A critical analysis of government spending on sport : mass participation and school allocation : sport administration

Abstract

The government plays an important role in promoting and financing sport. The government therefore needs to budget for the activities it finances. The purpose of the study was to critically analyse government spending on sport with specific focus on mass participation and school sport allocation. A qualitative research approach using document analysis was used for the study. Document analysis entails a systematic procedure for reviewing or evaluating documents - both printed and electronic (computer-based and Internet-transmitted) material. The documents which were content analysed in this study were the Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) Strategic Plan, Annual performance plans and Annual reports. The results of the analysis revealed that the administration costs in promoting sport are far too high. As a result inadequate funding is available for mass participation and school sport to develop sport at grassroots level. The surprisingly low allocation for school sport and mass participation is difficult to understand. In a broader context, the lack of investment in school sport decreases South Africa's potential to produce high quality talented athletes. This may ultimately impact on South Africa's performance in mega sport events.