Deconstructing the structure of collegiate sport club programs

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose/Rationale This research aims to deepen our understanding of the structure and administration of collegiate sport club programs and their impacts on athletes’ club experiences. Design/Methodology/Approach An exploratory-descriptive qualitative design was employed across eight American universities, collecting data through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with nine club administrators and 17 athletes. Findings Our investigation unveiled that sport club programs are complex, differentiated, (de)centralized, and formal. Programs are nested within larger university structures and often leverage external relationships for specialized knowledge. Findings revealed how these structures impact athletes’ club experience. Practical Implications The study recommends creating university-wide councils for improved communication and suggests further involving sport club councils in governance for tailored policies. It also highlights the tension between centralized decision-making and standardization and the need for individualized club policies and procedures. Research Contribution This study addresses a gap in the existing collegiate sport club literature by adding depth through nuanced insights into how bureaucratic organizational structures support and constrain athletes’ experiences. Originality/Value The originality of this study lies in its broad multi-university scope and its comprehensive data collection approach that includes viewpoints of club administrators and athletes, offering a valuable contribution to the field of sport management.