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Sport Governance

Overview

Module description

In this module we examine the internal governance structures of sport organisations and, in particular, the board of the organisation. The board is, in principle, the key internal governance mechanism of an organisation and we will introduce a range of key issues faced by boards of sport organisations and identify challenges that they face. Critically, we will consider whether the governance structures are appropriate to enable sport organisations to carry out their core management and regulatory functions.

We will employ various theoretical perspectives relating to corporate governance theory and consider the relevance of these to the governance of sport organisations.

Indicative syllabus

  • What is governance and why is it important for sport organisations?
  • The role and responsibilities of the board
  • Board size, composition and recruitment
  • Strategic planning and the board
  • Board evaluation
  • UEFA case study
  • FIFA case study
  • The organisation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
  • Group presentations - case study report

    Learning objectives

    By the end of this module, you will be able to:

    • discuss theories underpinning corporate governance and how these theories apply to sport organisations
    • consider how sport governance has been an area of increasing policy focus
    • discuss the increasing focus on the board within the UK sport industry and in the context of the modernisation agenda
    • appreciate the importance of governance within the context of three of the world’s leading international sport governing bodies: UEFA, FIFA and the IOC.