The Forgotten World of Coaching Masters Sport in Portugal: Implications for Research and Practice

Implicações para a Investigação e Prática

Abstract

Master (adult) sports can contribute to healthy ageing and increase the quality of life. Nonetheless, few efforts have been deployed to identify and reflect on guidelines for quality master sports coaching in Portugal that can contribute to these outcomes. Therefore, the purpose of this critical commentary is to provide insights into the current status of master sports in Portugal, as well as present implications for researchers and practitioners. In Portugal, eligibility for competition is based on age. Master sports is a structured and competitive physical activity that is associated with teams or individuals with a strong emphasis on formal competition across provincial, national, and/or international championships. There exist efforts by the government to have adult sports play a role in contributing to holistic athlete development throughout the lifespan and towards healthy ageing. This is not incompatible with competition, which is a critical component of the Portuguese sports culture. However, competitions may need to be carefully organised and used as a resource for holistic athlete development, focusing on adult athletes’ health and well-being. Moreover, adult sports may also be positioned as non-structured physical activity, as well as by diverse types of competitive events and activities. Moving forward, there is a need to initiate dialogue between all actors of the sports system and identify alternative ways to position, imagine and use master sports in a challenging contemporary landscape.