Volume 3, Issue 1

This article presents empirical data from a differential-theoretical perspective regarding sports participation and interest in spectator sports of German adults. The data are the results of an own representative survey conducted in the fall of 2003, which investigated the overall inclusion of the adult population in all sub-systems of modern society. Inclusion in sports was analyzed with regard to two different aspects: a) the role of the leisure sport athlete, and b) the role of the sport spectator. Correlations between different kinds and degrees of inclusion in sports and socio-economic variables used by theories of social inequality were studied; in addition, correlations between different degrees of inclusion in sports and inclusion in other societal sub-systems were examined.

A model based on Esser’s general theory of action has been developed in order to analyze the commitment of members of sports clubs. The question asked is an issue of sports club members' commitments whether they decide to quit or continue the membership. The risk of members leaving the clubs is illustrated with regard to the subjective expectations and evaluations of members and their personal integration into the sports clubs. Hypotheses derived from the model were proven empirically and confirmed on the basis of two questionnaires among sports club members of 20 and 14 chosen sports clubs (N = 1 238 and Ν = 975) respectively. Results showed a positive correlation between the factors of emotional and social involvement (e.g. closeness, identification) and satisfaction of sports clubs’ offers and members’ commitments. Younger club members leave their sports clubs sooner than older participants. The effect of being socially involved is more important than the effects of satisfaction and age. If members are more socially involved it is very unlikely that they will leave their clubs.

This paper reports on an analysis of organizational structures in Swedish elite ice hockey and is concerned with the organization at club level, its similarities and differences with regard to the clubs’ structural dimensions: specialization, standardization and centralization. Findings are based on structured interviews with the general managers of 11 clubs represented in the Swedish elite league (the first division) and on official and unofficial documents. The results, categorizing the clubs for each of these three structural dimensions into Law, Medium, and High, reveal some smaller variations in structural features, but mainly similarities, explained using the concept of adaptive isomorphism. Zusammenfassung In dem Beitrag werden die Organisationsstrukturen von Schwedischen Spitzenclubs im Eishockey, analysiert. Behandelt werden Ähnlichkeiten und Unterschiede hinsichtlich der Strukturdimensionen Spezialisierung, Standardisierung und Zentralisierung. Die Befunde beruhen auf strukturierten Interviews mit Managern von elf Vereinen aus der höchsten Spielklasse Schwedens (Erste Division) und auf einer Auswertung offizieller und inoffizieller Dokumente. Jede Strukturdimension wird nach drei Ausprägungsgraden (niedrig mittel und hoch) differenziert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen einige kleinere Variationen in den Strukturmerkmalen, aber hauptsächlich Ähnlichkeiten, die mit dem Konzept des „Adaptiven Isomorphismus“ erklärt werden.

The article surveys the “horizontal” versus “vertical” nature of sport as a topic in the EC/EU process of the last thirty years (1974-2004). The horizontal/vertical model refers to internal structures of the Union and not to the relationship between the Union and its Member States. Based on general development trends, the question is raised whether sport is a horizontal theme impinging on other thematic areas, or whether sport is an autonomous, vertical field. The article concludes that reality is a mixture of horizontal and vertical elements but that the vertical principle has been reinforced. But it also becomes clear that the role of case law as a motor of development has been a particularly instrumental one.

The National Socialistic major of Frankfurt, Dr. Friedrich Krebs, wanted to prove to the Nazi regime that his city was taking a lead role in the national Socialistic community and no longer represented “a city of Jews and Democrats” after 1933. Dr. Krebs thought that sports as an element of body culture seemed to be perfect to give Frankfurt a new “image” and therefore a better reputation. This paper describes the numerous efforts but also the ultimate failure of Krebs' idea. It is of interest, however, that Krebs and his city government used marketing strategies that one is accustomed to in today's world. Furthermore, it shows the importance of sports as an economical and political force since the 1920’s. The Nazi regime used this phenomenon not only during the Summer Olympics of 1936, but also for local communities.