As part of the approval process, I also completed and prepared the required documentation including participant information sheets, consent forms, interview questions, and data management procedures. Gaining ethical approval was significant because it ensured that the research would be carried out professionally, responsibly, and in line with university research standards. It also increased my confidence as a researcher and marked the transition from the planning stage of the dissertation into the practical stage of collecting real qualitative data from participants.

The proforma sheet also helped me think more critically about the practical side of the research process, including participant selection, ethical considerations, interview planning, and data analysis methods. By completing it, I was able to demonstrate that my project had a clear direction and that the research methods chosen were appropriate for answering my dissertation question.

Overall, the proforma acted as a foundation for the rest of the dissertation and helped guide the development of my study before beginning the main stages of ethical approval, participant recruitment, and data collection.

The information sheet also explained participants’ rights throughout the research process, including their right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason. In addition, it outlined how confidentiality, anonymity, and data protection would be maintained to ensure that all participants felt comfortable and protected during the research process.

Creating the participant information sheet was important because it helped ensure that the research followed ethical guidelines and allowed participants to make a fully informed decision before taking part. It also demonstrated professionalism and helped build trust between myself as the researcher and the participants involved in the study.

Completing the transcripts was also important because it ensured that all participant responses were accurately recorded and organised for thematic analysis. During the transcription process, I carefully listened to each interview multiple times to ensure the information was captured as accurately as possible. All participant identities remained anonymous throughout the transcripts by using pseudonyms and removing any identifying details.

This stage of the research was valuable because it marked the transition from data collection into data analysis and gave me a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives shared by the participants involved in the study.

The interview questions were designed around key themes linked to the research topic, including policy interpretation, social inclusion, coaching practice, challenges faced by coaches, and the balance between inclusion and performance expectations. Open-ended questions were used to encourage detailed responses and allow participants to speak freely about their experiences and opinions. Additional probing questions were also prepared to help explore important points further if needed during the interviews.

Completing the interview schedule helped improve the organisation and structure of the data collection process and ensured that all participants would be asked questions relevant to the research question. It also helped me prepare as a researcher by increasing my confidence before conducting the interviews and ensuring that the discussions would generate meaningful qualitative data for the study.

The consent form also outlined participants’ rights throughout the research process, including their right to withdraw from the study at any time without needing to provide a reason. In addition, it confirmed that all information shared during the interviews would remain confidential and anonymous, with pseudonyms being used to protect participants’ identities. The form also included consent for audio recording during the interviews to allow accurate transcription and analysis of the data Completing the participant consent form was important because it ensured that the research followed ethical guidelines and university requirements. It also demonstrated professionalism and helped ensure that participants felt informed, comfortable, and protected throughout the research process.

📚 Key Focus: Methodology, thematic analysis, interviews, ethics

References used:

• Braun, V. and Clarke, V. (2006) – Thematic Analysis

• Braun, V., Clarke, V. and Weate, P. (2016) – Sport & Exercise Thematic Analysis

• Merriam, S.B. and Tisdell, E.J. (2015) – Qualitative Research Design

• Silverman, D. (2016) – Doing Qualitative Research

• Sparkes, A.C. and Smith, B. (2014) – Qualitative Methods in Sport

• Tracy, S.J. (2018; 2019) – Qualitative Data Analysis & Methods

• Orb, A., Eisenhauer, L. and Wynaden, D. (2001) – Research Ethics

📍 Where sources were accessed:

• Google Scholar searches (e.g. “thematic analysis Braun Clarke”, “qualitative research methods sport”)

• Manchester Metropolitan University library databases

• SAGE, Wiley & Routledge eBook platforms via university access

🎯 Purpose in dissertation:
Used to guide research design, interview structure, thematic coding, ethical considerations, and analysis process.

📚 Key Focus: Coaching models, coaching practice, athlete development

References used:

• Cushion, C.J., Armour, K.M. and Jones, R.L. (2006) – Coaching process models

• Lyle, J. and Cushion, C. (2017) – Sports Coaching Concepts

• Nelson, L., Groom, R. and Potrac, P. (2014) – Coaching research methods

📍 Where sources were accessed:

• Google Scholar (e.g. “sports coaching Cushion Jones models”, “Lyle sports coaching concepts”)

• Routledge coaching textbooks via MMU library access

• University reading lists (Sports Coaching modules)

🎯 Purpose in dissertation:
Used to explain coaching behaviours, coaching frameworks, and applied coaching practice in sport.

References used:

• Coalter, F. (2007) – Social role of sport

• Spaaij, R., Magee, J. and Jeanes, R. (2014) – Sport & social exclusion

• Sport England (2021) – Uniting the Movement report

📍 Where sources were accessed:

• Google Scholar (e.g. “sport social impact Coalter”, “sport exclusion Spaaij”)

• Routledge academic books via university library

• Sport England official website (policy report download)

🎯 Purpose in dissertation:
Used to analyse how sport contributes to health, inclusion, and wider social and community outcomes.

📚 Key Focus: Boxing identity, masculinity, sport culture

References used:

• Woodward, K. (2008) – Boxing, Masculinity and Identity

📍 Where source was accessed:

• Google Scholar (search: “boxing masculinity identity Woodward”)

• Routledge ebook via MMU university library

🎯 Purpose in dissertation:
Used to explore athlete identity, masculinity in boxing, and cultural meaning of combat sports.