Long Abstract
Introduction & Objective: The virtual space serves as a powerful tool in today's world, particularly in sports, playing a significant role. Instant communication, news sharing, and interaction with fans are among the positive features of this space. However, there are also anomalies that can negatively impact the management and performance of athletes and sports teams. This research examines and analyzes the management and performance of athletes and sports teams concerning anomalies in the virtual space and the challenges managers face in controlling controversies and crisis management.
Methodology: This study is exploratory-applied in nature, employing qualitative research methods and grounded theory following the Strauss and Corbin approach. Data collection was conducted through interviews. Given the lack of comprehensive studies addressing the performance management of athletes and sports teams regarding anomalies in the virtual space, this strategy was deemed appropriate. The statistical population consisted of 12 experts with scientific and practical expertise in sports management (including senior managers from the Ministry of Sports and Youth and university faculty members in sports management). Participants were selected through theoretical sampling and shared their opinions on the research topic and interview questions. Sampling continued until theoretical saturation was reached. According to the systematic grounded theory design, qualitative data analysis was conducted in three stages: open, axial, and selective coding, resulting in a concrete representation of the generated theory. To ensure the validity of the research, actions such as member checking, peer review with three colleagues, collaborative research, and pluralism were implemented based on the criteria established by Creswell and Miller (2000). The reliability of the conducted interviews was calculated using inter-rater agreement (over 86%).
Results and Findings: According to the participants' views, causal conditions, the main phenomenon, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, strategies, and outcomes emerged as shown in the table below.
According to the systematic model of Strauss and Corbin, the findings of this research are illustrated in Figure 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 





Causal conditions: 1 Structural factors, Management factors, Financial resources, Human resources, The nature of cyberspace.




 


 





Context conditions:
Internal factors, cultural and social factors, legal and regulatory factors, organizational structure, technical infrastructure and communication platform




 
 
 





Intervening conditions:
Political obstacles, insufficient knowledge about cyberspace, legal issues and restrictions, socio-cultural sensitivities




 


 


 



 
 
 
                                    



 
 
 
 
 
 


 
 


 


 
 
 


 


 
 
 



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 1. Paradigmatic Pattern for Managing the Performance of Athletes and Sports Teams Regarding Anomalies in Virtual Space
Discussion and conclusion: In this study, 143 open codes and 29 categories (selected codes) were extracted from interviews with 12 experts in the field to develop management and performance of athletes and sports teams regarding anomalies in virtual space. Overall, the results indicate that the identified model can serve as a guide for preventing anomalies in the virtual space related to sports (athletes and sports teams). Effective management of athletes' performance in virtual space requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that includes education, legal support, and strengthening technical and human infrastructures. By adopting appropriate measures, it is possible to improve the social and psychological conditions of athletes and prevent anomalies in virtual space. This model helps athletes and sports teams become familiar with causal factors, contextual conditions, intervening conditions, and appropriate strategies for using virtual space and the relationships among these elements, leading to economic, individual, social, legal, and cultural outcomes. Additionally, if communication and media managers, athletes, and sports teams adopt this model, it is hoped that a better attitude towards the use of virtual space will emerge.
It is recommended that media and communication officials and senior managers of sports teams change their negative perceptions of virtual space and social media platforms. They should focus on creating regulations for identity verification and validation, establishing legal consequences for deviant behaviors in virtual space, defining and drafting legal approaches for managing crises arising from anomalies in virtual space, penalizing violators in virtual space, and enacting laws to protect athletes and sports teams in virtual space to prevent future occurrences of deviant behaviors. Identifying and prioritizing the educational needs of athletes and sports managers regarding virtual space and crisis management, analyzing effective methods for managing negative feedback and criticisms in the virtual space of athletes and sports teams, or developing coping skills for athletes to manage social pressures and reduce crises arising from virtual anomalies can help future researchers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in managing athletes in virtual space, thereby improving the social and psychological conditions of athletes and enhancing the quality of management in virtual space.
Keywords: Sports teams, virtual spaces, performance management, virtual anomalies, athletes.