Category: Arts and Humanities
ORIGINAL
The managerial skills in the game of roll ball: an indigenous game of India
Las habilidades directivas en el juego de roll ball: un juego indígena de la India
Senthil K Nathan1,2 
*, A.
Sumathi3 *, Tharun S Raaghav4,5 *
1Associate Dean – Public Relations, SRMIST (Deemed to be University), Trichy, India.
2Roll Ball Sports Association of Trichy District, India.
3Department of Mathematics, Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College, Trichy, India.
4Karpagam Academy of Higher Education, Coimbatore, India.
5Roll Ball Medalist, School Games Federation of India.
Cite as: Nathan SK, Sumathi A, Raaghav TS. The managerial skills in the game of roll ball: an indigenous game of India. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología - Serie de Conferencias. 2024; 3:879. https://doi.org/10.56294/sctconf2024879
Submitted: 03-02-2024 Revised: 17-04-2024 Accepted: 10-06-2024 Published: 11-06-2024
Editor: Dr.
William Castillo-González
ABSTRACT
Roll Ball is an indigenous game of India. Roll Ball is a dynamic game blending roller skates, basketball, handball, and throwball, played between two teams of twelve players. The objective is to score goals within a set timeframe. It allows ball handling with one or both hands, bouncing repeatedly. Invented by Raju Dabhade in 2003, it’s governed by the International Roll Ball Federation, emphasizing balance, speed, accuracy, and teamwork. With six World Cup matches held, Roll Ball has garnered global attention and become a beloved sport among youth. In roll ball, referees have the authority to make decisions on the field, according to the rule of Roll Ball. The good or bad decision of a referee could change the result of the game. Refereeing is a very critical task. The role of referees and players on the field of play demonstrates many more managerial skills. Management is a term is meant not only for companies, but also for sports. This conceptual paper describes the managerial skills being utilized either knowingly or unknowingly by the players and referees.
Keywords: Indigenous Game; Managerial Skills; Roll Ball; Roller Skates; Skating.
RESUMEN
El Roll Ball es un juego autóctono de la India. Roll Ball es un juego dinámico que mezcla patines, baloncesto, balonmano y throwball, jugado entre dos equipos de doce jugadores. El objetivo es marcar goles en un tiempo determinado. Permite manejar el balón con una o ambas manos, botando repetidamente. Inventado por Raju Dabhade en 2003, está regido por la Federación Internacional de Roll Ball, y hace hincapié en el equilibrio, la velocidad, la precisión y el trabajo en equipo. Con seis partidos celebrados en la Copa del Mundo, el roll ball ha acaparado la atención mundial y se ha convertido en un deporte muy querido entre los jóvenes. En el Roll Ball, los árbitros tienen autoridad para tomar decisiones en el campo, según las reglas del Roll Ball. La buena o mala decisión de un árbitro puede cambiar el resultado del partido. El arbitraje es una tarea muy crítica. El papel de los árbitros y de los jugadores en el terreno de juego demuestra muchas más habilidades directivas. El término gestión no sólo se aplica a las empresas, sino también al deporte. Este artículo conceptual describe las habilidades directivas que utilizan, consciente o inconscientemente, los jugadores y los árbitros.
Palabras clave: Juego Indígena; Habilidades Directivas; Roll Ball; Patines de Ruedas; Patinaje.
INTRODUCTION
Roll Ball, a widely embraced sport originating from Asia, seamlessly integrates elements of basketball, throwball, handball, and roller sports. Played between two competing teams, it can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors on surfaces like wood or asphalt.(1,2,3) The Roll Ball World Cup, held biennially, stands as its premier global competition, reflecting its growing popularity across over 50 nations. Many international championships have been conducted including six World Cups, four Asian Championships and 4 South Asian Championships along with many international series. Roll Ball is getting popular and is being played in around 55 countries spread across 5 continents of Asia, Africa, South America, Europe and Oceania. More than 25 states in India have officially registered and participating in the national events every year.(4,5) Nearly 1300 players have participated in the national championship from various states of India(6,7,8,9) The 6th Roll Ball World cup held at Pune between April 21 and 26, 2023.(10) As a result, meeting the demands of coaches for the selection of suitable players at the international level based on their fundamental skill criteria has become critical.(11,12)
Roll Ball is a sport that has its roots in India and has gained popularity in various parts of the world. Unlike more mainstream sports, Roll Ball requires a blend of physical skill, teamwork, and effective management to excel at both the individual and team levels. Roll Ball is played on roller skates without stoppers. The primary objective for teams in Roll Ball is to outscore their opponents by effectively striking the ball into the opponent’s goalpost with skill and speed. Continuous ball bouncing, even during passes, is pivotal during matches, ensuring fluidity and strategic play throughout the game.(13) The success of Roll Ball teams, both at the national and international levels, is influenced not only by the athletic prowess of the players but also by the managerial skills of coaches, team managers, and other support personnel. Managerial skills are essential for almost all the games.(12) This paper aims to delve into the different aspects of managerial skills that contribute to the overall effectiveness of Roll Ball teams, thereby shedding light on the critical importance of effective management in sports. We explore the essential managerial skills that play a pivotal role in the success of Roll Ball teams, covering areas such as coaching, team management, logistics, refereeing and strategy, as(13) different levels of employees require different types of skills.
Origin of the Game
In the early 2000s, Mr. Raju R. Dabhade, a former skating champion in his childhood, sought to innovate with roller skates. This led to the inception of Roll Ball, a sport he discovered, combining roller skates with ball play. Recognized for his contribution, Dabhade was honored with the “Raja Mantri Puraskar” by Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Mr. Vilasrao Deshmukh, in 2005. The game gained global acceptance in 2003, prompting the establishment of the International Roll Ball Federation (IRBF). Subsequently, Roll Ball received recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Government of India. The inaugural Roll Ball World Cup took place in 2011. With minimal equipment requirements—roller skates, goalposts, playing ball, and protective gear—Roll Ball’s allure lies in team-based competition on roller skates, aiming to score goals. Each team comprises twelve players, with six on the field and six as substitutes.
Literature review
This section reviews existing literature on the managerial skills required in sports, with a specific focus on indigenous games Roll Ball.(10) In an era of globalized sports, where professional opportunities transcend borders and the European market emerges as a unified entity, there arises a pressing need for the cultivation of robust managerial skills and effective sports management practices. Such competencies serve as a guiding framework for professionals in the field, enhancing their performance and efficiency. The evolving landscape of sports demands well-motivated managers and administrators capable of exercising authority while upholding the values and meeting the demands of contemporary standards.
The game of Roll Ball, a unique sport indigenous to India, combines elements of roller skating and basketball. While it may not enjoy the same level of global recognition as cricket or field hockey, Roll Ball has garnered a dedicated following and achieved success in international competitions. However, the role of managerial skills in the game’s success has been a relatively unexplored area in sports research. This literature review aims to provide insights into the importance of managerial skills in Roll Ball and contextualize these skills within the broader field of sports management.
Managerial factors involved in the game of roll ball
Recruitment and Selection
The start of the game begins from the nomination of players as recruitment and selection takes place in the corporate arena.(14,15,16) In a firm or a company, recruitment and selection starts with scrutinizing the list of candidates applied for. The recruitment is based on the ability of the candidate and the suitability of the candidate towards the task (job). Likewise in Roll Ball, the selection of the player highly depends on the combination of various skills of players such as speed, balance, accuracy and stamina to compete with the opponent. Single department of employees may not alone earn profit to the firm, likewise single department (attack / defense / shoot / dribbling the ball, etc.) alone may not win the game. Thus selection of the players plays a vital role.(17,18,19)
Leadership
Khan(7) Leadership stains affect the follower’s performances regarding innovative work behavior in organisations. Likewise the captain of the game should have the leadership qualities in identifying the opponents’ strength and weakness. He should play as much of roles as he can, such as motivating the players, making timely right decisions, organizing, planning, staffing, controlling and what not. A single wrong decision would lead to the favourable result out of his hands. Leadership qualities start from staffing to the end of the game.
Interpersonal Skill
Tholia(20) Effective interpersonal communication is the cornerstone of organizational vitality. It is indispensable for the success of any enterprise, akin to the vital function of the circulatory system in the human body. Consequently, the efficacy of communication serves as a pivotal metric in evaluating the collective effectiveness of a group. Likewise, the player should have an interpersonal skill to get the information passed from him in the same tone to others as he expects. Proficiency in interpersonal interactions can significantly influence one’s success. Essential skills such as effective communication, conflict resolution, empathy, and persuasive diplomacy are pivotal in fostering positive relationships and achieving goals. These behavioral competencies play a vital role in distinguishing individuals and determining their level of success. These qualities will lead to signally (passing the ball, goal shooting, etc.), interacting among the players effectively.
Learning
Neelam(15) Lifelong learning has gained significant research attention world over because of its potential to enhance and ensure continuous improvement. As the theory goes “Learning is a continuous process”, even players require the same attitude to have a better output. They should be learners all the time. With the help of the coach they learn, from co-players (teammates) they learn, from the captain they learn. It is like an employee who learns, from superiors, peers and subordinates. According to(14) certain things can also be learnt through the technology.
Training and Development
Training and Development plays a vital role in the game Roll Ball.(10) The coach would be the trainer. The training requires the development of managerial skills and sports management serves as a foundational framework, offering guidance to professionals in the field. This enables them to enhance their performance and efficiency, providing a benchmark for excellence within the sports industry. They learn outside the field during practicing session, it is a kind of “Off the Field Training” (OFT). Even in on the field also they learn in the practice matches as “Simulation Training”. On the field (job) training is not possible, because the field of play (arena) is not a place to get trained, it is a place for execution. The players, goal keepers get regular training for their fitness, playing strategy and playing techniques.
Group Dynamics
It is very well known that individual output may not be enough to get succeeded in the show. Team work has more chance of success than the individual effort. More and more individual’s effort would lead to a grand success. Likewise neither goal keeper nor player (offender or defender) wins the match. It’s a team work. Even the effort generated out of individuals would be very much high,(8) explained how individuals within a group can exert influence through their actions, attitudes, and contributions, shaping the group dynamic and outcomes. Conversely, group-related factors such as cohesion and role structures can significantly impact individual members, influencing their behavior, satisfaction, and performance within the group. Strategies for team development interventions play a crucial role in fostering group success and enhancing members’ experiences by addressing issues related to communication, collaboration, leadership, and conflict resolution, ultimately promoting cohesion and productivity within the group.
Planning
In the management structure, planning is the part of the top level management, the process is of middle management and the execution is of bottom level workers. Here in the game of Roll Ball, it is slightly varied. Planning not only stops at the management level, even at the time of execution in on the field, planning is required then and there. Here planning includes not only a few players, almost all the players are made involved to get into the success of the game. If we take as an individual task regarding planning every player (offender, defender, goal keeper, coach and substitute) have it. Before the game starts, there are much more planning is needed (preparation is required) – such as ground touch to know the level of smoothness, slippery, grip, etc.(3) designing effective sports training programs presents a formidable challenge for coaches. To succeed in this endeavor, coaches must possess two key abilities. Firstly, they require extensive prior experience in sports training, drawing upon a wealth of knowledge and techniques accumulated over time. Secondly, coaches must possess a deep understanding of their players’ capabilities, allowing them to tailor training regimens to individual needs and maximize performance outcomes.
Organising
Organising is an art. It’s almost the next step of planning – execution. It is not so easy to organize things. Coordination is one of the toughest tasks for the captain / leader. He has to get along with all the players / coworkers, understands their specializations and allocating the task, wherever the need arises. The player in a better position can shoot the goal, the ball can be passed if the player is surrounded with opponents, dodging with the ball and so on. Placing the task on the right track and always to be like a watch dog to get the best out of them.(5) The success of any team hinges upon the organization of effective practice sessions, the development of high-level skills, and a thorough understanding of the theories and mechanisms that underpin skill acquisition. These elements collectively contribute to the team’s ability to perform at a high level and achieve its goals.
Motivation
A captain has many roles to play. One of his major roles is motivating the players. Motivating the players is not a one-time task, it is a continuous process. Retaining the motivation level among the players is very hard to do because motivation is a factor that requires self interest, involvement, keeping the thoughts and spirit in high level. The players should have motivation, before the start of play, during the play and even at the end of the play. Thus the employees’ motivation – retention should be kept all the time to have a better output.(11) Coaches’ motivating style plays a key role in players’ motivational outcomes. Demotivating a player may result in negative result of the game.
Soft Skills
The players should possess soft skills to get smooth cooperation from their co-players. The captain should execute soft skills with the players as well as the referees. The environment requires professionals to supplement their technical skills with a variety of soft skills such as, communicating, interpersonal skill, convincing skill, accommodating, accepting, delegating skill, listening skills, learning skill, negotiating and so on.(1) Physical education and sports offer players a platform to enhance their achievements, participate in and succeed in competitions, and learn valuable lessons in both victory and defeat. Through sports, individuals learn resilience, persistence, and the importance of perseverance in pursuing their goals. Games and competitions also facilitate the expression and sharing of emotions, fostering social connections. Moreover, sports cultivate essential qualities such as motivation, organization, leadership, responsibility, and emotional intelligence, which are indispensable in broader society.
Challenges and issues of indigenous game
Sports Management and Indigenous Games
Sports management is a multifaceted discipline that encompasses various aspects of organizational and managerial skills. Indigenous sports like Roll Ball often face unique challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, funding, and recognition. Studies(9) has highlighted the need for effective sports management in nurturing and promoting indigenous games, emphasizing that the success of such sports is closely tied to the competence of their managers and organizers.
Coaching and Player Development
Effective coaching is a cornerstone of success in Roll Ball. Research(4) underscores the role of coaches in player development, skill enhancement, and team cohesion. The review finds that coaches in Roll Ball need to have a deep understanding of both roller skating and basketball techniques, along with the ability to adapt these skills to the sport’s unique requirements.
Team Management and Logistics
Team managers in Roll Ball face the challenge of coordinating various logistics, including player schedules, travel, equipment, and facilities. A study(2) highlight the importance of team managers in handling these logistical aspects, ensuring that the team can focus on their performance without disruptions. Effective team management contributes to the overall success and well-being of Roll Ball teams.
Strategy and Tactics
The importance of strategic thinking and adaptability in Roll Ball is evident in the game’s fast-paced nature. Research(6,21,22) emphasize the role of managers and coaches in devising game strategies and tactics that exploit the unique characteristics of Roll Ball. Effective in-game decision-making and the ability to adapt to opponents’ strategies are crucial for success.
CONCLUSION
The critical role of managerial skills in the game of Roll Ball, an indigenous sport of India. It underscores the need for effective coaching, team management, logistics coordination, and strategic thinking in this unique sport. As Roll Ball continues to grow in popularity and international recognition, research in the field of sports management can provide valuable insights for the development and success of indigenous games not only in India but also on the global stage. Further research is needed to explore and validate the specific managerial practices that contribute to success in Roll Ball and other indigenous sports. While limited in number, case studies on successful Roll Ball teams shed light on the practical application of managerial skills. A notable example is the Indian national Roll Ball team’s success in international competitions, which can be attributed to a combination of effective coaching, team management, and strategy. These case studies illustrate how managerial skills have contributed to the achievements of Roll Ball teams.
Challenges and future directions
Roll Ball, like many indigenous sports, faces challenges related to recognition, infrastructure, and funding. The possible areas to explore are - effective coaching is fundamental to player development and team performance; team managers play a vital role in coordinating various aspects of a Roll Ball team, including logistics, player development, and morale; and how managers and coaches adapt their approach during matches to outperform opponents.
REFERENCES
1. Dimitrova ZA. Physical Education and Sport Used As Forming of “Soft Skills” in Primary School Age. KNOWLEDGE-International Journal. 2018 Dec 10; 28(3): 1099-1103.
2. Devi L, Rajkumari S. Role of Team Managers in Indigenous Sports: A Case Study of Roll Ball in Manipur. International Journal of Sports Management and Administration. 2020; 5(1): 35–47.
3. Fister I, Rauter S, Yang XS, Ljubič K, Fister Jr I. Planning the sports training sessions with the bat algorithm. Neurocomputing. 2015 Feb 3; 149: 993-1002.
4. Gupta S. Coaching in Roll Ball: A Comprehensive Approach to Player Development. Journal of Sports Coaching. 2019; 12(2): 87–102.
5. Hodges NJ, Williams AM. Skill acquisition in sport: Research, theory and practice. In Skill Acquisition in Sport: Research, Theory and Practice. 2019. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781351189750
6. Jha P, Prakash V. Strategic Management in Roll Ball: A Comparative Analysis of Successful Teams. International Journal of Sports Strategy and Tactics. 2017; 6(3): 123–138.
7. Khan MA, Ismail FB, Hussain A, Alghazali B. The interplay of leadership styles, innovative work behavior, organizational culture, and organizational citizenship behavior. Sage Open. 2020 Jan; 10(1): 1-16.
8. Kim J, Panza M, Evans MB. Group dynamics in sport. Essentials of exercise and sport psychology: An open access textbook. 2021: 613-642.
9. Kumar A. Promoting Indigenous Games in India: A Sports Management Perspective. International Journal of Sports Management and Marketing. 2016; 16(3/4): 208–224.
10. Manolachi V. Development of Managerial Skills and Sports Management in Future Sports specialists. Physical Education, Sport and Kinetotherapy - ICPESK 2017. 2018: 383-388.
11. Murillo M, Abós Á, Sevil-Serrano J, Burgueño R, García-González L. Influence of coaches’ motivating style on motivation, and sport commitment of young water polo players. International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. 2022 Dec; 17(6): 1283-1294.
12. Nathan SK, Diaz J. The managerial skills in the game of cricket with special reference to soft skills. International Journal on Health Fitness and Sports Sciences, 2014; 2(1): 79–81.
13. Nathan SK, Rajamanoharane S. A study on the various employability skills required for different levels of employees. International Journal of Economic Research. 2015 Apr 1; 12(2): 537–545.
14. Nathan SK, Rajamanoharane S. Enhancement of skills through e-learning: prospects and problems. The Online Journal of Distance Education and e‐Learning. 2016 Jul; 4(3): 24–32.
15. Neelam N, Sheorey P, Bhattacharya S, Kunte M. Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines for learning organization in higher education and its impact on lifelong learning–evidence from Indian business schools. VINE journal of information and knowledge management systems. 2020 Oct 26; 50(4): 569-96.
16. Roll Ball | Official. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://www.rollball.org/history.html
17. Roll Ball List of events. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://rollballindia.org/Events.php
18. Roll Ball List of players. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://rollballindia.org/documents/general/rollballActivePlayers.pdf
19. Roll Ball List of states. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2023, from https://rollballindia.org/StateAssociations.php
20. Tholia, S. N., Rastogi, M., Gupta, S. S., & Pandey, D. (2022). Role of Interpersonal Communication in Workplace. World Journal of English Language. https://doi.org/10.5430/wjel.v12n3p64
21. Usmani S. Recruitment and selection process at workplace: A qualitative, quantitative and experimental perspective of physical attractiveness and social desirability. Review of integrative business and economics research. 2020 May; 9(2): 107-122.
22. Yadav MA, Aher S. A Comparative Study Fundamental Skill Profiles of Male Roll Ball players of Asia, Africa, South America and Europe. Journal of Sports, Health and Physical Education. 2021 Jul; 1(1): 21–28.
FINANCING
No financing for the article.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The author declares that there is no conflict of interest in the work.
AUTHORSHIP CONTRIBUTION
All Authors contributed equally.