Eyal Weissblueth

Emergency response squads in Israel represent a unique mix between civilian volunteerism and military-style security functions, operating in communities exposed to persistent security threats. This study examined how members of Emergency Response Squads negotiated their professional identity, role ambiguity, and physical readiness within a framework that decreases the clarity of traditional civil–military boundaries. Using a mixed-methods design, we surveyed 21 squad members with the Hebrew version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-S-H) and conducted semi-structured interviews to explore perceptions of organizational structure and readiness. Findings revealed a strong sense of community commitment but significant lacks in institutional support, standardized training, and physical fitness requirements. These shortages created tensions between the expectation of military-level performance and the voluntary nature of participation. We propose the Volunteer Readiness Integration Model, a conceptual framework linking community identity, organizational infrastructure, physical competence, and social resilience.

Recent advances in AI create new opportunities for performance analysis in endurance sports. This study compared expert human coaching with GPT-4o in biomechanical analysis and technique feedback for triathlon front crawl. Fifteen certified coaches and an AI agent analysed a 25-frame video of an intermediate triathlete completing one stroke cycle. Both identified errors, prioritised corrections, and suggested drills to address them. Responses were thematically analysed and mapped to four stroke phases: glide, pull, push, and recovery, within a structured feedback framework based on a deterministic biomechanical model. Human coaches emphasised holistic aspects (such as breathing, alignment, and rhythm), while AI provided detailed biomechanical cues (e.g., early vertical forearm, stroke length) and drill-specific recommendations. Agreement was strongest on high-impact errors in the catch phase. Findings suggest that AI can complement coaching by enhancing error detection, providing structured feedback, and reducing cognitive load, while preserving the coach's role in contextual adaptation and individualised strategies.

Purpose : This article delves into analyzing professional identity development among Israeli physical education preservice teachers (PSTs), examining shifts in training programs mandated by the Ministry of Education. Method : One hundred and twenty-three physical education PSTs in three different years answered a validated teacher’s professional identity questionnaire. Two-way analysis of variance was used to detect significant differences between subgroups. Results : Analysis revealed variations among PSTs based on an academic year, with third-year students showing higher levels of commitment and identity. Discussion/Conclusion : The results trace how identity evolves dynamically over 3 years, emphasizing how interactions with stakeholders shape and underscore the importance of these early stages in fostering future professional competence and values, underlining the significance of gradual training. We suggest that teacher educators should acknowledge this dynamic process and consistently support PSTs throughout their training.