Comparing the practices of USA Rugby against a global model for integrated development of mass and high performance sport
Author(s)
Carney, Mark
Smolianov, Peter
Zakus, Dwight
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2012
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study examines the current state of Rugby in the USA against an ideal-type model for developing high performance sport integrated with mass participation. A Rugby-specific questionnaire was developed for the following elements of the model: talent search and development; advanced athlete support; training centers; competition systems; intellectual services; partnerships with supporting agencies; and, balanced and integrated funding and structures of mass and elite sport. The questions were validated by 12 international experts and answered online by 127 USA Rugby coaches and administrators. Semi-structured telephone ...
View more >This study examines the current state of Rugby in the USA against an ideal-type model for developing high performance sport integrated with mass participation. A Rugby-specific questionnaire was developed for the following elements of the model: talent search and development; advanced athlete support; training centers; competition systems; intellectual services; partnerships with supporting agencies; and, balanced and integrated funding and structures of mass and elite sport. The questions were validated by 12 international experts and answered online by 127 USA Rugby coaches and administrators. Semi-structured telephone interviews with five Territorial Rugby Union Presidents or Vice-Presidents as well as USA Rugby's CEO were also conducted. Specific management actions proposed to improve USA Rugby were: certain types of organizational integration; development of coaching and training centers particularly for youth; communication with and education of current and potential members; and, partnerships with the mass media, corporations, and systems of education and government.
View less >
View more >This study examines the current state of Rugby in the USA against an ideal-type model for developing high performance sport integrated with mass participation. A Rugby-specific questionnaire was developed for the following elements of the model: talent search and development; advanced athlete support; training centers; competition systems; intellectual services; partnerships with supporting agencies; and, balanced and integrated funding and structures of mass and elite sport. The questions were validated by 12 international experts and answered online by 127 USA Rugby coaches and administrators. Semi-structured telephone interviews with five Territorial Rugby Union Presidents or Vice-Presidents as well as USA Rugby's CEO were also conducted. Specific management actions proposed to improve USA Rugby were: certain types of organizational integration; development of coaching and training centers particularly for youth; communication with and education of current and potential members; and, partnerships with the mass media, corporations, and systems of education and government.
View less >
Journal Title
Managing Leisure
Volume
17
Issue
2-3
Subject
Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services not elsewhere classified
Commercial Services
Tourism