Document Type : Research Paper I Open Access I Released under (CC BY-NC 4.0) license
Authors
1 Associate Professor of Sport Management. Department of Management and Policy-Making in Sport, Sport Sciences Research Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
2 Ph.D. in Sport Management, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to conduct a comparative structural-functional analysis of Iran’s university sports system, identify existing gaps in relation to international models, assess its convergence with global trends, and propose a transformation and development framework.
Methodology: Using an exploratory mixed-methods design, the qualitative phase involved content analysis of 32 documentary sources and two Delphi rounds with 11 experts to develop a conceptual framework consisting of three main domains (structure and governance, resources and support systems, and events and participation) and twelve sub-dimensions. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed questionnaire was administered to 25 university sports managers and experts to assess performance gaps and the level of convergence with international standards. A comparative analysis of ten selected countries was conducted based on Bereday’s comparative model.
Results: The findings revealed that, despite considerable internal capacities, Iran’s university sports system encounters structural and operational challenges, including insufficient approved organizational positions, unequal distribution of sports facilities, legal shortcomings, and excessive centralization. The greatest performance gap was identified in financial resources, whereas the smallest gap was observed in procedural dimensions. Overall, the level of system convergence with international standards was assessed as moderate to low. The results further indicated weak integration among system components and inadequate alignment between organizational structures, resource allocation, and functional processes, limiting the effective utilization of existing capacities.
Conclusion: The proposed transformation framework is based on three strategic directions: restructuring governance mechanisms, ensuring sustainable resource development, and improving the quality of participation. The key strategies include shifting from a highly centralized governmental model toward a semi-decentralized governance structure, diversifying financial resources, strengthening human capital, and enhancing technological capabilities. Developing an efficient university sports system in Iran requires redefining institutional responsibilities, establishing inter-organizational coordination mechanisms, and creating a flexible yet integrated governance framework capable of addressing diverse institutional needs while preserving national coherence.
Keywords
- University Sports System
- Structural-Functional Analysis
- Sports Governance
- Comparative Policy Analysis
- System Transformation Framework
- Higher Education Sport Development
Main Subjects
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