Social Science Discussion Thread: Responsibilities of Governing Bodies in Sport (Assignment 1)

 Lam (2014) states the following: “The major responsibilities of sports governing bodies are to establish rules for the sport, to develop and promote it, to widen its popularity and to represent the sport and those involved in it. These goals can only be achieved through good governance and to ensure that the principles of democracy, independence, fairness, solidarity and transparency are respected. Governing bodies should recognize that they hold the power to govern their sports as trustees. This power is primarily vested in the members and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation. Governing bodies, therefore, should provide a clear statement of the roles and functions they perform to support their members and other groups with a legitimate interest in their activities” (p. 24).

Today’s sport governing agencies face a myriad of issues related to participation, integrity, and development. Select a sport governance organization from the following list: IOC, USOC, NCAA, NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL, NFHS, Pop Warner, USA Basketball (or another sport). Explain, providing specific examples, how the organization is fulfilling its responsibilities well.