University of Kentucky UKnowledge Theses and Dissertations--Education Sciences College of Education 2021 High Performance: Exploratory Study into the High Performance Model and Qualitative Secondary Analysis of Elite Sport Management in the United States Jon Gregory Hill University of Kentucky, [email protected] Author ORCID Identifier: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2906-6321 Digital Object Identifier: https://doi.org/10.13023/etd.2021.081 Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Hill, Jon Gregory, "High Performance: Exploratory Study into the High Performance Model and Qualitative Secondary Analysis of Elite Sport Management in the United States" (2021). Theses and Dissertations-- Education Sciences. 87. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/edsc_etds/87 This Doctoral Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the College of Education at UKnowledge. 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Jon Gregory Hill, Student Dr. Heather Erwin, Major Professor Dr. Melinda Ickes, Director of Graduate Studies High Performance: Exploratory Study into the High Performance Model and Qualitative Secondary Analysis of Elite Sport Management in the United States ________________________________________ DISSERTATION ________________________________________ A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the College of Education at the University of Kentucky By Jon Gregory Hill Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. Heather Erwin, Department Chair and Professor of Kinesiology and Health Promotion Lexington, Kentucky 2021 Copyright © Jon Gregory Hill 2021 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2906-6321 ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION High Performance: Exploratory study into the High Performance Model and Qualitative Secondary Analysis of Elite Sport Management in the United States This dissertation examines the area of high performance in elite sport through high performance professionals’ perspectives in the United States Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Bodies. The study’s purpose was to establish a shared meaning of the high performance sport management model by its elements in the athletic arena. Interviews with 16 high performance directors and managers were conducted to establish definitions, backgrounds, and anatomy of high performance in sport: high performance, high performance sport, high performance management, high performance model. A qualitative secondary analysis was conducted to examine the high performance model in the U.S. and explore the job responsibilities of high performance directors in elite sport. In particular to this study, the secondary research questions were a part of the original question script, allowing data analysis from responses within the original interviews. This paper introduces and recognizes two separate high performance models, an International and a United States model, along with introducing a functional definition of the elements that represent the two models. As part of improving the high performance approach, management and leadership characteristics are presented to strengthen organizations and leaders in elite sport development. A university degree program and internship placement strategies are suggested as a core education and student experience to introduce future elite sports leaders to the high performance environment. The study’s findings show a lack of definition, implementation, and understanding of high performance management and the high performance model in this country. High performance consists of elite-level athletes competing on the professional or world stage, supported by coaches, sport sciences, and a high performance department that assists performance improvement through management and administration, not solely through direct athlete performance services. Establishing a common approach to high performance management is essential for performance development personnel to progress and enhance training quality for the athlete and staff here in the United States. KEYWORDS: Sport Management, High Performance, Leadership, Model, Olympics Jon Gregory Hill (Name of Student) 05/07/2021 Date High Performance: Exploratory Study into the High Performance Model and Qualitative Secondary Analysis of Elite Sport Management in the United States By Jon Gregory Hill Dr. Heather Erwin Director of Dissertation Dr. Melinda Ickes Director of Graduate Studies 05/07/2021 Date ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The following dissertation would have never been possible without the direction and guidance of several people. First, my Dissertation Chair, Dr. Heather Erwin, your support and constant positivity kept me on track. In addition, Dr. Beth Rous guided and taught me the research process, allowing me to inevitably accomplishing this goal. Next, I wish to thank the complete Dissertation Committee, and outside examiner, respectively: Dr. Mark G. Abel, Dr. Aaron Beighle, Dr. Marc Cormier, and Dr. Chris Morris. Each individual provided insights that guided my research, supported me throughout the process, and collectively are the reasons I am able to produce a finished product. In addition to the professionals listed above, I received equally important assistance from family and friends. My wife Jamie provided on-going support throughout the dissertation process. Without her love and encouragement, this never would have happened. To my mother, who is the reason I’m here today, I love you more than you will ever know. To my father, Pops, I wish you could have seen this. My sister and brother, you have always had my back, believed I could do anything, and loved me like no other siblings could. You will call me doctor. To all of my family, I have the biggest and strongest fan club a man could possibly ask for. Finally, I wish to thank the participants of my study. The elite sport professionals who took the time to talk to a student and inevitably made this happen. Thank you. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................ iii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................... iv List of Figures ................................................................................................................ vi Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................... 1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 1 Purpose and Significance of the Study ......................................................................... 3 Research Questions and Study Design Overview ......................................................... 3 Assumptions and Definitions of Terms ........................................................................ 4 Qualitative Research Methods ................................................................................. 4 Definition of Terms ................................................................................................. 5 Research Defined High Performance Management in Sport......................................... 6 Defining High Performance ..................................................................................... 9 Defining High Performance Management .............................................................. 10 Defining the ‘Model’ of High Performance ........................................................... 10 Defining Sport Science(s) ...................................................................................... 11 Study Limitations ...................................................................................................... 12 Dissertation Organization