Performance and healthcare team processes and structure impact player availability in professional men's football

To determine whether the structures and processes of an English Championship football club's performance and healthcare team (PHCT) were associated with player availability (PA) during periods of match congestion (≤3 days between matches).

This sequential explanatory mixed-method case study included 10 practitioners from the PHCT. Participants completed team process/structure questionnaires two times per month during the 2017-2018 season. PA and match frequency data were provided by the PHCT, who also participated in a postseason focus group. Associations between PA and team structures/processes were assessed using Pearson correlations. Framework analysis was used to explore PHCT perceptions of teamwork effectiveness. Results synthesis was guided by the Integrated Team Effectiveness Model.

Mean PA during match congestion was 78.1% (95% bias-corrected and accelerated bootstrap CI (BCa): 76.2%, 80.4%) compared with 84.2% (95% BCa: 80.6%, 87.3%) during uncongested periods. There were significant associations between match frequency and PA (r= -0.68; 95% BCa: 0.32, 0.93; p=0.008) and PHCT processes and PA (r=0.53; 95% BCa: 0.09, 0.89; p=0.035). Having more PHCT meetings (r=0.46; BCa 95%: 0.22, 0.82; p=0.048) and greater satisfaction with those meetings (r=0.41; BCa 95%: 0.04, 0.07; p=0.043) were associated with higher PA, irrespective of match frequency. During match congestion, the PHCT reported that resource and task coordination issues negatively impacted their processes.

Match congestion was associated with disruptions to PHCT processes and structure, with negative implications for PA.