Structural Equation Modeling of Sports Facility Safety Management at Imam Ali (PBUH) Officers University of the Islamic Republic of Iran from the Perspective of Development and Training

Abstract

This study aimed to model sports facility safety management at Imam Ali (PBUH) Officers University of the Islamic Republic of Iran and to determine the structural relationships among causal factors, contextual factors, intervening factors, the core phenomenon, strategies, and outcomes associated with safety management. This applied quantitative study examined causal-correlational relationships among the components of sports facility safety management. The statistical population consisted of managers, coaches, and athletes participating in military sporting events at Imam Ali (PBUH) Officers University. Using G*Power software, the required sample size was estimated at 138 participants, who were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire developed from the findings of the qualitative phase of the research project. Face and content validity were assessed and confirmed by 10 experts, while construct validity was evaluated through convergent and discriminant validity indices. Reliability was examined using Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and factor loadings. Structural equation modeling based on the partial least squares approach (PLS-SEM) was conducted using SmartPLS version 3.1.1 to test the hypothesized structural relationships. Structural equation modeling indicated that causal factors had a significant positive effect on the core phenomenon of safety management (β=0.721, t=9.876, p=0.001). The core phenomenon significantly and positively predicted safety-management strategies (β=0.791, t=6.767, p=0.001). Contextual factors also exerted a significant positive effect on strategies (β=0.306, t=3.757, p=0.001), whereas intervening factors had a significant negative effect on strategies (β=-0.129, t=2.173, p=0.001). Furthermore, strategies had a strong positive and significant effect on outcomes (β=0.843, t=29.247, p<0.001). All hypothesized structural paths were statistically significant at the 95% confidence level, supporting the adequacy of the proposed model. Sports facility safety management in a military university is a systematic and multidimensional process shaped by the interaction of causal, contextual, and intervening conditions with managerial, financial, educational, and infrastructural strategies. Strengthening facilitating conditions, reducing intervening barriers, and systematically implementing the identified strategies may enhance safety, functional and financial development, and competitive advantage within university sports facilities.