| FACTORS INFLUENCING THE INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) TECHNOLOGY IN IRAN SPORTS |
| Paper ID : 1708-SPORTCONGRESS |
| Authors |
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Ahmad Mohammadi Moghaddam *1, Soheila Hasanvand2, Arefe Hasanvand3 1Department of Physical Education, Khorramabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorramabad, Iran 2Department of Computer Architecture, Faculty of Artificial Intelligence, South Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran 3Department of Sports Management, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Introduction: Integrating AI into the sports ecosystem has the potential to revolutionize Iranian athletics. By enhancing training methods, improving competition standards, and creating pathways for talent development in young athletes, AI could significantly contribute to elevating the nation's sports landscape. Methods: The data was collected via an online survey completed by 80 participants actively involved in sports, comprising coaches (35%), athletes (45%), and referees or umpires (20%). To ensure the instrument's quality and accuracy, both its validity and reliability were thoroughly assessed prior to data analysis. Construct validity was tested using Pearson correlation, while the internal consistency and reliability of the questionnaire items were evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha. Results: The questionnaire was structured into three constructs: Construct 1 - Perceived benefits of AI in education (Q2–Q11), Construct 2 - Perceived benefits of AI for referees/adjudicators (Q12–Q21), and Construct 3 - Perceived ease of use of AI (Q22–Q31). The validity threshold required questions to have r ≥ 0.30 to be deemed valid; items scoring below this were removed. For reliability, an α ≥ 0.70 was accepted for social research, while values between 0.60 and 0.70 were acceptable for exploratory studies. The ANOVA test results demonstrated that coaches held a more favorable perception of AI compared to referees (p = 0.01). Additionally, regression analysis indicated that prior experience with AI significantly enhanced perceived ease of use (β = 0.8, p = 0.002). Conclusion: This study uncovers notable differences in how coaches, athletes, and referees perceive the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in Iranian sports. Among these groups, coaches were the strongest supporters of AI, motivated by its potential to analyze data and enhance athletic performance. Conversely, referees showed restraint in embracing AI tools, such as video assistant referees (VAR). |
| Keywords |
| Artificial Intelligence; Athletic Performance; Iran Sport; Video Assistant Referee |
| Status: Abstract Accepted (Poster Presentation) |
