A SOCIOLOGICAL APPROACH REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS FOR THE TRACK AND FIELD MIDDLE-DISTANCE AND LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING EVENTS

Abstract

Starting from the premises identified after, the study of the specialized literature, the aim of this research was to determine, based on the specialists' opinions, the components of a selection and orientation model for the athletes preparing for middle-distance and long-distance running events, aiming for top performances. This sociological research consisted in a 15-item questionnaire inquiry that allowed us to know the reality of selection in track and field in general, and in middle-distance and long-distance running events in particular, in schools, departmental sports clubs, and various specialized educational institutions. The sociological study involved an inquiry of 150 coaches and other staff members from the specialized institutions in the country. Following the sociological study, one can see that the track and field selection process constitutes an important preoccupation among the specialists.