Till sist är det vi som dömer- om urval och antagning till nationellt elitishockeygymnasium : Selekteringsprocesser och legitimering av talang och framtida utvecklingspotential

Sammanfattning

In this study, we examine how decision-makers, organizational structures, and regulations shape the admissions process to the National Elite Ice Hockey Upper Secondary School (NIU). The study focuses on how the concept of talent is constructed in the selection process, and how decisions are subsequently legitimized by coaches, schools, and the ice hockey clubs involved. It also explores how norms, power structures, and assessment criteria influence prevailing perceptions of future development potential.The empirical material consists of five semi‑structured interviews with individuals responsible for local and central selection to the National Elite Ice Hockey Upper Secondary School. The empirical material also includes governing documents for the admissions process and certification requirements for upper secondary schools and ice hockey clubs. The data has been analyzed through thematic analysis, using a hermeneutic approach in relation to Foucault’s discourse theory. The theory helps illuminate sociological phenomena, primarily through a genealogical method, where the relationship between power and knowledge shapes the “truth” that prevails at a given moment, which can then be examined in relation to the admissions process. The results of the study show, among other things, that it is complex to assess in an equitable manner who possesses talent and future development potential. Decisions are made with support from governing documents and are legitimized through arguments based on assessment and experience. Arguments for whether an applicant is admitted or not can be seen as constructed in relation to the goals, status, and conditions of the clubs.The conclusion shows that decisionmakers with power influence the discourse on what is considered talent and future development potential in relation to the specific conditions of each ice hockey club during the selection process. Our conclusion is that this selection process cannot with certainty be said to correlate with the school system’s laws and principles of equity, accessibility, and a holistic perspective.