Competitive Swimming Careers through the Life Course

Abstract

Using a convenience sample of 299 Masters swimmers, we examined the timing of youthful and adult phases of competitive swimming careers. Gender similarities and differences in the ages of youthful entry and exits and of adult resumption were identified. The ages associated with phases of swimming careers corresponded with age norms for participation in nonsport careers (educational, occupational, and familial) for males and married females.

Career Transitions and Career Termination

“…The causes are slightly different from those for professionals. The main group of causes is finishing education and planning an occupational career; this means that jobrelated concerns are the main reasons (Greendorfer & Blinde, 1985;Hastings, Meyer, & Kurth, 1989). A number of studies point to the importance of distinguishing between free choice and forced retirement and between planned and unplanned retirement.…”

“…In contrast, jobrelated reasons and family planning are typical causes for voluntary and planned retirement (Alfermann & Groß, 1998;Alfermann et al, 2004). Psychological causes-time constraints, loss of motivation, lack of support, and feeling " the time is ripe"-may also contribute to the decision to end the career (Hastings et al, 1989;Mayer, 1995;Sands, 1978;Sinclair & Orlick, 1994).…”

'This is The End, My Beautiful Friend!': lazer sério e o fim da carreira

“…Um dos aspectos que destacaram é o fato desses modelos não incluírem as pausas e interrupções possíveis. Essas descontinuidades na carreira (Hastings, Kurth;Meyers, 1989, p. 278, tradução nossa) poderiam se dar pela prioridade orientada a outra carreira, de forma permanente ou temporária -a essa última forma, Hastings e Meyers (1989, p. 278, tradução autoral), nomearam de "dormente", em vez de "terminal", como tipicamente era representada.…”

“…Para Hastings, Kurth e Meyers (1989), a reentrada na carreira ou reassunção dela ocorria "[...] quando as demandas de outras carreiras diminuem, ou as prioridades se deslocam, ou os recursos mudam" (Hastings;Kurth;Meyers, 1989, p. 279, tradução autoral). Ainda, segundo os autores, a inclusão de fases de "dormência" e "reentrada" facilitavam a análise do movimento entre as carreiras, bem como a mudança de padrões de envolvimento na carreira esportiva durante o curso de vida (Hastings;Kurth;Meyers, 1989, p. 279, tradução nossa).…”

“…Ainda, segundo os autores, a inclusão de fases de "dormência" e "reentrada" facilitavam a análise do movimento entre as carreiras, bem como a mudança de padrões de envolvimento na carreira esportiva durante o curso de vida (Hastings;Kurth;Meyers, 1989, p. 279, tradução nossa).…”