In Pursuit of Best Performing Sport Clubs

Many European Researchers (Beckers 1989, Horch 1998, Anthonissen & Boesenkool 1996; Boesenkool 2001; Kalmthout, Lucassen, Janssens, 2006) and Sport Umbrella Organizations report that traditional organized Sport Clubs in Europe are threatened in their existence, this also is apparent in the Netherlands. It raises questions if the Structure and Strategy of these types of organizations is appropriate for the present Social-Economic situation? It also raises the question, that if existence is been threatened, how these organizations adapt to the new environment or needs and behavior of their members and volunteers? A correlation is been expected between the clear and consistent strategic, tactical and operational choices on the one hand and the success of adaptation to the new environment of the organization and its performance on the other hand. Is it possible to determine the variables that constitute different types or segments of sport clubs, based on the various strategic choices?
A research is in progress which addresses this issue. First an overview is given of the different types of Sport clubs and their past strategies, structure and operations, followed by the identification of strategic, tactical and operational choices that have been made in the past years within these Sport clubs. Finally the effect/success is examined in relation to the different choices that have been made.

ISBN:978-80-254-8248-3

Publication year:2010

Keywords:sport clubs