Impact of austerity measures on National Sport Federations: evidence from Greece

Abstract

ABSTRACTResearch question: This study sought to explore implications of austerity measures on strategies and operations of National Sport Federations (NSFs) in Greece. To date, there is limited empirical research on repercussions of economic recession on elite sport development and reactive strategies performed by NSFs.Research methods: Quantitative data were acquired from the General Secretariat of Sport in Greece to examine allocated public funding to NSFs between 2007 and 2014. Ten qualitative interviews were also performed with stakeholders from selected sport federations and a representative from the Secretariat of Sport in order to gain insight into challenges of austerity measures and reactive strategies by governing bodies.Results and findings: Results indicated drastic reductions in public funding between 2009 and 2014, accompanied by a parallel decline in overall medal count of national teams in international competitions. Major strategies employed by federations for dealing with the economic recession included administrative cuts, limited number of tournaments, reduced size of delegations, and utilisation of alternative sources of funding.Implications: Empirical outcomes of the study shed light on reactive strategies and organisational reforms adopted by sport governing bodies in periods of economic hardship, as well as the role of funding policies and sport systems in elite sport development.