-12-26

Corruption in football and athletics clubs weakens integrity, with risks including match-fixing, bribery, and mismanagement. This might weak governance, financial distress, and lack of accountability worsen vulnerabilities, threatening fair play and sport development. Thus, the study focused on sport corruption vulnerability and its’ associated risks factors in Ethiopian football and Athletics sport clubs. The study research design was convergent Mixed Methods Design which involves field exploration of sport competition, phenomenological and survey strategy retrospective study design, document analysis, systematic observation, questionnaire and in-depth semi-structure interview. Football club players (n = 398) and athletics sport athletes (n =231) was sampled respectively. The variables of the study include sport corruption vulnerability and associated risk factors. The variables were measured using standardized questionnaire. The collected quantitative and qualitative data were entered and processed using SPSS Version 28 and MAXQDA version 24 respectively. Ordinal logistics regression was used to analyze the quantitative. The associated risk factors significantly influence sport corruption vulnerability in Ethiopian athletics and football clubs (p<0.001). The increase in one-unit of corruption perception is associated with a 112% increase in the odds of higher vulnerability (OR = 2.12). Furthermore, football was found to have a significantly higher vulnerability to corruption compared to athletics (p=0.02, OR = 1.65). The findings of this study reveal that there was corruption vulnerability within Ethiopian athletics and football sport clubs, manifesting at individual, team, and organizational levels. Athletes, referees, coaches, and team leaders were identified as primary participants in these corrupt practices. The major forms of corruption observed include the misuse of inside information, bribery of officials, falsification, and violations of legal and management procedures. To some extent, match-fixing, bribery, expressions of gratitude, and referee manipulation were also evident in both football and athletics. Football sport clubs were found to have a significantly higher vulnerability to corruption compared to athletics sport clubs.

Broadcasting Revenue and Equity in the Ethiopian Premier League: Trends, Performance Incentives, and Regional Comparisons

Daniel Getnet (PhD) — 2025-12-26

Broadcasting revenue has become an essential element in the financial stability and competitive structure of football leagues worldwide. However, in many African leagues, including Ethiopia, systematic evidence on how such revenue is generated, distributed, and utilized remains limited. This study aimed to examine trends in broadcasting revenue and the fairness of its distribution in the Ethiopian Premier League (EPL) from the 2020/21 to 2024/25 seasons, and to situate Ethiopia’s experience within the broader East African context. A total of 27 documents including official league reports, audited financial statements, broadcasting agreements, and verified media publications were reviewed to generate the dataset for analysis. Data were sourced only from publicly available institutional records. Descriptive statistical techniques, including trend analysis, percentage distribution, and comparative ratio analysis, were applied to evaluate changes in annual revenue, equity of the allocation formula, and differences between Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda. The findings show that EPL broadcasting revenue increased from USD 4.0 million in 2020/21 to USD 5.0 million in 2024/25. The league’s allocation framework 50% equal share, 25% merit-based distribution, and 10% facility-related payments has contributed to more predictable and equitable financial flows, while still rewarding on-field performance and broadcast-related infrastructure improvements. Per-club allocations ranged from USD 132,800 to USD 156,250, and top-performing clubs earned up to USD 700,000. Compared with the Kenyan and Ugandan leagues, Ethiopia provides higher per-club funding and stronger merit incentives. Overall, the study demonstrates that a clear revenue-sharing structure and stable broadcasting partnerships can enhance financial sustainability and competitive balance in emerging football markets, offering practical lessons for similar leagues in the region.

Psychological Attributes of Ethiopian Handball Premier League Players: An Assessment of Mental Toughness, Self-Confidence, and Mental Imagery

Haileyesus Gedefaw — 2025-12-26

Understanding the psychological attributes of athletes is important for maximizing performance in competitive sports. This study was conducted to investigate the level of mental toughness, self-confidence, and mental imagery in Ethiopian Handball Premier League. A descriptive quantitative survey research design was implemented standardized instruments are utilized. Data of 105 players were analyzed with the help of the statistical program (SPSS version 26), and descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequencies) were used to summarize the data. One-way analysis of variance with post-hoc Tukey comparisons was used to test the differences between the clubs. Results showed medium levels of mental toughness, high self-confidence and medium mental imagery. While there were no significant differences in toughness and confidence across clubs, there were significant differences in mental imagery, which may reflect inequity in integrating and fidelity of instruction for psychological skills training. These findings highlight the need to develop structured PST programs in Ethiopian handball and create a basis for future research and policy development aimed at improving athlete performance.

Determinate Factors that Influenced University Students to use Sport Facilities in Private and Public Universities in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Tilahun Bereded Shiferaw — 2025-12-26

The purpose of the study was to determine factors that influence students' use of sports facilities among undergraduate students in 8 private and public universities. The study used a survey method to determine the factors. The sample contained 624 students, who were selected by using random sampling techniques. The study used a quantitative research design. To collect data and information, a close-ended questionnaire was used. All variables were analyzed and tested by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 software. To analyze descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage, a Chi-Square test was employed with the alpha value of.05. as a part of inferential statistics. The results indicated that, a total of 624 undergraduate students, 251 (40.2%) were female and 373 (59.8 %) were male. In the current study, only 107 (17.2 %) of students used university gymnasium facilities. As a result of chi-square test analysis, there were significant difficulties in using university gymnasium facilities (p.01). Based on the findings, the researchers concluded that sex, experience, time to exercise, alcohol and tobacco usage, lack of extracurricular activity, exercise friends and gymnasium facilities were determinate factors for using university sport facilities.

Eight-Week Aerobic Exercise Enhances Physical Fitness and Cardiovascular Health in Female University Students from Non-Sport Majors

Haregu Teklezgi — 2025-12-26

Physical inactivity among university students, especially those not enrolled in sport-related programs, is an increasing public health concern. While regular aerobic exercise is known to enhance cardiovascular endurance and overall physical fitness, evidence regarding its effects on non-sport female students at Adigrat University, Ethiopia, remains limited. This study examined the effects of an eight-week aerobic exercise program on cardiovascular endurance and physical fitness in female university students from non-sport majors. A quasi-experimental design was employed, involving 40 female students aged 18–24 years. Participants engaged in supervised aerobic sessions three times per week for eight weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included resting heart rate, blood pressure, and standardized physical fitness tests (e.g., VO_₂max estimation, muscular endurance, and flexibility). Data were analyzed using paired t-tests to determine significant changes (p < 0.05). Following the intervention, participants showed significant improvements in cardiovascular and fitness indicators. Mean resting heart rate decreased from 78.5 ± 7.2 bpm to 70.3 ± 6.5 bpm, while systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduced by 6.2 mmHg and 4.8 mmHg, respectively. Physical fitness measures improved notably: VO₂max increased by 12%, muscular endurance by 15%, and flexibility scores by 10% (all p < 0.01). An eight-week aerobic exercise program significantly enhanced cardiovascular health and overall physical fitness in non-sport female university students. These findings highlight the importance of structured aerobic exercise interventions in promoting health and fitness among inactive student populations.

Exploring Young Elite Athletes’ Experiences in Management-Based Anti-Doping Education: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis in Ethiopia

Zemikael Getu — 2025-12-26

This study employs interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore in-depth, beyond basic descriptions, the lived experiences of 20 young Ethiopian elite athletes participating in a six-week, innovative management-based anti-doping education program. The program fosters a culture of clean sports and enhances ethical decision-making. The study used stakeholder theory and resource-based views to approach the central phenomenon. This methodology embraces novel techniques such as stakeholder workshops and resource mapping exercises to uncover rich data on the athletes' perspectives. In-depth interviews were conducted to illuminate further the athletes' perceptions of the program's effectiveness, cultural relevance, and engagement strategies. The findings reveal a significant increase in the athletes' knowledge of anti-doping rules and the dangers of doping. Furthermore, 14 out of 20 athletes reported improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills about ethical dilemmas in sports. The analysis advances conceptual understanding by identifying key factors influencing program effectiveness, including cultural relevance, interactive engagement strategies, and the need for extended program durations with increased emphasis on practical application. This research contributes to sports management by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of interventionist management-based anti-doping education within the Ethiopian context. By illuminating the athletes' lived experiences and utilizing advanced qualitative methods, this study informs the development of more effective and athlete-centered programs for promoting clean sports in Ethiopia and globally.

Biomechanical and Body Composition Factors in Shot Put Performance: A Predictive Model Using Machine Learning

Daniel Getnet Tasew — 2025-12-26

This study examines the key biomechanical and body composition features influencing shot put performance, utilizing machine learning models to predict shot distances. Four models Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Categorical Boosting, and extreme Gradient Boosting were employed to analyze a dataset of 42 elite athletes. Fifteen biomechanical features were assessed for importance using the Random Forest model. Through feature selection, release velocity, gender, shot path length, and body mass emerged as the four most influential predictors of shot put performance, while shot release height, technique, and angle of release were among the least influential factors. Model performance was evaluated using Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and the coefficient of determination (R²). Of the models tested, Gradient Boosting showed the highest predictive accuracy, achieving an R² of 0.8248, an MAE of 0.4474, and an RMSE of 0.6500. Following hyper parameter tuning, the final model was evaluated on unseen data, demonstrating impressive predictive accuracy and further validating its robustness. These findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between biomechanical and body composition factors and shot put performance, offering practical applications for athletes and coaches seeking data-driven approaches to optimize performance. By utilizing the model developed in this study, athletes and coaches can use their own data to predict shot distance, enabling more targeted and effective training strategies.

"Plyometric Training and Its Effects on Neuromuscular Performance among Bahir Dar City U-20 Football Athletes"

Haileyesus Bazezew Belete — 2025-12-26

Background: Plyometric training is widely recognized for its effectiveness in improving athletic performance, especially in sports requiring speed, power, and agility. This study aimed to examine the effects of an eight-week structured plyometric training program on neuromuscular performance among U-20 football players in Bahir Dar City. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was utilized, involving an experimental group that participated in structured plyometric exercises alongside their regular training routines, and a control group that continued with standard training without additional plyometric exercises. Performance measures including 35-meter speed dribble time, vertical jump height, and agility were assessed before and after the intervention. Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant improvements following the training period: speed dribble times decreased from 5.06 to 5.00 seconds, vertical jump height increased from approximately 24.93 to 37.91 units, and agility times improved from 20.40 to 18.07 seconds (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: The findings indicate that an eight-week plyometric training program can effectively enhance speed, explosive power, and agility in youth football players. Incorporating plyometric exercises into regular training routines can serve as a practical strategy to boost athletic performance. Recommendations: Coaches should integrate structured plyometric training into youth football development programs, ensuring proper supervision and gradual progression to maximize benefits and minimize injury risks. Extending training duration and combining plyometrics with other modalities may further improve performance outcomes.

Hematological Predictors of Endurance Performance in Ethiopian Distance Runners Measured at High Altitude

Milkessa Bayissa — 2025-12-26

This study investigated associations between hematological parameters and endurance performance indicators (VO₂max, running economy, and IAAF scores) in elite Ethiopian distance runners of both sexes. Fifty-two elite Ethiopian distance runners (29 males: weight 58.6 ± 5.8 kg, height 1.72 ± 0.07 m, BMI 19.7 ± 1.8 kg·m⁻², and 23 females: weight 49.49 ± 5.5 kg, height 1.59 ± 0.05 m, BMI 19.5 ± 1.8 kg·m⁻²) residing at ~2,400 m underwent hematological profiling, including hemoglobin (HGB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), lymphocytes (LYM#), neutrophils (NEU#), and red cell distribution width (RDW-CV). Endurance performance was assessed using VO₂max, RE at 14 and 16 km·h⁻¹, and IAAF scores. We employed a multivariate multiple regression to simultaneously evaluate the associations between hematological parameters and multiple endurance performance indicators (VO₂max, RE14, RE16, and IAAF scores). The analyses revealed that higher HGB was significantly associated with greater VO₂max and improved RE at 16 kmh⁻¹. MPV and PLT showed positive relationships with RE at 14 and 16 kmh⁻¹. RDW-CV was positively associated with VO₂max but inversely related to IAAF performance scores. Sex-specific analyses revealed that HGB predicted VO₂max more strongly in females, while RDW-CV and platelet indices were more relevant to performance in males. Baseline lymphocyte and neutrophil counts showed no significant relationships with endurance outcomes. Hemoglobin remains a key predictor of aerobic capacity in altitude-adapted elite Ethiopian distance runners. Novel associations of RDW-CV and platelet indices with VO₂max and running economy, most evident in males, suggest additional hematological pathways that may contribute to endurance performance. Immune cell counts demonstrated limited predictive value. These findings support the integration of hematological profiling into athlete monitoring and provide new insights into sex-specific physiological determinants of elite endurance performance.

Challenges of Single City-Based Round-Robin Tournament System on the Performance of Football Players in the Ethiopian Male Premier League

Haileyesus Bazezew Belete, (PhD) — 2025-12-26

Introduction: Football, with cultural and social significance in Ethiopia, adopted a single city-based round-robin system to promote fairness and reduce travel fatigue. Although logistically beneficial, this format presents challenges such as infrastructural, environmental, organizational, and psychological issues that impact player performance and safety. Objective: This study investigates the infrastructural, environmental, organizational, and psychological factors influencing player performance in Ethiopia’s city-based tournaments and proposes strategic recommendations for sustainable improvements. Method: A mixed-methods, sequential explanatory approach was used. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires from 180 players and 18 club organizers, while qualitative insights came from semi-structured interviews with 18 coaches and officials. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests, and thematic analysis. Results: Players express dissatisfaction with facilities and pitch quality. Environmental factors like heat and rainfall impair performance and raise injury risks. Psychological pressures media scrutiny, social expectations, and fear of failure affect mental resilience. Organizational issues, including fixture congestion and limited recovery time, contribute to fatigue and injuries. Conclusion: Infrastructural shortcomings, environmental stressors, organizational inefficiencies, and psychological challenges collectively hamper player safety and performance. Addressing these requires a comprehensive strategy upgrading infrastructure, managing environmental factors, providing psychological support, reforming organizational practices, and strengthening anti-corruption measures to improve safety, tournament quality, and the sustainability of Ethiopian football. Recommendations: Stakeholders should invest in quality facilities, adopt strategic scheduling, implement mental resilience programs, and improve logistical planning to foster safer, fairer, and more competitive city-based tournaments

Prevalence of Common Football Injuries and Their Correlates among School Football Players in Jimma Town

Melkamu Dugassa Kassa — 2025-12-26

Background: Football is one of the most popular sports in the world, but it carries a high risk of injuries. This study looks into the causes and frequency of common football injuries among school players in Jimma Town, Ethiopia. It also examines how demographic factors, like age, gender, playing experience, and position, affect these injuries. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 300 school football players selected through random sampling. We gathered data using a structured questionnaire and analyzed it using frequency, percentage, and cross-tabulations. The study evaluated injury rates, types, and causes in relation to demographic factors and playing positions. Results: A high percentage of players, 76.7% reported experiencing at least one injury in the past year. The most common injuries included sprains (36.7%), strains (26.7%), contusions (20.0%), fractures (10.0%), and concussions (6.7%). The leading causes of injury were physical contact (40.0%) and overuse (26.7%), followed by poor playing surfaces (16.7%), inadequate warm-ups (10.0%), and equipment issues (6.7%). Players aged 15 to 19 and those with over three years of experience reported more injuries. Male players mainly experienced injuries from physical contact, while female players had higher injury rates due to poor surfaces and equipment problems. Midfielders and defenders reported the highest injury rates from physical contact, while goalkeepers were more likely to injure themselves from poor surfaces and equipment issues. Conclusion: Football injuries among school players in Jimma Town mainly occur due to physical contact and overuse. There are significant differences based on age, gender, playing experience, and position. Improving playing surfaces, ensuring proper warm-ups, and providing protective equipment can help lower the risk of injuries. Additionally, training programs should focus on the specific risks linked to different playing positions.

Somato type on Sprinting and Jumping Performance in Handball Youth Project Trainees

Haileyesus Gedefaw (Ph.D) — 2025-12-26

Background: Sprinting and jumping are crucial components of handball performance, and somatotype is believed to influence these qualities. Evidence on this relationship in youth handball trainees, particularly in Ethiopia, remains limited. Aim: To examine how somatotype components relate to sprinting and jumping performance in Under-17 male handball trainees. Methods: A descriptive correlational study design was used with 22 trainees selected through census sampling from the Bahir Dar University Sport Academy youth projects. Somatotype was assessed using the Heath–Carter method. Performance was measured with a 30-meter sprint, vertical jump, and standing long jump. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression with a significance level of p < .05. Results: Endomorphy was associated with slower sprint times, r(20) = .52, p = .01, and lower vertical, r(20) = –.46, p = .03, and standing long jump performance, r(20) = –.49, p = .02. Mesomorphy correlated with faster sprinting, r(20) = –.60, p = .003, and higher vertical, r(20) = .58, p = .005, and long jump scores, r(20) = .62, p = .002. ANOVA showed significant differences between somatotype-dominant groups for sprinting, F(2,19) = 12.45, p = .001; vertical jump, F(2,19) = 10.13, p = .001; and long jump, F(2,19) = 8.74, p = .001. Regression models explained 63–68% of the variance in performance, with mesomorphy emerging as the strongest predictor (p < .05). Conclusion:Mesomorphy contributes positively to sprint and jump performance in youth handball players, while higher endomorphyhinders these qualities. Ectomorphy showed no meaningful influence. Somatotype may be a useful tool for training design and talent identification in youth handball programs.

Predicting Kenyan Olympic Running Performance: Youth Transition, Gender, Statusand Venue

Demisse GashuWalle,PhD — 2025-12-26

This study investigated the relationship between Kenyan youth and senior Olympic athletes and the predictive influence of gender, status, and competition venue on performance in middle- and long-distance events. Addressing existing gaps regarding youth-to-senior progression and contextual factors in Kenyan athletics, historical data from Olympic results (2010-2020 Youth; 2012-2020 Senior Games) for 116 Kenyan athletes were analyzed. Descriptive analysis revealed a zero percent conversion rate from youth to senior Olympic participation, highlighting a significant pathway discontinuity. Linear regression showed gender significantly predicted performance across all events (p<.001), explaining up to 92% (5000m) and 97% (10000m) of variance, with notable performance time differences (e.g., 87.24s in 5000m, 222.59s in 10000m) linked to gender. Competitive venue significantly influenced long-distance events only, accounting for up to 96% of marathon variance, with performance times decreasing by 2.33s. Findings recommend stakeholders explore factors limiting youth-to-senior transition.

The Effects of A 12-Week Resistance Training Program on Vertical Jump Height, Strength And Shooting Accuracy Among Women’s Basketball Players In Bahir Dar Kenema.

Haileyesus Bazezew Belete (Ph.D) — 2025-12-26

Introduction: Basketball requires explosive power, strength, and technical skills such as shooting accuracy. Objective: This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week resistance training program on vertical jump height, muscular strength, and shooting accuracy of Bahir Dar Kenema women’s basketball players. Methodology: Using a quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design, 24 participants were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group performed thrice-weekly resistance exercises targeting major muscle groups, including squats, lunges, and upper-body drills, with progressive overload over 12 weeks. Results: The analysis revealed significant improvements in the experimental group: vertical jump height increased from 2.30 ± 0.18 meters pre-intervention to 2.52 ± 0.19 meters post-intervention (t(14) = -6.259, p < 0.001). Muscular strength nearly doubled, rising from 8.85 ± 1.91 units to 16.38 ± 3.28 units (t(14) = -13.41, p < 0.001). Shooting accuracy improved from 13.33% ± 7.20% to 15.40% ± 6.41%, with the change being statistically significant (t(14) = -3.414, p = 0.004). Conversely, the control group showed no notable changes across these variables: vertical jump height (t(14) = 0.544, p = 0.595), muscular strength (t(14) = -0.37, p = 0.721), and shooting accuracy (t(14) = 0.076, p = 0.941). Conclusion: The findings support resistance training as an effective modality for enhancing vertical jump, strength, and shooting accuracy in female basketball players within resource-limited settings. Recommendation: Coaches should integrate structured resistance training with plyometric and technical drills, adapting exercises to local contexts. Future research should examine long-term effects and injury prevention to promote sustainable women’s basketball development.

The Effectiveness of Sports Marketing Strategies in the Ethiopian Football Federation

Biniyam Girma — 2025-12-26

This study examined the effectiveness of sport marketing strategies implemented by the Ethiopian football federation and identified the key challenges that constrain their effective implementation. Aimed to provide practical implications for policymakers, sport organizations and managers look to enhance financial stability, consistent performance and revenue streaming. Using a mixed methods approach, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected through questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. The study was conducted on 203 subjects from the Ethiopian Football Federation under two major pulls (I) Service providers consisting of federation presidents, executives and office experts, 10 in number and (II) customers who address coaches, club managers, players and fans, 193 in number. Census and stratified random sampling techniques were used to select the sample. The data was analyzed using SPSS Version 27, to generate frequencies, percentages, M and SD. Moreover, Cronbach's alpha and explanatory factor analysis (EFA) were employed to assess the reliability and construct validity of the collected data. The implementation of the sport marketing strategy matrix in the football federation remains in an immature stage. Notably, the place and price component of sport marketing strategy was deficient, characterized by poor facility maintenance, entertainment options, limited provision of public transport for fans, weak merchandise sale culture, inflexible pricing model, stagnation in domestic markets and insufficient diversified revenue sources. However, moderate performance was exhibited in the realms of Product and promotion sport marketing matrix by the federation. Furthermore, a comparative robust demonstration of sponsorship and digital marketing was noted in the federation. Apart from this, the federation utilizes wide media alternatives to reach the population, while the federation had no long-term sport marketing plan and professional development strategy, which negatively impacts the longevity achieved in marketing value..

“Exploring the Psychosocial Training for Prisoners and Their Reintegration into Society through Volleyball”

Fissehatsion G/Yohannes (Ph.D) — 2025-12-26

Sports can lead to a number of positive outcomes for individuals, and if practiced on a regular basis, they can make the life of inmates that much more bearable. Sports relieve tension and stress and can provide a means of escaping the otherwise oppressive environment of prison. Sport also resists the formation of ‘criminal identities’ among offenders such identities are often created in prison and tend to replace pre-incarceration self-concepts linked, for example, to previous occupation or relationship status. Sport, and the symbolic capital that comes with it, can fuel a healthier alternative identity and avoid the potential internalization of the traditional ‘monstrous’ image of the prisoner. This is important to consider as it can predict behavior upon release and can, in that sense, be related to recidivism. The use of volleyball training and competition for purposes of development has been increasingly important particularly among the prisoners and between policeman and prisoners. However, there is a gap how the game volleyball can be used more productively as a social cohesion among the prisoners of Mekelle city, Tigray region in Ethiopia. The study employed a qualitative research approach and a case study research design. Forty (40) study participants were selected through purposive sampling based on the data saturation points. The collected data were analyzed thematically. The finding of this study showed that prisoners in Mekelle city Correctional Center attended a short term volleyball training programs such as training on psychological counseling, physical activities and recreation and cultural activities to develop the social cohesion However, long-term prisoners in Mekelle city correctional centers have faced challenges such as inadequate of proper physical &psychological training , lack of counseling professionals, Those released have been challenged by several complications during their transition from correctional center to the community. The outcome of the research show there is a significant positive response in social cohesion among the prisoners of Mekelle city.

Sport as Soft Power: Ethiopia’s Sports Diplomacy in Foreign Policy, Regional Strategy, and National Branding

Tesfaye Bezabih — 2025-12-26

Sport is becoming more visible in Ethiopia in terms of foreign policy and national branding and in terms of international interaction. Although Ethiopia has in the past undertaken influence via diplomatic activism, peacekeeping, and multilateral leadership, the nation has also managed to create a distinct kind of soft power based on athletics, football, and its Olympic heritage. The paper will also apply the soft-power, public diplomacy, and nation-branding theory to understand how Ethiopia is using sport to influence perceptions about the country, optimize bilateral relations, develop regional unity, and build national identity. Relying upon primary sources, such as Ethiopian government policy statements, Ethiopian Athletics Federation (EAF) and Ethiopian Olympic Committee (EOC) reports, African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 frameworks, archival Olympic statistics, media interviews, and athlete speeches, this article presents the most detailed evaluation up to this point of Ethiopia sport diplomacy architecture. The results indicate that the athletics-based Ethiopian soft power is still visible and with unexploited potentials globally; football diplomacy has the potential but underused capacity regionally; athlete-diaspora networks have the capacity and shaped politics; and the lack of institutions to coordinate actions constrains the ability to engage. The paper puts forward a national sport diplomacy plan that is focused on athlete ambassadorship, inter-ministerial coordination, regional leadership, and strategic branding. It concludes that under the condition of systematic introduction into the Ethiopian foreign policy, sport can help strengthen the country in the global community, help build a peace in the region, and demonstrate the influence of Ethiopia in the African multilateral systems

Boosting Sports Success: How Administrators' Emotional Intelligence Drives Organizational Performance

Ansuwar Yesuf — 2025-12-26

The main goal of this research was to explore how emotional intelligence influences organizational performance in Ethiopian national sports federations, addressing gaps in the literature on sports organizations and developing countries like Ethiopia. The researchers employed a quantitative approach with a correlational design. Data were gathered from 296 administrators using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale and Kaplan's scale to measure organizational performance. Data analysis was conducted with SPSS version 28 using quantile regression, revealing a positive correlation between overall emotional intelligence and organizational performance (r = 0.621, p < 0.05). Emotional awareness (β = 0.120, p = 0.012) and emotional management (β = 0.114, p = 0.018) had a positive effect on organizational performance. In contrast, social emotional intelligence (β = -0.106, p = 0.025) and relationship management (β = -0.104, p = 0.035) negatively impacted organizational performance. These results emphasize the importance of emotional intelligence in improving governance, fostering resilience, and nurturing athletes, especially when resources are limited, though caution should be exercised in relying on social skills. Practically, we recommend customized emotional intelligence training to help these sports federations stay competitive internationally.

Effects of Project Management Practices on the Performance of Ethiopian National Stadium

Amensisa Kebede Legesse (Ph.D) — 2025-12-26

The performance of megaprojects is critically influenced by the effectiveness of project management practices, particularly in developing-country contexts where institutional, financial, and coordination challenges are prevalent. In Ethiopia, major stadium construction projects have consistently experienced cost overruns, schedule delays, and implementation inefficiencies. This study examined the effects of project management practices, problem-solving analysis, working position, and work experience on the performance of the Ethiopian National Stadium Project.

A mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 123 project staff selected through stratified random sampling, while qualitative data were obtained from in-depth interviews with 12 senior managers, consultants, and government officials. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, applying descriptive statistics, one-way and two-way ANOVA, MANOVA, partial correlation, and multiple regression analyses. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed and triangulated to validate quantitative results.

The findings revealed statistically significant interaction effects between working position and work experience on both problem-solving analysis application and overall project performance (p < .01). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that project management practices collectively explained 81.3% of the variance in project performance (R² = .813, p < .001). Among the examined practices, project risk management (β = .539, p < .001) and stakeholder management (β = .551, p < .001) emerged as the strongest predictors of project success, while project human resource management and procurement management showed no significant direct effects. Qualitative findings further identified critical implementation challenges, including illegal settlement issues, foreign currency constraints, contractor capacity limitations, escalating material costs, and weak inter-institutional coordination.

The study concludes that effective risk management and proactive stakeholder engagement are decisive factors for improving megaproject performance in Ethiopia. Strengthening communication frameworks, enhancing management information systems, and ensuring coordinated government support are essential to overcoming implementation bottlenecks and achieving timely, cost-effective project delivery. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, project owners, and practitioners involved in large-scale public infrastructure projects in similar developing-country contexts.

Unlocking Excellence: How Ethical Leadership Fuels Performance in Sport Organizations

Ansuwar Yesuf — 2025-12-26

This research examined the impact of ethical leadership on organizational performance in Ethiopian National Sports Federations, addressing a gap in non-Western, sports-specific contexts. Quantitative data from 296 administrators and qualitative data from 15 semi-structured interviews were examined using an embedded mixed-methods research design. The results of the quantitative method analyzed with a confidential level of 95% by using SPSS version 28 through quintile regression showed that leader integrity (β = 0.037, p = 0.027), fairness (β = 0.014, p = 0.010), and role modelling (β = 0.059, p = 0.043) positively impact organizational performance, with role modelling revealing the strongest result. Conversely, communication about ethics had a negative impact (β = -0.036, p = 0.012), signifying operation encounters. Qualitative results, derived through NVivo thematic analysis, acknowledged four themes: leader integrity fosters trust and collaboration, fairness increases morale, role modelling motivates performance quality, and communication about ethics can interrupt performance due to language fences. These themes supported the quantitative outcomes, underlying trust, confidence, and cultural hierarchy as instruments, while resource limitations and unsuccessful communication pose fences. Practical consequences comprise encouraging transparency, comprehensive decision-making, and tailored communication approaches to increase performance. Future investigation should examine regional differences and longitudinal impacts to support generalizability.

Innovation Management in Sport and Its Correlation with Leadership Styles at Colleges and Universities in Tigray, Ethiopia

Shishay Weldeslassie — 2025-12-26

Sport institutions must adapt, renew, and develop through innovative and novel ideas (Tjønndal, 2016). This study explored innovation management in sports and its correlation with selected leadership styles at colleges and universities in Tigray. A descriptive, cross-sectional research design was employed, with a sample of 147 sports management personnel from colleges and universities in Tigray. Data were collected using a standardized five point Likert scale questionnaire and structured interviews and analyzed using SPSS (version 20). Cross-tabulation, descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, and the Mann-Whitney test were used to analyze and compare the data collected on innovation management in sports. Furthermore, the Spearman rank-order correlation test was used to determine the association between innovation management and leadership style. The findings of the study showed that a significant proportion of respondents acknowledged weak innovation management in sports at universities (55.6%) and colleges (94.4%) in Tigray. Additionally, the results indicated a significant difference among the four universities and two colleges in Tigray regarding innovation management practices in sports (p = 0.001, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the findings showed a statistically significant positive association between innovation management in sports and democratic (r = 0.206, p = 0.013) and transactional (r = 0.231, p = 0.005) leadership styles. Conversely, the findings revealed no statistically significant correlation between innovation management practices in sports and laissez-faire (r = -0.146, p = 0.078), autocratic (r = -0.128, p = 0.123), and transformational (r = 0.143, p = 0.085) leadership styles. In conclusion, the universities and colleges in the Tigray region exhibited weak innovation management in sports. Additionally, innovation management in sports tends to improve as democratic and transactional leadership styles are increasingly practiced.

Promoting Body Satisfaction through Aerobic Exercise in Obese Women: Findings from a Single-Arm Intervention Study

Addisalem Girma — 2025-12-26

Overweight and obesity are growing global health challenges, with Sub-Saharan Africa experiencing rising rates, especially in urban areas. This study examined the effects of a 12-week moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program on body satisfaction among obese women. Forty women aged 30–38 years witha BMI ≥30 kg/m² were purposively selected from E Dilla University. Participants engaged in 30-minute aerobic sessions three times weekly. Body satisfaction was assessed using the Body Areas Satisfaction Scale (BASS) at baseline, week 4, week 8, and week 12. Data analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA in SPSS Version

20. The results showed a statistically significant improvement in body , satisfaction after the intervention (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that regular aerobic exercise can enhance body image and psychological well-being in obese women. The study supports the use of non-pharmacological, exercise-based interventions as effective, accessible strategies to improve mental health and body satisfaction in low- and middle- income countries.

THE DYNAMICS OF SPORT VIOLENCE IN PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL CLUBS IN ETHIOPIA

Girma Reta — 2025-12-26

Football, as the world's most popular sport, has historically been associated with incidents of violence, particularly among spectators. This study investigates the deviant behaviors exhibited by fans in the Ethiopian Premier League, particularly in Addis Ababa and other regional club residents, where football matches often experience violence and unsportsmanlike conduct. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative surveys and qualitative approach. A total of 410 respondents were participated, including funs, club officials, players, and law enforcement officers. The gathered data were analyzed using descriptive statistical methods (Mean, Standard Deviation, Charts/Figures). The largest age group among respondents is 18-25 years, comprising 38.3% of the total. This suggests that younger adults are more likely to attend football events, indicating a strong interest in football among this demographic. The potential challenge of football violence are death with mean of 2.73 (SD ± 1.36), Major Injuries with mean of 3.46 (SD ± 1.38), Minor Injuries with mean of 3.80 (SD ± 1.37), Climate of Fear with mean of 3.61 (SD ± 1.29), Players Unable to Use Potential Fully with mean of 3.33 (SD ± 1.40), Biased decision of referee Findings highlight that leisure and team loyalty are the predominant factors driving fan engagement in Ethiopian football, while financial considerations play a minimal role. The alarmingly high mean score for deviant incidents underscores the pressing need for stakeholders in the football community clubs, governing bodies, and law enforcement to address these issues proactively. By understanding the factors contributing to negative behaviors and fostering a more positive atmosphere at matches, it is possible to enhance the overall experience for all attendees. To enhance safety in football competitions, interviewees proposed several intervention strategies: Implement awareness campaigns promoting positive supporter behavior, Enforce stricter conduct policies for fans and players. Future research should continue to explore these dynamics, focusing on effective interventions and strategies to promote positive supporter behavior, ensuring that football remains a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone involved. Further research or similar study should be carried out in other Higher league, super league and regional league football club in Ethiopia in order to fill the information gap.

Impact of human capital on the competitive advantage of Ethiopian premier football club’ performance

Wondimagegn Abebe (Ph.D) — 2025-12-26

Human resources are crucial components and the foundation of any organization, playing a vital role in ensuring an organization’s smooth operation. The organization needs staff members who can deliver optimal job performance to help them reach their goals. Modern work environments are characterized by the constantly evolving interplay between external factors and workforce trends. This study examines the influence of human capital practices on the performance of an Ethiopian male football club at the premier level. This research is directed by a positivist research philosophy and uses a correlation research design. The study encompassed club directors, administration workers, coaches, and players participating in the tournament of the Ethiopian Premier League. 118 participants who completed the self-administered questionnaires were selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The descriptive statistics of frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze the collected data. Moreover, Pearson’s correlation, analysis of variance, and multiple regressions were used to predict the impact of HR practices on performance, inferential data analysis methods of. As results of correlation show, “human capital variable” has a significant and strong correlation with either club revenue r (118) = .633**, p < 0.05, or club performance on satisfaction r (118) = .712**, p < 0.05.The linear regression result shows (b = .633, t = 8.799, p < 0.05), human capital management was significant in predicting club revenue. This research demonstrates that human capital significantly impact performance of organization, specifically concerning club revenue and stakeholder satisfaction. The findings indicate that human capital management accounts for 40.0% of the variance in club revenue (R² = .400). Furthermore, it explains 50.7% of the variance in club performance pertaining to stakeholder satisfaction (R² = .507). In conclusion, this study establishes a positive and significant correlation among human capital management practices with both club revenue performance and stakeholder satisfaction.

Building Resilience and Well-being: Psychological Interventions for Second Division Footballers in Hosanna City, Ethiopia.

Bemnet Telemos — 2025-12-26

This study investigated the impact of psychological interventions on the well- being and resilience of second division football players in Hosanna City, Central Ethiopia Region, using a mixed-methods approach. The research involved 120 football players from four second-division zone football clubs in Hosanna City, with 20 players aged 20-26 selected from each club for the intervention. The study utilized sport psychology techniques and was conducted pre- and post- intervention assessments, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based training over a 12-week period. The results showed a significant decrease in players' stress levels and an increase in self-confidence, resilience, positive emotions, and improvements in physical fitness components, with a decrease in injury rates. The study also revealed the importance of mental stability for optimal performance and found positive correlations between physical well-being, mental well-being, and resilience. Integrating sport psychology interventions can lead to significant improvements in both the emotional and physical aspects of football players, potentially resulting in better performance outcomes and reduced injury occurrences.