Are non-profit Sport Clubs ready for Digitalization? A Case Study of Tyrolean Soccer Teams

Abstract

Digital innovations, which have the potential to support and simplify processes in various ways for enterprises and also within sport organizations or clubs, are becoming more and more efficient. However, concerns regarding potential risks or threats are existent and hinder the implementation of these tool in some cases, especially in amateur sport clubs. Moreover, professional clubs have been well researched, however, there is a lack of information regarding digitalization in amateur sport clubs. Therefore, the aim of the current investigation was to evaluate the current state and how well digital instruments are integrated by amateur sport clubs in Tyrol, Austria. An online questionnaire, which was answered by 57 board members and officials of soccer clubs, about the application and implementation of digital solutions was used. Moreover, a Digitalization Readiness-Check (DRC) was implemented in the survey, to objectively measure the effect of the clubs' level of digitalization and of the importance, the league or the budget of the clubs correlate with their level of digitalization. Results showed no significant correlation between importance, class, or budget and the level of digitalization. In general, soccer clubs appear to perceive digitalization as a positive development, creating chances rather than risks or threats for non-profit sport clubs. However, long-term effects of digital solutions might become more apparent within the next years.