Synthesizing Effective Factors Contributing to Chaos in Stadiums during Matches: A Sequential Mixed Approach (Meta-synthesis - DEMATLE)

Abstract

IntroductionOrder in the realm of sports, particularly in team sports like football, volleyball, and basketball, plays a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of society, particularly among teenagers and young adults (Nazari et al., 2018). Stadiums serve as prominent social arenas (Yildirim, 2017) where one can witness both order and discipline, alongside breaches of norms, various forms of violence, and chaos. Given the increasing significance of sports activities, especially football, in society, particularly among the younger generation, and recognizing that the factors contributing to anomalies and chaos in stadiums intersect with other social elements, such as media influence, the presence of unofficial spectator groups and fans, premeditated disturbances during matches, and ethnic inclinations, it is crucial to understand the key areas influencing abnormal behavior, violence, and aggression in sports settings and devise specialized measures for their control. As no prior research has explored the interrelationships between the variables influencing stadium chaos and the cause-and-effect dynamics among these variables, the aim of this study was to conduct a research synthesis of the effective factors in stadium chaos during matches using a sequential mixed approach (meta-synthesis-DEMATLE). "Social disorder" is one of the social factors influencing the occurrence of abnormal spectator behavior in sporting events (Elahi Menesh and Masoumi, 2017). Many sports spectators perceive collusion, cheating, disregard for the law, a win-at-all-costs mentality, and sensationalizing matches to attract more spectators as commonplace in sports environments, thereby undermining the importance of law and its observance. Materials & MethodsThis study was applied in nature, employing a sequential mixed (qualitative-quantitative) method to achieve its objectives. The initial phase involved gathering information through research synthesis with a focus on the meta-synthesis method, while the subsequent phase entailed analyzing relationships using a multivariate decision-making approach, emphasizing the DEMATLE technique. To conduct the meta-synthesis, Sandelowski and Barroso's 7-step method was employed. Discussion of Results & ConclusionThe analysis of factors contributing to social chaos in stadiums during matches revealed that comparative reasoning, team dependence on ethnicities, lack of meritocracy, external influences, politicization of sports, and weak legislation were integral components of the causal framework. The structure of effects in the occurrence of norm-breaking behaviors and chaos in stadiums also encompassed individual characteristics, unequal resource distribution, economic hardship, win-lose mentality, lack of consensus on values, institutional non-cooperation, global developments, and cultural transition.To mitigate abnormal spectator behavior, the following recommendations are proposed:Implementing punitive measures for offensive spectators to enhance compliance with behavioral norms, aligning with the perspectives of Simon (2010) and Emma (2013) and theories of social disorganization and social control.Systematically organizing the association of sports teams and clubs' fans, ensuring their meaningful and active involvement in developing an ethical code aligned with Iranian cultural norms.Establishing a systematic and ongoing process to identify and incentivize well-behaved and law-abiding spectators through fan centers with club and stadium managers providing facilities in accordance with legal standards for exemplary citizens.Forming a civilian policing unit from among the spectators overseen by the fan club and ensuring that appropriate arrangements are made for each match, emphasizing meticulous pre-match planning in accordance with regulations and standards.Discouraging coaches, managers, and players from promoting win-lose thinking as much as possible and emphasizing the participatory nature of sports and enjoyment of competition instead.Defining spectators' rights in sports environments, both pre- and during competitions based on behavioral indicators, speech, and interactions with officials and police and conducting public education sessions and educational workshops to impart these principles.

Keywords

• social unrest
• football spectators
• rules and regulations
• research synthesis