Aim: This study evaluated the effects of plyometric training with different set configurations on sprint speed, change of direction (COD), jump performance, and perceived exertion in youth football players. Method: Twenty-four U-19 players were randomized into three groups: Cluster Set (CLS, n = 8), Traditional Set (TRD, n = 8), and Control (CON, n = 8). CLS performed 8–10 sets of 2–3 repetitions, while TRD completed 2–3 sets of 8–10 repetitions in an 8-week plyometric program (2 sessions/week). The CON group did not train. Performance measures included 10 m, 20 m, and 30 m sprints, COD, Counter Movement Jump (CMJ), Reactive Strength Index (RSI), and Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE). A repeated measures ANOVA analyzed group*time interactions. Results: Significant improvements were observed in CLS and TRD groups for sprints (10 m: f = 21.44; 20 m: f = 19.40; 30 m: f = 49.56; p < 0.001), COD (f = 14.66; p < 0.001), CMJ (f = 51.50; p < 0.001), and RSI (f = 24.91; p < 0.001). No changes occurred in CON (p > 0.05). Conclusions: CLS and TRD plyometric training improved sprint speed, COD, and jump performance, with CLS showing slightly superior results and better fatigue management.

Background: This study aimed to determine the effect of the Nordic hamstring curl training (NHCT) program on athletic performance elements such as linear speed, change of direction (COD), jump performance (CMJ), and eccentric muscle strength (Nordic Hamstring Curl Breaking Point Angle—NHCBP) in young football players. Methods: The study group consisted of 40 male football players who were actively trained and had no previous eccentric training experience or reported any injuries. The participants were randomly divided into a training group (TG = 20) and a control group (CG = 20). The TG performed the NHCT program twice a week for eight weeks, in addition to their standard football training. The CG continued with standard football training. Results: The study findings revealed no statistically significant differences in the interaction between group and time in 10, 20, and 30 m sprint performance. However, statistically significant differences were found in CMJ performance in terms of group–time interaction (F = 19.99, p < 0.001, η² = 0.52), COD (F = 11.10, p < 0.004, η² = 0.38), and NHCBP (F = 6.14; p < 0.02; η² = 0.25). After the eight-week NHCT program, the experimental group showed improvements of 18% in CMJ performance, 8% in COD performance, and 25% in NHCBP performance. Conclusions: The NHCT program significantly increased hamstring muscle strength in football players, and this increase positively affected players’ linear speed and change of direction performance. NHCT has the potential to enhance athletic performance in football.

In this study, the influence of mental well-being on the decision-making styles of basketball referees was examined. This descriptive study was conducted using a screening model. Active field referees within the Turkish Basketball Federation for the 2023-2024 season were included in the study. Due to the ongoing basketball season, the sample was formed using a convenience sampling method. Of the referees participating in the study, 86.4% (n: 342) were male and 13.6% (n: 54) were female. Among these referees, 7.6% were Class A, 14.6% were Class B, 46.7% were Class C, and 31.1% were local referees. The average age of the participating referees was 27.85, with an average refereeing experience of 7.77 years. For data collection, a personal information form, the "Melbourne Decision Making Scale" adapted to Turkish by Deniz (2004), and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) developed by Keldal (2015), were utilized. Data analysis involved using t-tests for pairwise comparisons, Pearson's correlation coefficient for determining relationships between variables, and multiple linear regression. The study found no significant difference between referees' genders regarding decision-making styles and mental well-being. A positive and significant relationship was found between referees' age and experience with self-respect in decision-making and mental well-being. A negative relationship was observed between the referees' age and experience with buck-pasing, procrastination, and hypervigilance. There was a positive and significant relationship between basketball referees' levels of mental well-being, self-respect, and vigilant. A negative and significant relationship was found between mental well-being and avoidant, procrastinating, and panic decision-making styles. This suggests a strong relationship between mental well-being and decision-making styles. Key Words: Referee, Basketball, Decision Making, Mental Well-being

Referees are important in ensuring justice, continuity, and integrity in sporting events, with their performance shaped by both technical and physical skills as well as psychological characteristics. This research examines how self-efficacy, emotion management, decision-making style, and physical self-esteem impact performance among top basketball referees. Data were gathered from 58 Class-B referees within the Turkish Basketball Federation during the 2024–2025 season via standardized psychometric instruments in conjunction with official end-of-season performance metrics. A systematic machine learning methodology was used, including three experimental stages: feature selection using p-values, correlation analysis, and dimensionality reduction using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The model, including characteristics selected through correlation analysis, had superior performance, achieving a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 3.930 and an R² value of 0.879, indicating a robust predictive link between psychological factors and referee performance. These results highlight the predictive significance of psychological preparedness, namely self-efficacy and emotion management, and illustrate the utility of data-driven feature selection in enhancing model accuracy. This study proposes the incorporation of psychological evaluation in referee development initiatives and underscores the promise of machine learning in improving talent discovery and performance assessment in sports officiating.