Causes, forms and consequences of the professionalization of international sport federa-tions in Switzerland: Conceptual framework and first results

Synopsis: Sport organisations are facing multiple challenges originating from an increasingly complex and dynamic environment in general, and from internal changes in particular. Our study seeks to reveal and analyse the causes for professionalization processes in international sport federations, the forms resulting from it, as well as related consequences. Abstract: AIM OF ABSTRACT/PAPER - RESEARCH QUESTION Sport organisations are facing multiple challenges originating from an increasingly complex and dynamic environment in general, and from internal changes in particular. In this context, professionalization seems to have been adopted by sport organisations as an appropriate strategy to respond to pressures such as becoming more “business-like”. The ongoing study seeks to reveal and analyse the internal and external causes for professionalization processes in international sport federations, the forms resulting from it (e.g. organisational, managerial, economic) as well as related consequences on objectives, values, governance methods, performance management or again rationalisation. THEORETICAL BACKGROUND/LITERATURE REVIEW Studies on sport as specific non-profit sector mainly focus on the prospect of the “professionalization of individuals” (Thibault, Slack & Hinings, 1991), often within sport clubs (Thiel, Meier & Cachay, 2006) and national sport federations (Seippel, 2002) or on organisational change (Griginov & Sandanski, 2008; Slack & Hinings, 1987, 1992; Slack, 1985, 2001), thus leaving broader analysis on governance, management and professionalization in sport organisations an unaccomplished task. In order to further current research on above-mentioned topics, our intention is to analyse causes, forms and consequences of professionalisation processes in international sport federations. The social theory of action (Coleman, 1986; Esser, 1993) has been defined as appropriate theoretical framework, deriving in the following a multi-level framework for the analysis of sport organisations (Nagel, 2007). In light of the multi-level framework, sport federations are conceptualised as corporative actors whose objectives are defined and implemented with regard to the interests of member organisations (Heinemann, 2004) and/or other pressure groups. In order to understand social acting and social structures (Giddens 1984) of sport federations, two levels are in the focus of our analysis: the macro level examining the environment at large (political, social, economic systems etc.) and the meso level (Esser, 1999) examining organisational structures, actions and decisions of the federation’s headquarter as well as member organisations. METHODOLOGY, RESEARCH DESIGN AND DATA ANALYSIS The multi-level framework mentioned seeks to gather and analyse information on causes, forms and consequences of professionalization processes in sport federations. It is applied in a twofold approach: first an exploratory study based on nine semi-structured interviews with experts from umbrella sport organisations (IOC, WADA, ASOIF, AIOWF, etc.) as well as the analysis of related documents, relevant reports (IOC report 2000 on governance reform, Agenda 2020, etc.) and important moments of change in the Olympic Movement (Olympic revenue share, IOC evaluation criteria, etc.); and secondly several case studies. Whereas the exploratory study seeks more the causes for professionalization on an external, internal and headquarter level as depicted in the literature, the case studies rather focus on forms and consequences. Applying our conceptual framework, the analysis of forms is built around three dimensions: 1) Individuals (persons and positions), 2) Processes, structures (formalisation, specialisation), 3) Activities (strategic planning). With regard to consequences, we centre our attention on expectations of and relationships with stakeholders (e.g. cooperation with business partners), structure, culture and processes (e.g. governance models, performance), and expectations of and relationships with member organisations (e.g. centralisation vs. regionalisation). For the case studies, a mixed-method approach is applied to collect relevant data: questionnaires for rather quantitative data, interviews for rather qualitative data, as well as document and observatory analysis. RESULTS, DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS With regard to causes of professionalization processes, we analyse the content of three different levels: 1. the external level, where the main pressure derives from financial resources (stakeholders, benefactors) and important turning points (scandals, media pressure, IOC requirements for Olympic sports); 2. the internal level, where pressure from member organisations turned out to be less decisive than assumed (little involvement of member organisations in decision-making); 3. the headquarter level, where specific economic models (World Cups, other international circuits, World Championships), and organisational structures (decision-making procedures, values, leadership) trigger or hinder a federation’s professionalization process. Based on our first analysis, an outline for an economic model is suggested, distinguishing four categories of IFs: “money-generating IFs” being rather based on commercialisation and strategic alliances; “classical Olympic IFs” being rather reactive and dependent on Olympic revenue; “classical non-Olympic IFs” being rather independent of the Olympic Movement; and “money-receiving IFs” being dependent on benefactors and having strong traditions and values. The results regarding forms and consequences will be outlined in the presentation. The first results from the two pilot studies will allow us to refine our conceptual framework for subsequent case studies, thus extending our data collection and developing fundamental conclusions. References: Bayle, E., & Robinson, L. (2007). A framework for understanding the performance of national governing bodies of sport. European Sport Management Quarterly, 7, 249–268 Chantelat, P. (2001). La professionnalisation des organisations sportives: Nouveaux débats, nouveaux enjeux [Professionalisation of sport organisations]. Paris: L’Harmattan. Dowling, M., Edwards, J., & Washington, M. (2014). Understanding the concept of professionalization in sport management research. Sport Management Review. Advance online publication. doi: 10.1016/j.smr.2014.02.003 Ferkins, L. & Shilbury, D. (2012). Good Boards Are Strategic: What Does That Mean for Sport Governance? Journal of Sport Management, 26, 67-80. Thibault, L., Slack, T., & Hinings, B. (1991). Professionalism, structures and systems: The impact of professional staff on voluntary sport organizations. International Review for the Sociology of Sport, 26, 83–97.

Subjektive Theorien von Lehrpersonen zu Kompetenzen und Bereitschaften von Sport unterrichtenden Lehrpersonen der Vorschul- und Primarschulstufe

Lehrpersonen benötigen für professionelles pädagogisches Handeln berufliche Kompetenzen. Aktuell wird in der Diskussion um Kompetenzen (Weinert, 2002, S. 27-28) von Lehrpersonen vermehrt auf das Modell professioneller Handlungskompetenz nach Baumert und Kunter (2006, S. 482) Bezug genommen, dies allerdings meist ohne spezifische Berücksichtigung der zu unterrichtenden Fächer bzw. der Fachdisziplin (Frey, 2006, S. 42). Das gilt insbesondere für bislang wenig untersuchte Kompetenzen von Lehrpersonen des Fachs Sport. Diese lassen sich u.a. im Rahmen von subjektiven Theorien (Groeben, Wahl, Schlee & Scheele, 1988) über den eigenen Fachunterricht erfassen, da handlungsleitende Kognitionen für die Unterrichtsgestaltung darstellen. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht vor dem Hintergrund des Modells professioneller Handlungskompetenz die subjektiven Theorien von Lehrpersonen über Kompetenzen und Bereitschaften von Sport unterrichtenden Lehrpersonen der Vorschul- und Primarschulstufe. In einem Mixed-Methods-Design wurden im Rahmen einer zweistufigen Delphi-Befragung Interviews mit Expertenlehrpersonen sowie Fachdidaktikerinnen und -didaktikern durchgeführt, mittels qualitativer Inhaltsanalyse ausgewertet und daraus Kompetenzen und Bereitschaften von Sport unterrichtenden Lehrpersonen abgeleitet. Die Kompetenzen und Bereitschaften wurden anschliessend in einer quantitativen Fragebogenuntersuchung von Lehrpersonen (N = 313) bezüglich ihrer Wichtigkeit eingeschätzt und mittels explorativer Faktorenanalyse auf ihre Struktur untersucht. Auf Basis subjektiver Theorien von Lehrpersonen werden mittels Delphi-Befragung 58 Kompetenzen und Bereitschaften entwickelt, welche für Sport unterrichtende Lehrpersonen der Vorschul- und Primarschulstufe zentral sind. Diese sind fachspezifisch konnotiert und lassen sich den Aspekten des Modells professioneller Handlungskompetenz (Baumert & Kunter, 2006) zuordnen. Die Kompetenzen und Bereitschaften können aufgrund der Einschätzungen zur Wichtigkeit faktorenanalytisch auf 41 Kompetenzen und Bereitschaften reduziert und analog zu Baumert und Kunter (2006) eingeteilt werden in acht fachspezifische Kompetenzfacetten bezüglich des Professionswissens (Wissen über die didaktisch-methodische Gestaltung des Sportunterrichts, Wissen über den Nutzen von Bewegung, Wissen über die Planung des Sportunterrichts anhand transparenter Ziele und Kriterien, Entwicklungspsychologisches Wissen, sportwissenschaftliches Wissen, Wissen über den Umgang mit Unfällen, Wissen über den Einsatz vielfältiger Bewegungsaufgaben, Wissen über die Organisation der Klasse) und in zwei Bereitschaftsfacetten (Sportives Selbstverständnis, Intentionale Individuumsförderung). Alle Kompetenz- und Bereitschaftsfacetten werden im Mittel als äusserst wichtig, wichtig oder eher wichtig beurteilt. Die Ergebnisse stellen zentrale Kompetenzen und Bereitschaften von Sport unterrichtenden Lehrpersonen der Vorschul- und Primarschulstufe auf Basis von subjektiven Theorien dar. Sie lassen sich in das Modell professioneller Handlungskompetenz einordnen, weisen aber eine hohe fachspezifische Akzentuierung auf. Die Ergebnisse stellen eine mögliche Orientierungshilfe für die Gestaltung der Ausbildung von Sport unterrichtenden Lehrpersonen dar. Baumert, J. & Kunter, M. (2006). Stichwort: Professionelle Kompetenz von Lehrkräften. Zeitschrift für Erziehungswissenschaft, 9 (4), 469-520. Frey, A. (2006). Methoden und Instrumente zur Diagnose beruflicher Kompetenzen von Lehrkräften - eine erste Standortbestimmung zu bereits publizierten Instrumenten. In C. Allemann-Ghionda & E. Terhart (Hrsg.), Kompetenzen und Kompetenzentwicklung von Lehrerinnen und Lehrern: Ausbildung und Beruf. 51. Beiheft der Zeitschrift für Pädagogik (S. 30-46). Weinheim: Beltz. Groeben, N., Wahl, D., Schlee, J. & Scheele, B. (1988). Forschungsprogramm Subjektive Theorien. Eine Einführung in die Psychologie des reflexiven Subjekts. Tübingen: Francke. Weinert, F.E. (2002). Vergleichende Leistungsmessung in Schulen - eine umstrittene Selbstverständlichkeit. In F.E. Weinert (Hrsg.), Leistungsmessungen in Schulen (2. Aufl., S. 17-31). Weinheim: Beltz.

Is the sedimentation sign associated with spinal stenosis surgical treatment effect in SPORT?

STUDY DESIGN Subgroup analysis of the lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) without degenerative spondylolisthesis diagnostic cohort of the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial multicenter randomized clinical trial with a concurrent observational cohort. OBJECTIVE To determine if sedimentation sign on magnetic resonance image can help with LSS treatment decisions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA LSS is one of the most common reasons for surgery in the US elderly, but there is a dearth of reliable diagnostic tools that give a clear indication for surgery. Recent studies have suggested that positive sedimentation sign on magnetic resonance image may be a possible prognostic indicator. METHODS All patients with LSS in both the randomized and observational cohorts had imaging-confirmed stenosis, were surgical candidates, and had neurogenic claudication for at least 12 weeks prior to enrollment. Patients were categorized as "mild," "moderate," or "severe" according to stenosis severity. Of the 654 patients with LSS enrolled in Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial, complete T2-weighted axial and sagittal digitized images of 115 patients were available for retrospective review. An independent orthopedic spine surgeon evaluated these deidentified Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine files for the sedimentation sign. RESULTS Sixty-six percent (76/115) of patients were found to have a positive sedimentation sign. Those with a positive sedimentation sign were more likely to have stenosis at L2-L3 (33% vs. 10% P=0.016) or L3-L4 76% vs. 51%, P=0.012), and to have severe (72% vs. 33%, P<0.0001) central stenosis (93% vs. 67% P<0.001) at 2 or more concurrent levels (57% vs. 18%, P=0.01). In multivariate models, the surgical treatment effect was significantly larger in the positive sedimentation sign group for Oswestry Disability Index (-16 vs. -7; P=0.02). CONCLUSION A positive sedimentation sign was associated with a small but significantly greater surgical treatment effect for Oswestry Disability Index in patients with symptomatic LSS, after adjusting for other demographic and imaging features. These findings suggest that positive sedimentation sign may potentially be a useful adjunct to help guide an informed treatment choice regarding surgery for LSS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2.

The relevance of sport-related behaviour patterns in the family for the sport participation of youth in Switzerland

Despite various efforts to promote sport participation among youth, social inequalities still exist. An explanation for these social inequalities could be traced back to transgenerational transmission of sport-related values and behaviour patterns in a family (Baur, 1989). Therefore, children’s socialisation to sport is strongly influenced by the parents’ sport-related values and sport behaviour (Burrmann, 2005). However, findings of previous studies are inconsistent, and the daily sport-related behaviour patterns of families have often not been taken into account. The paper deals with the question, to what extent sport participation of youth is influenced by factors such as the importance of sport, the self-evidence of regular sport activity, mutual support, shared sport activities, sport-related health-awareness and communication about sport in the family. In order to pursue this research question, socialisation theories were used as theoretical framework (Hurrelmann, 2006). Based on this approach, a quantitative online survey where 4’039 adolescents and young adults from the ages of 15 to 30 (n = 4’039, M = 21.48, SD = 4.64) answered questions according their sport participation and the sport-related patterns of their families. Furthermore, a qualitative study that included guideline-based interviews with adolescents and young adults (n = 13) were undertaken. Content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Initial findings of the multiple regression analysis reveal that the most important predictors of sport participation of youth are communication about sport (β = .18, p < .001), mutual support (β = .13, p < .001), regular sport activity (β = .10, p < .01) and the importance of sport in the family (β = .10, p < .01). By means of content analysis, more in-depth information could be identified. The promotion of sport through sport-related behaviour patterns in the family appears to be a successful strategy to develop a durable sport commitment in youth. References Baur, J. (1989). Körper- und Bewegungskarrieren [Body and exercise careers]. Schorndorf: Hofmann. Burrmann, U. (2005). Zur Vermittlung und intergenerationalen "Vererbung" von Sport(vereins)engagements in der Herkunftsfamilie [On placing and "inheriting" intergenerational sport(club) commitment in the family of origin]. Sport und Gesellschaft, 2, 125–154. Hurrelmann, K. (2006). Einführung in die Sozialisationstheorie [Introduction to socialisation theory] (9th ed.). Studium Paedagogik. Weinheim: Beltz.

Jüdischer Turn- und Sport-Verein Bar-Kochba München

Bar Kochba / Jüdischer Turn- und Sportverein / Vorstand / München

Bildung und Sport : zwei aktuelle Beiträge zu einer brennenden Tagesfrage

Dienemann

Sport und Nationalität

Hans Keilson

Sport als seelische Haltung

Max Grünthal

Sport : ein Weg zu Freiheit und Kultur

Otto Peltzer

Jüdische Monatshefte für Turnen und Sport : Organ der jüdisch-nationalen Jugendbewegung

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