THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE POLISH SPORT FEDERATIONS IN ATHLETES’ OPINION

Abstract

Purpose: The main aim of this work was to evaluate the effectiveness of how Polish Sport Federations (PSF) function in the opinion of athletes who represent the country in various sporting disciplines. The following research questions were posed: in what way do PSFs support athletes representing the country in selected sporting disciplines? Do members of national teams have an influence on the activity of PSFs and what is their satisfaction in that matter? Methodology: The research consisted of two parts: individual in-depth interviews (N=10) and a diagnostic survey based on a questionnaire study (N=102). The research included athletes in both individual and team Olympic sporting disciplines. Findings: PSFs strive to support their athletes mainly in terms of providing them with sport equipment, organizing and coordinating competitions and training camps, as well as health care, however the low level of engagement of PSFs was noted in marketing and providing information, as well as in financial support for athletes. Athletes declared high expectations regarding the transparency of their federations as well as better decision-making and access to information Implications: Polish Olympic athletes expect from the PSFs that represent them an approach based on partnership as well as consideration of their strategic position as a group of key stakeholders. PSFs thus seem to face a serious challenge to transform their approach in how they relate and communicate with their key stakeholders and to recognize that it is essential to ensure their satisfaction with their cooperation.