Understanding the game (2011)

This is the tenth number in the series of Sport Policy & Management Reports. These reports are intended to contribute to the social-scientific research on policy and management with regard to sport and physical activity. The publications are a product of the Research Unit of Social Kinesiology & Sport Management of the K.U. Leuven. This report is the result of an intensive cooperation between researchers from the K.U. Leuven (Belgium), Hedera (Ghent University, Belgium) and the Mulier Institute (the Netherlands). Some of the data used are also the fruits of a larger international collaboration, based on the Measure network. In Europe, sport policy is mainly decided on a national or even sub-national level. However, as will be discussed in this report, the role of the European Union in terms of sport policy has widened over recent years, and is likely to increase further. In order to develop effective policy making and to set realistic targets, at the European as well as the (sub-)national level, it is necessary to gain a thorough understanding of sport participation rates, trends and differences. The information currently available does not suffice. The present report is meant te contribute to the gathering of knowledge in this field, allowing for evidence-based policy making.