Amatör Sporcuların Ekonomik Zorluk Düzeyleri Üzerine Araştırma

Abstract

Bu araştırma, Gaziantep ilinde faaliyet gösteren amatör sporcuların ekonomik zorluk algılarını ve bu algıların çeşitli demografik değişkenlerle ilişkisini incelemeyi amaçlamıştır. Çalışma, betimsel tarama modeli kapsamında gerçekleştirilmiş olup, evreni 4.935 faal sporcu oluşturmuştur. Kolay örnekleme yöntemiyle ulaşılan 255 amatör sporcudan veriler, “Kişisel Bilgi Formu” ve Ilbak ve ark., 2025 tarafından geliştirilen “Sporcularda Ekonomik Zorluklar Ölçeği” kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Verilerin analizi SPSS 22.0 programında t-testi ve ANOVA teknikleriyle gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre, sporcuların ekonomik zorluk algıları üzerinde en belirleyici faktör gelir düzeyidir. Aylık bireysel veya ailevi geliri 30.000 TL ve altında olan sporcular, yüksek gelir gruplarına kıyasla anlamlı derecede daha yüksek ekonomik zorluk algısına sahiptir. Çalışmanın en dikkat çekici bulgusu, ailesiyle birlikte yaşayan sporcuların, yalnız yaşayanlara oranla daha yüksek düzeyde ekonomik zorluk algısına sahip olmasıdır. Bu durum, sporcuların sadece kendi masraflarını değil, içinde bulundukları hanenin genel ekonomik kısıtlılıklarını da içselleştirdiğini göstermektedir. Buna karşın; cinsiyet, yaş, spor türü (bireysel/takım) ve sporculuk geçmişi gibi değişkenlerin ekonomik zorluk algısı üzerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir fark yaratmadığı saptanmıştır. Bu sonuçlar, ekonomik sıkıntıların amatör spor camiasının bütününe yayılan, bireysel özelliklerden bağımsız, sistematik ve kronik bir sorun haline geldiğine işaret etmektedir. Elde edilen veriler, amatör sporculukta sürdürülebilir bir finansal temelden yoksun olunmasının, genç yeteneklerin profesyonelleşemeden sporu bırakmalarına neden olabilecek ciddi bir risk faktörü olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır.

Keywords

• Amatör sporcu
• ekonomik zorluk
• ekonomik zorluklar ölçeği
• finansal baskı

Research on the Economic Difficulty Levels of Amateur Athletes

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the perceptions of economic difficulties among amateur athletes active in Gaziantep Province and the relationship between these perceptions and various demographic variables. The study was conducted using a descriptive survey design, with a population of 4,935 active athletes. Data from 255 amateur athletes reached through convenience sampling were collected using the “Personal Information Form” and the “Economic Hardship Scale for Athletes” developed by Ilbak et al., 2025. Data analysis was performed using t-tests and ANOVA techniques in SPSS 22.0. According to the research findings, the most significant factor influencing athletes’ perceptions of economic hardship is income level. Athletes with a monthly individual or household income of 30,000 TL or less report a significantly higher perception of economic hardship compared to those in higher-income groups. The most striking finding of the study is that athletes living with their families have a higher level of perceived economic hardship compared to those living alone. This indicates that athletes internalize not only their own expenses but also the general economic constraints of the household in which they live. In contrast, it was determined that variables such as gender, age, sport type (individual/team), and athletic background do not create a statistically significant difference in the perception of economic hardship. These results indicate that economic difficulties have become a systematic and chronic problem affecting the entire amateur sports community, independent of individual characteristics. The data reveal that the lack of a sustainable financial foundation in amateur sports constitutes a serious risk factor that could lead young talents to abandon the sport before turning professional.

Keywords

• Amateur athlete
• economic hardship
• economic hardship scale
• financial pressure

References

1. Ackeret, N., Röthlin, P., & Horvath, S. (2024). Factors contributing to elite athletes’ mental health in the junior-to-senior transition: A mixed methods study. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 73, 102645. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychsport.2024.102645
2. Akoğlu, H. E., İnce, U., Turhan, F. H., & Balcı, V. (2025). Yerel futbol kulüplerinde ekonomik zorluklar ve sponsorluk süreci: Küçük ölçekli bir inceleme. Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 19(2), 233. https://doi.org/10.61962/bsd.1723733
3. Al, E., & Güven, Ö. (2020). Researches on socio-economic problems of athlete students. Uluslararası Hakemli Akademik Spor Sağlık ve Tıp Bilimleri Dergisi, 37, 0. https://doi.org/10.17363/sstb.2020.37.1
4. Allison-Abaunza, A., & Woodburn, A. (2024). “The truth? I play a lot with my credit card”: A multiple-case study regarding financial challenges in families with youth participating in competitive soccer. Journal of Sport and Social Issues, 49(1), 40. https://doi.org/10.1177/01937235241305132
5. Altın, M., & Özsarı, A. (2017). The moral decision making attitudes of the athletes attending to sport training centers. International Journal of Cultural and Social Studies (IntJCSS), 3(1), 133-145. https://izlik.org/JA33PE84YC
6. Atalay, A. (2016). The analysis on sport attitudes of students at high school education in Turkey. Educational Research and Reviews, 11(5), 194. https://doi.org/10.5897/err2015.2613
7. Barth, M., Schlesinger, T., & Pitsch, W. (2022). Is professional soccer a risk for their “lives afterwards”? A social-sciences-based examination of retired professional soccer players from a long-term perspective. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 15(12), 609. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm15120609
8. Baştuğ, G., Beyhan, R., Karaçavuş, H., Heb, S., & Salman, F. (2021). Profesyonel sporcularda fiziksel, psikolojik, ekonomik ve cinsel şiddetin cinsiyet değişkenine göre incelenmesi. Eurasian Research in Sport Science, 6(1), 64. https://doi.org/10.29228/eriss.6

9. Büyüköztürk, Ş., Çakmak, E. K., Akgün, Ö. E., Karadeniz, Ş., & Demirel, F. (2017). Bilimsel araştırma yöntemleri. In Ankara Pegem Akademi Yayıncılık eBooks. https://doi.org/10.14527/9789944919289
10. Carlson, K., Kim, J., Lusardi, A., & Camerer, C. F. (2015). Bankruptcy rates among NFL players with short-lived income spikes. American Economic Review, 105(5), 381-384. https://doi.org/10.3386/w21085
11. Çoban, Ü., Alpman, P., & Moghanlou, A. E. (2025). Spor bilimleri öğrencilerinin ekonomik geleceklerine yönelik tutumları. Yalova Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi., 4(2), 38. https://doi.org/10.70007/yalovaspor.1652167
12. Diler, K., & Yılmaz, M. (2025). Examining the attitudes of university students in Syria-Jarabulus and Turkey-Gaziantep towards sports. Mediterranean Journal of Sport Science, 8(3), 526-536. DOI: https://doi.org/10.38021asbid.1725616
13. Gaziantep Gençlik ve Spor İl Müdürlüğü. (2025-2026). İstatistikler. 15 Mart 2026 tarihinde, saat 14:00'te erişildi, https://gaziantep.gsb.gov.tr/Sayfalar/175/105/Istatistikler/
14. García-Naveira, A., Fernández, M. D. G., Gil-Caselles, L., & Acebes-Sánchez, J. (2025). La retirada del deporte en el siglo XXI: una revisión sistemática de alcance. Retos, 73, 663. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v73.117388
15. Gaston, L. (2018). The Quad-Lemma: how the Rugby Players Association Benevolent Fund was establish to address the welfare needs in the professional format of rugby union. Sport in Society, 22(3), 462. https://doi.org/10.1080/17430437.2018.1504770
16. Golyk, V. (2025). Investment strategies for athletes, considering the specifics of their career path and income instability. Економічний Форум, 15(2) 67-79. https://doi.org/10.62763/ef/2.2025.67
17. Günakan, A. (2023). Amatör spor dallarında yönetimsel ve ekonomik sorunlar: Yüzme, atletizm ve cimnastik (Yüksek lisans tezi). Marmara Üniversitesi, Sağlık Bilimleri Enstitüsü, İstanbul. https://tez.yok.gov.tr/UlusalTezMerkezi/tezSorguSonucYeni.jsp
18. Günakan, A., & Zelyurt, M. K. (2021). Amatör spor dallarında yönetimsel ve ekonomik sorunlar: atletizm örneği. Sportif Bakış: Spor ve Eğitim Bilimleri Dergisi, 8(1), 55-85. https://doi.org/10.33468/sbsebd.154
19. Hong, H. J., & Fraser, I. (2021). ‘My sport won’t pay the bills forever’: High-performance athletes’ Need for financial literacy and self-management. Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 14(7), 324. https://doi.org/10.3390/jrfm14070324
20. Hsuan, A., Alger, A., Giovanni, M., Berman, T. D., & Silliman, K. (2025). Food insecurity among NCAA student athletes at a NCAA Division II university. Journal of American College Health, 73(10), 3776. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2025.2472206
21. Hulst, M. (2019). Amateur sport participation and the development of athletes (Master’s thesis). Dordt University, Graduate Education Department. Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.dordt.edu/med_theses/134
22. Ilbak, I., Akarsu, M., Düz, S., Karadenizli, Z. İ., Yasuntimur, A., & Akarsu, Z. (2025). Sporcularda ekonomik zorluklar ölçeği (sezö): güvenirlik ve geçerlik çalışması. Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 19(3), 96. https://doi.org/10.61962/bsd.1707035
23. Kaburakis, A. (2006). International prospective student-athletes and NCAA Division I amateurism. International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing, 2(1-2), 100-118. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijsmm.2007.011393
24. Kapri, E., Singh, K., & Mehta, M. P. (2023). A qualitative analysis of the economic profile of athletes. International Journal of Physical Education Sports and Health, 10(1), 29. https://doi.org/10.22271/kheljournal.2023.v10.i1a.2749
25. Karasar, N. (2024). Bilimsel irade algı çerçevesi ile bilimsel araştırma yöntemi: Kavramlar ilkeler teknikler. Nobel Yayın Dağıtım.
26. Kirk, D., Carlson, T., O’connor, A., Burke, P., Davis, K. A., & Glover, S. H. (1997). The economic impact on families of children’s participation in junior sport. PubMed, 29(2), 27. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJSMM.2007.011393
27. Koçeroğlu, R., Karaduman, B., Durmuş, B., & Ünlü, Ç. (2024). Spor bilimleri fakültesi öğrencilerinin akademik başarılarının umutsuzluk düzeyi ve gelecek kaygısı üzerine etkisi. Göbeklitepe Eğitim ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 3(1), 1-10. https://izlik.org/JA38RF62MF
28. Koyunlu, A., & Eroğlu, H. (2025). Investigation of the relationship between lower extremity anthropometric characteristics and some selected physical and physiological parameters of volleyball players in the university team. Research in Sport Education and Sciences, 27(4), 289-300. https://doi.org/10.62425/rses.1696027
29. Kubal, D., & Çankaya, S. (2024). Futbolcuların yaşam becerileri ve psikolojik ihtiyaçlar durumunun incelenmesi. Kilis 7 Aralık Üniversitesi Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 8(2), 180-195. https://izlik.org/JA34AH57HF
30. Küttel, A., Storm, L. K., Stambulova, N., & Henriksen, K. (2024). Threatening and nurturing mental health: Insights from Danish elite athletes on the dynamic interplay of factors associated with their mental health. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 6, 1451617. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2024.1451617 Lakisa, D., Adair, D., & Taylor, T. (2014). Pasifika Diaspora and the changing face of australian rugby league. The Contemporary Pacific/The contemporary Pacific (Online), 26(2), 347. https://doi.org/10.1353/cp.2014.0029
31. Li, R., Guo, X., Liang, Y., An, Y., Xu, M., & Zhang, B. (2023). The relationship between cumulative family risk and athlete burnout among Chinese college athletes: the mediating role of negative affect. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1251663. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1251663
32. Dos Santos, A. L. P. (2015). The perception of condition and quality of life of athletes. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 15(2), 229-237 https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2015.02036
33. Mannes, Z. L., Waxenberg, L. B., Cottler, L. B., Perlstein, W. M., Burrell II, L. E., Ferguson, E. G., ... & Ennis, N. (2019). Prevalence and correlates of psychological distress among retired elite athletes: A systematic review. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 12(1), 265-294. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984x.2018.1469162
34. Manso, J. M. G., Ardiles, E. A., González, J. M. M., Ramos-Verde, E., Díaz-Díaz, R., García-Roca, J. A., Martínez-González, A., Manuel, J., & Manso, G. (2020). What makes Elite Leagues Professional? (¿Qué hace diferentes a las grandes ligas profesionales?). Cultura Ciencia y Deporte, 15(45), 303-311. https://doi.org/10.12800/ccd.v15i45.1508
35. Marsters, C., & Tiatia-Seath, J. (2019). Young Pacific male athletes’ experiences of mental wellbeing in elite rugby union and rugby league (pp. 247-272). ANU Press https://doi.org/10.22459/py.2019.11
36. Mergan, B., & Kargün, M. (2022). Mental toughness in athlete students: The predictive role of psychological skills and the ınvestigation of the relationship between them according to some variables. Ondokuz Mayis University Journal of Education Faculty, 41(2), 639-658. https://izlik.org/JA72EY95HW
37. Miksza, P., Shaw, J. T., Kapalka Richerme, L., Hash, P. M., Hodges, D. A., & Cassidy Parker, E. (2023). Quantitative descriptive and correlational research. Music education research, 12(3), 241-262. https://doi.org/10.1093/oso/9780197639757.003.0012
38. Mogaji, E., Badejo, A., Charles, S. M., & Millisits, J. (2021). Financial well-being of sportswomen. International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, 13(2), 299. https://doi.org/10.1080/19406940.2021.1903530
39. Nugroho, A., Endang, R., Purwanto, S., Hariono, A., Pranoto, W., & Abidin, Z. (2023). Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 23(12). https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2023.12377
40. Okumuş, A. (2010). Bilimsel Araştırma Teknikleri. İstanbul Üniversitesi Açık ve Uzaktan Eğitim Fakültesi Yayınları https://avys.omu.edu.tr/storage/app/public/azize.celenli/145604/bilimselarastirmateknikleri.pdf
41. Öztürk, O. (2022). Amatör spor branşlarına sahip milli sporcularda kariyer planlama süreçlerinin incelenmesi. Kafkas Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 2(1), 1-15. https://izlik.org/JA67NB23EW
42. Pavlidis, G., & Gargalianos, D. (2014). Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 14(2), 293 https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2014.02044
43. Pepe, O., & Arısoy, A. (2023). Futbolcuların sosyal güvenlikleri ile ilgili farkındalıklarının bazı değişkenler açısından incelenmesi. Yalvaç Akademi Dergisi, 8(1), 117-124. https://izlik.org/JA62GF35MW
44. Popovych, I., Rodchenkova, I., Lukjanchenko, M., Yurkiv, Y., Bilous, R., Шевченко, Н., & Hoian, I. (2024). Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 24(3), 521-532. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2024.03063
45. Resperger, V., Kapros, A., & Berki, T. (2025). Survey of workplace stressors among Hungarian elite athletes. Frontiers in Psychology, 16, 1637069. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1637069
46. Rubin, L. M., Joseph, M., Lutter, S., Roberts, D., & Jones, J. (2021). Enhancing financial literacy among college athletes. Journal of Athlete Development and Experience, 3(2), 1. https://doi.org/10.25035/jade.03.02.01
47. Ryskin, P., Kocheryan, M., & Davydova, E. (2019). Self-identification features of professional athletes in modern Russia. Journal of Physical Education and Sport, 19(2), 1118-1125. https://doi.org/10.7752/jpes.2019.02162
48. Sanders, P., & Winter, S. (2016). Going pro: Exploring adult triathletes’ transitions into elite sport. Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology, 5(3), 193. https://doi.org/10.1037/spy0000058
49. Sarıkol, E., & Hoşver, P. U. (2023). Spor bilimleri fakültesi öğrencilerinin iş bulma kaygı düzeylerinin çeşitli değişkenlere göre incelenmesi. Düzce Üniversitesi Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 3(1), 106-111. https://izlik.org/JA25DF27PG
50. Şengül, M. B. (2025). Spor bilimleri fakültesi öğrencilerinin iş bulma kaygı düzeylerinin incelenmesi. Spor Eğitimi ve Bilim, 1(1), 39-45. https://izlik.org/JA43YG77BK
51. Şimşek, B., Soykan, O., & Kartal, A. (2024). Examination of depression, anxiety and stress levels of sports sciences students according to different variables. Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 18(2), 106-131. https://izlik.org/JA66GG63HA
52. Sulz, L., Gleddie, D., Kinsella, C., & Humbert, M. L. (2022). The health and educational impact of removing financial constraints for school sport. European Physical Education Review, 29(1), 3-21. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356336x221104909
53. Taherdoost, H. (2016). Sampling methods in research methodology; How to choose a sampling technique for research. International Journal of Academic Research in Management, 5(2), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3205035
54. Taniyev, O., Ishaq, F., & Gordon, B. S. (2018). Investigating the differences in twitter content and effectiveness between ındividual and team sport athletes. International Journal of Business Administration, 9(4), 89. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijba.v9n4p89
55. Teh, R., & Vasanthi, R. K. (2022). Los efectos de individual vs. Deportes de equipo sobre estrés percibido, ansiedad deportiva y motivación deportiva entre atletas juveniles competitivos. Journal of sport and health research, 14(3), 14. https://doi.org/10.58727/jshr.96641
56. Tekin, Y., Mucuk, B., & Sunay, H. (2016). Türkiye’de amatör sporcu olmak. SPORMETRE Beden Eğitimi ve Spor Bilimleri Dergisi, 14(2), 183-190. https://izlik.org/JA89KF53XH
57. Thibaut, E., Eakins, J., Willem, A., & Scheerder, J. (2020). Financial barriers for sports consumption: the dynamics of the income–expenditure relation. Sport Business and Management An International Journal, 10(3), 245-261 https://doi.org/10.1108/sbm-04-2019-0026
58. Topuz, R. (2019). Evaluation of moral decision making attitudes of football ınfrastructure athletes between ages of 11-18. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 7, 77. https://doi.org/10.11114/jets.v7i3s.4091
59. Westerbeek, H., Eime, R., & Owen, K. (2025). The costs of participation in and delivery of community sport in Australia—a narrative review. Frontiers in Sports and Active Living, 7, 1641527. https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2025.1641527
60. Wicker, P., Breuer, C., & Dallmeyer, S. (2021). The gender earnings gap among elite athletes in semi-professional sports. Managing Sport and Leisure, 28(6), 583-600. https://doi.org/10.1080/23750472.2021.1944819
61. Yamaguchi, T., Kitahara, A., Sato, K., & Mimura, M. (2023). Differences in mental health characteristics of athletes in japanese outpatient clinics pre- and post-covid-19: a Cross-sectional Observational Study. Research Square (Research Square). p.1-23. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3674168/v1
62. Yaman, M. S., Çakır, Z., Çatıkkaş, F., Türkmen, M., Şengönül, A., Gönen, M., Öktem, T., Güzel, S., & Yel, K. (2026). Physical activity, technology use, and AI anxiety among university students: Associations with academic integrity attitudes. SAGE Open, 16(3), 1–28. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440261482059
63. Yılmaz, M., & Abakay, U. (2025). Üniversite Öğrencilerinin Narsist Kişilik Yapılarının İncelenmesi: Spor Bilimleri Örneği. Spor ve Rekreasyon Araştırmaları Dergisi, 7(2), 61-69. https://doi.org/10.52272/srad.1723966
64. Zelyurt, M. K., & Ataçocuğu, M. Ş. (2016). Problems of amateur football: a qualitative methodological review. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education Research, 2(4), 1148-1160. https://izlik.org/JA94EJ98LZ