National Sports Federations Research Articles

Lifelong learning pathway of a coach developer operating in a national sport federation

Coach developers play essential roles in “coaching the coaches,” and investigating their lifelong learning pathway is key for better understanding the mechanisms that lead certain coaches to become coach developers. Thus, the purpose of the paper was to conduct a case study to investigate the lifelong learning pathway of a coach developer operating in a national sport federation. The case investigated is Mille, a certified coach developer in charge of the Brazilian Rugby Federation’s coach education program. Data were collected through the Rappaport Time Line and two semi-structured interviews. An interpretative phenomenological analysis was adopted to explore the lived experiences reported by the participant. The results highlighted that Mille is an individual driven by challenges provided either by external factors (i.e. school, university, work) or by his own choices (i.e. becoming a coach, becoming a coach developer, starting a PhD) for personal and professional development. Specific life events led him to make decisions for evolving in his roles, from athlete, to coach, to coach developer, and to “master trainer,” which is the highest level of certification provided by World Rugby. Practical implications are suggested to contribute to the organization of education initiatives for coach developers through a lifelong learning perspective.

Detección preliminar de niños ecuatorianos de 7-8 años para la gimnasia artística

Introducción: La selección deportiva es un proceso sistemático que requiere indicadores previamente establecidos, a través de los cuales se evalúan prospectivamente capacidades, habilidades, disposición psicológica y factores sociales relevantes. Objetivo: caracterizar algunos índices de preparación física que intervienen en la detección deportiva en Gimnasia Artística (ambos sexos) en edades entre 7-8 años en Ecuador. Métodos: Investigación descriptiva, midiendo bajo un muestreo intencional no probabilístico la población objeto de estudio (Masculino: 38 gimnastas; Femenino: 39 gimnastas; Edad: 7-8 años) en el Ecuador. Resultados: En el sexo masculino la media obtenida en la prueba de Velocidad en 30 metros fue de 5,47 segundos; la media de la prueba Saltos sin carrera de impulso fue de 139,46 cm; la media de la prueba Abdominales en 30 segundos fue de 19,59 movimientos, la media de la prueba de Flexiones del codo en 30 segundos fue de 19,97 movimientos, y la media de la prueba de Carrera en 600 metros fue de 193,14 segundos. Para el sexo femenino, la media colectiva en la prueba de Velocidad en 30 metros fue de 6,39 segundos; la media de la prueba Saltos sin carrera de impulso fue de 127,41 cm; la media de la prueba Abdominales en 30 segundos fue de 18,63 movimientos; la media de la prueba de Flexiones del codo en 30 segundos fue de 17,11 movimientos; y la media de la prueba de Carrera en 600 metros fue de 196,89 segundos. Cualitativamente en la mayoría de los casos se cumplimentaron las exigencias del baremo establecido por la Federación Deportiva Nacional del Ecuador para la inclusión de gimnastas entre 7-8 años en escuelas deportivas especializadas.

THE PROBLEM OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN UKRAINE FOR THE «EUROPEAN MODEL»

Purpose: the article deals with the disclosure of the problem of state management of sports development in terms of its legislative support, which should facilitate the development of sports in the "European model", namely the involvement of local authorities, to eliminate it further in the formation of a modern system of training athletes in Ukraine. Material: a set of theoretical research methods were used: generalization of literature, materials from the Internet, content of previous own scientific developments, as well as abstraction, idealization, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction. Results: The article presents the results of the study of the quality and features of the legislative acts that regulate the development of sports in Ukraine. It is proved that the problem in domestic sport is that the adopted legislative and regulatory acts in Ukraine are not those that effectively contribute to the development of the sphere according to the "European model". After all, part of their content is marked by declarative nature, the absence of clearly established standards and effective forms of control, the weak use of decentralization processes. It is the decentralization of power by its potential that creates powerful organizational and financial prerequisites for reforming the physical education and sports sector in the "European model". And this, in the case of a higher level of public administration, can ensure a new, modern quality of the sport. This model, while providing competent governance, combines the resources and capabilities of the state, including the funds of the specialized government, ministries and agencies involved in physical education and sports, as well as local authorities and non-governmental organizations (national sports federations, federations, existing in provinces and cities, sports clubs) and more. Conclusions: The current state and level of public administration of sport is critical and hinders positive change in this social sphere. The negative will obviously affect the activities of the newly created Ministry Youth and Sports of Ukraine. This Ministry, paying attention to Sport for All, will need to start almost from scratch in the sport of excellence, that is, to create the legal, organizational and financial preconditions for the qualitative improvement of the state of the entire field of sport. Keywords: sports development problem, "European model" of sports development, legislation and regulations governing sports development, public administration, decentralization

ОСНОВНЫЕ ПОДХОДЫ К ПРАВОВОЙ РЕГЛАМЕНТАЦИИ ВОПРОСОВ ГЕНДЕРНОЙ ВЕРИФИКАЦИИ В СПОРТЕ: СРАВНИТЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ

Genetically determined differences in height, musculature and a number of other physiological parameters lead to a significant advantage for men over female in kind of sports where the key indicators depend on strength, speed and endurance. All above suggest the need to maintain the practice of holding separate competitions for different genders. However, the practical solution to this issue seems not that obvious, taking into consideration persons with an indeterminate gender identity and transgender person. Analysis of the current legislation of a significant number of States has allowed to identify some approaches:1) ignoring not only the problem of participation in sports activities of persons with an indeterminate gender identity and transgender person, but also the issue of their special legal status in general (Greece, Israel, Ireland, Cyprus, Latvia, etc.); 2) recognizing gender diversity and solving the problems of persons with an indeterminate gender identity and transgender personfrom the position of general provisions of non-discrimination legislation without defining the specifics of sports activities (Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary); 3) recognition of gender diversity but with strive to limit the opportunities for transgender personfor participation in sports in order to ensure fair competition (Brazil); 4) recognition of gender diversity with consequent regulation of sports participation of persons with an indeterminate gender identity and transgender person(Australia, great Britain, Canada, USA). Demonstrating the last example two patterns can be revealed: a possibility of developing different, sometimes diametrically opposite approaches to solving this problem due to the Federal structure of States, and the active involvement of national sports federations in this process

Role of Capacity in Understanding Organizational Change in National Sports Federations

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present an overview of selected organizational theories pertaining to the process of organizational change. The emphasis is made on organizational capacity outlining its relevance in the context of understanding the changes taking place within the National Sports Federations.

Cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater: the Dark Triad, attitudes towards doping, and cheating behaviour among athletes

ABSTRACT We examined the relationships between the Dark Triad personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy), attitudes towards doping, and cheating behaviour among athletes. One-hundred and sixty-four athletes completed a completed a matrix solving task within a specific time limit. Participants were told they would receive a financial reward for the total number matrices they could solve, but only 13 of the 20 matrices were solvable. This provided the incentive and opportunity for the athletes to cheat. Following this, athletes completed two questionnaires, which assessed the Dark Triad and their attitudes towards doping. All three Dark Triad personality traits correlated positively with attitudes towards doping and cheating behaviour. Regression analyses revealed that psychopathy and narcissism positively predicted attitudes towards doping, and narcissism emerged as a positive predictor of cheating behaviour. Attitudes towards doping correlated positively with cheating behaviour. The Dark Triad appears to be important in relation to both attitudes towards doping and cheating behaviour among athletes. In addition, our findings illustrate that favourable attitudes towards doping are linked with actual cheating among athletes. National Anti-Doping Organizations, sports federations, and coaches could assess athletes’ Dark Triad scores and attitudes towards doping in order to identify who may be more likely to cheat.

Sporting programs aimed at inactive population groups in the Netherlands: factors influencing their long-term sustainability in the organized sports setting

BackgroundThe organized sports sector has received increased interest as a setting to stimulate physical activity among inactive target groups. To include many inactive people and to obtain population health benefits, it is important that effective sporting programs are sustained (i.e. continuation of program activities) over a long period of time. This study identified the factors influencing the long-term sustainability of these kind of sporting programs located within local sports clubs in the Netherlands.MethodsFourteen Dutch sporting programs aimed at increasing physical activity levels of inactive population groups and funded within the National Action Plan for Sport and Exercise (NAPSE) were the focus of this study. The programs were developed by ten Dutch National Sports Federations (NSFs) and implemented by different sports clubs in the Netherlands within a three-year funded implementation period (2008–2011). This research consisted of semi-structured face-to-face interviews with the program coordinators of the NSFs (n = 14) and semi-structured telephone interviews with representatives of sports clubs that provided the programs (n = 17 continued the program, n = 11 discontinued the program) six and a half years after the funding period ended (November 2017–March 2018). A sustainability framework with five pre-specified main themes (i.e. program design, implementation, trainer/coach, organizational setting, broader community environment) guided data collection and (deductive) thematic analysis.ResultsTen of the fourteen NAPSE funded sporting programs were sustained at the level of the NSFs. Most factors facilitating (+) and impeding (−) the long-term sustainability of the programs were common to both NSFs and sports clubs, like program adaptation (+) and a lack of program financing (−). Program evaluation (+) and high program costs (−) were specific factors mentioned by NSFs, while factors related to human resources (e.g. lack of volunteers (−)) or the sports club nature (e.g. social aspect in program design (+)) applied to sports clubs. The factors were summarized in the form of a checklist.ConclusionsKey factors influencing the long-term sustainability of the sporting programs were identified. The results can be used to develop strategies to promote long-term sustainability of these kind of programs and inform funding guidelines in countries with a similar organized sports infrastructure.

Factores de riesgo de malversación de fondos financieros en la Federación Peruana de Fútbol: 2015-2018

El presente trabajo de investigación, expuesto en el “IV Congreso Latinoamericano de Estudiantes de Contaduría y Administración - CONTAD 2019”, está referido a la Federación Peruana de Fútbol (FPF) entre los años 2015 a 2018 en Lima, Perú, para dar a conocer el despilfarro de dinero que se cometió en este tiempo e identificar y numerar los hechos que sustentan las irregularidades causadas por la corrupción en esta entidad. Los objetivos son: determinar los factores de riesgo de malversación de fondos y sus principales efectos dentro de la Federación Peruana de Fútbol en el periodo 2015-2018, corroborar en qué medida la deficiente administración de los dirigentes de la Federación Peruana de Fútbol afectó a la entidad y conocer los factores exógenos que perjudicaron la mencionada Federación. El diseño de la investigación es no experimental y de tipo transversal y descriptivo. Se hace uso de fuentes primarias como encuestas y entrevistas a representantes de la Controlaría General de la República del Perú y fuentes adicionales como es el Informe de Auditoría de Cumplimiento n.° 03-2017-2-0217 “A los procesos de contrataciones” y Auditoría n.° 08-2016-2-0217 “Al otorgamiento y utilización de recursos públicos a las federaciones deportivas nacionales”, entre otros. Se concluye que la malversación de fondos afectó la buena marcha de la administración desde el punto de vista económico-financiero. Cabe destacar que debido a los últimos acontecimientos esta investigación es pionera en evidenciar los problemas de esta institución.

Financial performance trends of United States Hockey Inc: a resource-dependency approach

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the 2009 to 2016 financial performance of the US Hockey Inc., using financial effectiveness indicators and financial efficiency ratios. Design/methodology/approach With the assistance of financial trend analysis, archival data were used to examine the financial performance (evaluated by net income), financial effectiveness (indicated by total assets and total revenues) and financial efficiency (examined by programme services ratios and return on assets) of US Hockey Inc. Findings On average, the financial performance of the organization was positive ($30,895 net income per year). Financial effectiveness was steady with increases in assets and revenues. Financial efficiency was poor with 79% of revenues spent on programme services and 1.45% average return on asset. Research limitations/implications The results can be generalized to similar national non-profit sports federations but not corporate sports entities with dissimilar financial goals. Practical implications The results revealed that national non-profit sports federations can boost their financial performance by maintaining a double strategically focus on both financial effectiveness and financial efficiency. Originality/value The study used both financial effectiveness and financial efficiency measures to evaluate the financial performances of a national non-profit sports federation – a neglected approach similar studies.

The Development of Sámi Sport, 1970–1990: A Concern for Sweden or for Sápmi?

It is widely agreed that sport and national identity are two interwoven phenomena. Recently, researchers have taken an interest in how sport has been used for nation-building purposes among groups not defined in terms of nation-states. These include the Sámi, an Indigenous people living in an area that extends over the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Sámi championships and a Sámi national football team have been important elements in shaping a Sámi national identity across the state borders. Against this background, the historical development that led to the formation in 1990 of a Sámi National Sports Federation was highly complicated. The period from 1970 to 1990 was fraught by the dilemma of how sport was to be organized – based on the division of the Sámi by state borders or through a transnational Sámi sports organization. The outcome was a compromise in that the Sámi National Sports Federation was founded as an umbrella organization under which Sámi in Norway, Sámi in Finland, and Sámi in Sweden established separate and autonomous Sámi ‘district associations’.

The engagement of actors during the formulation of a national federation sport policy: an analysis within the French Rugby Union

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this research is to explore the process of engagement of actors initiated by the headquarters of a national sport federation during the formulation of its sport policy. The Actor-Network Theory and its four phases (problematisation, incentive, enrolment and mobilisation of allies) are used to understand the dynamics of actors during the process, with an emphasis on the constitution, expansion and stabilization of the actors’ network. As part of an intervention research within the French Rugby Union over the 2013–2016 period, three series of semi-structured interviews (58) were conducted with both national and regional actors with various statuses. The French case is of interest beyond France because the organisational configuration of the national federations has specific characteristics that are common to different countries: pyramid structure, state intervention (both financial and human) and relationships between volunteers and employees. The results of this study demonstrate that the process of designing a sport policy is not linear. In addition, some elements that are favourable for the engagement of actors are highlighted, such as having a defined scope of the sport policy to be designed and designating key actors regarding the formulation of the sport policy. These actors should be able to act as spokespersons in front of other actors in the network. The innovative methodology used in our research is relevant to policy makers because it helps them engage other actors during a concrete transformation project, namely, the formulation of a policy.

International Skating Union versus European Commission: Is the European sports model under threat?

Regulatory activities of sports governing bodies have been attracting more and more attention of courts and competition authorities. Indeed, the remedial potential of competition law has been steadily growing in recent years and is currently becoming the most viable instrument of protection of commercial freedom of athletes and other stakeholders from abusive policies implemented by national and international sports federations. The recent case of the International Skating Union is very likely to contribute to a considerable liberalisation of the markets for organisation and for commercial exploitation of sports events. However, SGBs, including the powerful IOC, resist this—it seems to be—inevitable process, invoking, inter alia, the importance to safeguard the European sports model. The paper examines the perspectives of this model, and, more particularly, the question of whether it still measures up to the realities of the sports industry. It provides insight into the cases illustrating potential dangers of breakaway leagues. The author of the article comes to the conclusion that the solution of the problem of eligibility rules represents only an intermediate step in the search for a steady balance among all interests involved, and that the European sports model should be ready for further compromises in order to survive as such.

Responses to multi-level institutional complexity in a national sport federation

National Sport Federations are responsible for governing all aspects of a sport within their respective countries. In developing and promoting their sport National Federations must respond to multi-level complexity arising from internal stakeholder needs and commercial, government and social demands. While organisational complexity responses have been extensively researched, little of this work has considered the unique positioning of sport federations. Drawing on the theoretical perspective of institutional logics and complexity, the authors adopted a case study approach to investigate Triathlon Australia’s response to its complex operating environment, conducting 18 in-depth semi-structured interviews with current and former board members, chief executives, senior managers, and government representatives responsible for national sport policy and funding. Interview data were complemented with an examination of Triathlon Australia’s annual reports and Australian government policy documents (1998–2016 period). Four themes and several organisational responses’ themes emerged from the inductive and iterated thematic data analysis: (a) external complexity – alignment, diversification, transcendence, negotiation; (b) interstitial complexity – empathy, formalisation, collaboration, specialisation; (c) internal complexity – division, balance, leverage; and (d) emotions – connection, harness. Driven by quasi-insolvency and admission into the Olympic programme, and national government policy requirements for funding, Triathlon Australia responded to its complex environment by embracing all logics, designs and agendas, unravelling new ways to solve or mitigate it via hybrid responses. Implications for both theory and practice are outlined.

Availability and accessibility of information regarding the protection of athletes’ health and promotion of sport for health to the general population on the websites of French Olympic Sports Federations

Background: Diffusion of information regarding ‘protecting athletes’ health’ and the ‘promotion of sport for health of the general population’ is a mission of National Sports Federations. Internet is a commonly used source of health-related information. The Olympic Games (OG) are an opportunity for a nation to promote the health benefits of sport. Objective: To analyse the availability and accessibility of health-related information on French National Olympic Sports Federation (FOFs) websites just after the bid in 2015 for the 2024 OG and six months after official assignment (2018) of the games to Paris. Methods: This descriptive study analysed the availability and accessibility of information regarding athletes’ health protection and the promotion of sport for health for all, on FOF websites, using a list of 12 different topics and two check lists (Google score (GS) and Website score (WS)) in September 2015 and March 2018. Results: The websites of 31 and 36 FOFs were analysed in 2015 and 2018, respectively. In 2015, 32.3% of FOFs reached a GS ≥ 75%: this was 50% in 2018. From 2015 to 2018, there was a significant increase in the availability of information on FOF website based on GS (mean increase of 41.2%; p=0.004) and a tendency to increase for availability and accessibility based on WS (mean increase of 21.4%; p=0.07). Conclusions: The FOFs are engaged in diffusing health-related information via their websites, although the availability and accessibility of this information varies according to FOFs and topics.

English

Professions in the communication realm are affected by Twitter’s rapidity, agenda setting, and myriad utilization possibilities. This study addresses potentials of Twitter for journalists in the sport context and assessed journalists’ Twitter activity, as well as journalists’ Twitter networks and their change in the course of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The sample was composed of the accounts of 30 sports journalists who were accredited officially, and who reported their journalistic profession in their individual Twitter profile. Results indicated a considerably higher usage in the context of a major sports event, journalists favoring personal communication instead of retweeting or replying. Regarding percentages of tweets retweeted or favorited, users rated the journalists’ tweets worthwhile above-average. Networks shifted towards the event itself as well as relevant national winter sports federations and athletes. Key words: Sports journalism, Twitter, social media, networks, Olympic Games.

Pipeline problem: Factors influencing the underrepresentation of women in top leadership positions in sports organisation

National Sports Associations, National and International Sports Federations and even International Olympic Committee continue to struggle meeting the 20% representation quota of women in executive boards. Although women’s representation as athletes, coaches and officials increased in national and international sports competitions but not in leadership particularly in top positions. In sports leadership, empirical research showed statistical figures that women have gained access in leadership pipeline however, they still lack in representing the executive boards. This study is a part of a larger phenomenological investigation which purpose was to identify factors that may influence the persistent underrepresentation of women in top leadership position. From a purposive maximum variation sampling of seven participants, top women leaders in Malaysia national sports organisations were interviewed about their career path and experiences on how and why women top leaders continue to lag behind with their male counterparts. Results suggest self-limiting behaviors, work-life conflict and interpersonal relationships among other women contributed to the underrepresentation of women in top positions. Factors attributed to social perception of gender and leadership roles incongruence also limited women leaders’ access in organisations which subsequently contributed to pipeline problem. Moreover, participants offered suggestions in overcoming the challenges and personal strategies in advancing opportunities and career development.

Polski Związek Sportowy jako organizacja w teorii pól Fligsteina i McAdama

W polskiej socjologii nie prowadzono badań dotyczących takiej organizacji jak Polski Związek Sportowy. W niniejszym artykule staram się wskazać istotne elementy z zakresu teorii i metodologii socjologii organizacji, które można stosować do badania związku sportowego. Korzystając głównie z teorii pól Fligsteina i McAdama (2016), wskazuję, po pierwsze, na usytuowanie Polskiego Związku Sportowego w polu instytucjonalno-prawnym. Po drugie, odnoszę się do struktury wewnętrznej związku, istniejącego w nim subpola władzy, a także pokazuję szereg innych istotnych zależności istniejących w związku sportowym, takich jak działanie „czynnika ludzkiego” w kreowaniu, zarządzaniu i trwaniu tego związku. Po trzecie, opisuję usytuowanie związku sportowego na mapie instytucjonalnej na mezopoziomie jego działania.

Система подготовки спортсменов Канады к Олимпийским играм

Objective. To analyze the system of training Canadian athletes for the Olympic Games. Methods. Analysis and generalization of scientific and documentary data. Results. The Federal Government and the Canadian Olympic Committee, national sports federations, sports training centers, provincial governments, and numerous sports organizations act as partners for the preparation athletes for the Olympic Games. The government agency Sport Canada implements its policies and takes part in shaping the Canadian sports system through these bodies. Legislative and political acts have been adopted, including position document Canadian Sport Policy, that contribute to continuous increasing of the government infl uence on the development of sports in Canada through the funding and monitoring mechanisms. The special program Own the Podium serves as a basis for the purposeful strategy of training Canadian athletes for the Olympic Games. Effective management structures have been established aimed at optimizing and focusing activities of public bodies, various sports organizations, and sponsors on the training of the strongest athletes, who are really capable of stepping onto the Olympic podium. An effective policy was developed and implemented to identify the challenges of Olympic preparation, effective training programs for athletes were created, monitoring was planned, critical problems for scientific research were identified, rapid introduction of scientific advances into practice was enabled along with the implementation of advanced world experience and advanced training coaches and other professionals. Conclusions. The formation and implementation of an effective system for training Canadian athletes for the Olympic Games were facilitated by: the positive attitude and support of the government for sports, physical education, and healthy lifestyle of the population; the intensive development of health enhancing physical culture and mass sports; the creation of a strong physical infrastructure; the introduction of rational organizational forms of training for top level athletes; substantial funding of Olympic preparation; and introduction of advanced technologies in all components of the training system.

La estatalidad del deporte internacional. Pasado, presente, ¿futuro?

La organización y expansión del deporte internacional durante el siglo xx se ancló principalmente a la implicación político-económica de los Estados, motivada por su representación en las competiciones deportivas por intermediación de las Federaciones Deportivas Nacionales y Comités Olímpicos Nacionales. Sin embargo, la conflictividad político-deportiva de la Guerra Fría, el cuestionamiento del papel hegemónico del Estado como centro de las Relaciones Internacionales y la propia crisis de los actos deportivos magnos ha propiciado que en la actualidad se esté socavando la centralidad del Estado en el deporte internacional.

ATHLETES’ INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN SPORT

Background. Governance is a key component of the effective organization management (Yeh & Taylor, 2008). Therefore, more and more researchers focus on good governance issues. The Initiative – Action for Good Governance in International Sports Organizations (AGGIS) set down guidelines for good governance, incorporating democratization processes. One of the growing good governance and its democratization concerns is involvement of stakeholders, in this case – athletes. Although governance decisions usually affect athletes directly, they have relatively low decision making power (Thibault, Kihl, & Babiak, 2010). The aim of this research was to highlight and discuss the importance of athletes’ involvement in decision-making. Methods. Literature analysis was used to study athletes’ role in organizational decision making and its evolvement in recent years. Theoretical framework allowed creating a survey with a purpose to assess the current situation in national sports federations. Results and conclusions. Literature analysis revealed increasing democratization within sport organizations, which affects greater involvement of athletes in decision making. Theoretical framework allowed making recommendations for sports organizations so that they could become more athlete-centred. Although increasing democratization resulted in greater athletes’ involvement in decisions making, some issues still remain unresolved.