Meta-Analysis of Factors Affecting the Safety of Participants in Sports Venues
Keywords:
sports facilities, safety, participantsAbstract
This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of previous research to identify and synthesize factors influencing the safety of participants in sports venues. This research employed a systematic review and meta-analytic approach. The statistical population included 12 descriptive and correlational studies conducted in Iran between 2019 and 2024, along with international articles up to 2022. Databases such as SID, Normagz, Magiran, and ScienceDirect were searched for relevant studies. Data analysis was carried out using CMA software, calculating both fixed and random combined effect sizes for variables related to sports facility safety. The fixed combined effect size was 0.391, and the random combined effect size was 0.453, both statistically significant. The highest effect was associated with the “supervision” factor (effect size = 0.97), followed by “job description” (effect size = 0.86). Other significant factors included professional training, environmental control, physical protection, and architectural design. The Q-test indicated significant heterogeneity among studies, confirming variation in effect sizes. Rosenthal’s safe N-test revealed high reliability and the absence of publication bias. The findings suggest that continuous supervision, clearly defined job roles, professional training programs, and safety-oriented facility design are critical to enhancing participants’ safety in sports venues. The integration of modern technologies—particularly artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems—can improve real-time risk detection and emergency response. It is recommended that managers implement intelligent monitoring systems, simulation-based training, and periodic evaluation of safety standards to promote a safer sporting environment.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Elham Hemmati, Tayebeh Sadat Zargar, Akbar Afarinesh Khaki, Hasan Ghasemalipour (Author)
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