Individualistic and Collectivistic Approach in Athlete Support Programmes in the German High-Performance Sport System

Abstract

This study assessed the relative significance of athlete-related interventions and of repeated athlete selections and de-selections (individualistic and collectivistic approach) in the development of the collective of successful senior performers through athlete support programmes in Germany. The results from a longitudinal analysis of careers in the squad system over seven years (n=4,686) and a questionnaire panel study over three years (n=244) revealed that the annual turnover of squad members was 44%. Results also showed that the younger the first recruitment of an athlete, the younger the exit out of the system (r=0.92), and the higher the squad level reached, the higher was the age of recruitment into a squad. Interventions applied to the selected athletes showed no significant effects on subsequent interferences in the training process or on attainment of success. The collective of successful senior athletes was developed through regular athlete selection and de-selection rather than effects of athlete-related interventions. The observations are discussed with regard to (a) dissimilar individual career trajectories likely to lead to early inclusion in the support system compared to those likely to lead to long-term senior success, and (b) the functionality of de-coupling self-display and action at the collective level of the organisations.