Implementing Sport Policy

This book critically examines the roles and contributions of different organisations in the implementation of sport policy in the UK and, therefore, provides an important guide to the complexities of implementing sport policy and of achieving policy goals through, and for, sport. Presenting analytical chapters by leading sport researchers alongside shorter commentaries by practitioners working in the field, this book outlines the uneven path between policy planning and real-world outcomes. Adopting a multi-level analysis, this book examines the interlocking structures and challenges of organisations, from grassroots voluntary sport to national governing bodies and professional clubs, and considers the most important issues affecting UK sport policy today. This is fascinating reading for any student, researcher or practitioner working in sport policy, sport for development, sport management, sport coaching, physical education and related areas of policy such as public health, community development, social policy, public policy and education.

Marc Keech is Principal Lecturer at the University of Brighton, UK, teaching and researching Sport Policy and Sport Management. Marc has acted as a consultant and researcher for a range of organisations for 30 years. A Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Marc was the Higher Education (HE) representative on the national CIMSPA (the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity) Professional Development Board from 2018 to 2020. He has been the HE representative on the Professional Development Committee for Community Sport since 2021. Iain Lindsey is Associate Professor in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University, UK. Iain's research has primarily examined sport policy and development, especially youth sport policy in the UK and the use of sport for development in Africa. This research has been undertaken at both global and national levels as well as in a variety of local and community contexts. Iain's research is underpinned by theories and methodologies from the fields of political science and international development. John Hayton is Assistant Professor in Sport Development in the Department of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation at Northumbria University, UK. John's research has coalesced around the policy, delivery and management of sport in and by the non-profit and voluntary sector. John has published widely in areas such as sport volunteering, sport-based interventions, austerity and sport, and the role and management of non-profit organisations in the delivery of sport, physical activity and physical recreation.

1 Introduction IAIN LINDSEY, MARC KEECH AND JOHN HAYTON 2 National Sports Agencies PIPPA CHAPMAN Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Andy J Reed OBE 3 National Governing Bodies of Sport MATHEW DOWLING AND SPENCER HARRIS Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Ian Freeman 4 The Active Partnerships MARC KEECH AND JACK WILKINSON Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Maxine Rhodes 5 Local Authorities and the Implementation of Sport Policy JANINE PARTINGTON, STEPHEN ROBSON AND LOUISE MORBY Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Katy Bowden 6 Public Health Agencies and Policy Implementation in Sport and Physical Activity: Re-thinking Partnerships and Priorities PHIL BROWN AND AARON BEACOM Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Dwain Morgan 7 Implementation of Equality Policies: From Legislation to Lived Practices LAUREN KAMPERMAN AND A. J. RANKIN-WRIGHT Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Kirsty Clarke 8 Sporting Charities and Non-sporting Community Agencies KATE MORI Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Kevin McPherson 9 Schools HELEN IVES Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Alan Watkinson 10 Voluntary Sports Clubs ANDREW ADAMS Practitioner Reflection and Insights: Daniel Edson 11 Professional Football Clubs and Policy Implementation and Enactment JIMMY O'GORMAN Practitioner Reflection and Insights (1): Steve Williams and Louise Edwards Practitioner Reflection and Insights (2): Paul Morrison 12 Conclusions: Learning Lessons from Implementing Sport Policy JOHN HAYTON, IAIN LINDSEY AND MARC KEECH