Relevant Elements of Standardisation of Federation’s Advisory Programs for Voluntary Sports Clubs

Abstract

Introduction Sports federations are increasingly inclined to support their member clubs' structural and organisational development (Schlesinger et al., 2021). Thus, federations offer tools and training courses and have started implementing advisory programs supporting voluntary sports clubs' (VSCs') strategic alignment and action (cf. Klenk et al., 2017). However, the effectiveness of external guidance can be limited due to the level of autonomy and independence that VSCs typically show (Nagel & Schlesinger, 2012; Schlesinger et al., 2021). While research has discussed critical interfaces, little is known about what moderates the translation of advisory input to achieve change at club level (cf. Klenk et al., 2017). Hence, this study aimed to gain a deeper understanding of which elements of standardisation in a federation advisory program are relevant for the subsequent implementation in VSCs.

Methods Advisory programs of two Swiss sports federations were analysed using case study methodology in an exploratory research design (Veal & Darcy, 2014). Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with individuals and groups, including program participants and mentors working with the clubs throughout the program. Additionally, observation notes from in-person workshops and meeting notes from exchanges with federation project teams were included. In line with the exploratory research design, data was analysed utilizing an inductive three-step coding process (Urquhart, 2023), and the emerging concepts were then structured along the “critical interfaces” identified by Klenk et al. (2017).

Results Findings show that, in particular, the degree of standardisation imposed on the participating VSCs through some aspects of the program design affects the subsequent knowledge transfer. Clubs perceived elements of standardisation, such as binding time frames for implementation or certification criteria, in advisory programs ambivalently. On the one hand, standardising elements, such as clear criteria, provided guidance and orientation to participating VSCs; on the other hand, a lack of flexibility in the adoption process provoked resistance.

Discussion/Conclusion These findings contribute to understanding knowledge transfer regarding advisory input and allow practitioners in federations to infer essential considerations in the conceptualisation and implementation of advisory programs. Elements of standardisation can guide and facilitate knowledge transfer. However, a certain flexibility supports the adoption of input by VSCs and helps prevent resistance. Further research is needed to clarify how the degree of standardisation affects subsequent structural changes at a VSC level.

References

Klenk, C., Egli, B., & Schlesinger, T. (2017). Exploring how voluntary sports clubs implement external advisory inputs. Managing Sport and Leisure, 22(1), 70–90. https://doi.org/10.1080/23750472.2017.1386587

Nagel, S., & Schlesinger, T. (2012). Sportvereinsentwicklung: Ein Leitfaden zur Planung von Veränderungsprozessen [Development of sports clubs: A guide to planning change processes] (1. Aufl.). Haupt Verlag.

Schlesinger, T., Klenk, C., & Nagel, S. (2021). Beratung von Sportvereinen. In L. Thieme & T. Wojciechowski (Eds.), Sportverbände: Stand und Perspektiven der Forschung [Sports associations: Current state and research perspectives] (pp. 277–293). Hoffmann.

Urquhart, C. (2023). Grounded theory for qualitative research: A practical guide (2nd ed.). SAGE.

Veal, A. J., & Darcy, S. (2014). Research methods in sport studies and sport management: A practical guide. Routledge Taylor & Francis.