Youth Sport Organizational Structure and Athlete Development

Abstract

Chris Johansen is on the board for the Rockton Yuba Hockey Association, a robust and growing youth hockey association near St. Paul, MN. Parents in the association have brought to his attention a couple issues with the structural organization. Specifically, (1) some think athletes are limited in their opportunity to develop to their fullest potential because of the current structure of the association, and (2) others feel that if the youth hockey association was organized differently this would facilitate retention of players through high school. Chris has been charged by the president of the association to learn more about potential organizational changes and how these changes could impact the players and organization. Based on this information, the advisory committee has been asked to submit a recommendation to the board regarding potential organizational changes. The Integrative Model for Organizational Theory will be used to gain a better understanding of the organizational change process.