SPORTS POLICY FACTORS LEADING TO INTERNATIONAL
SPORTING SUCCESS
Network for international comparative studies on high performance sport
ABOUT SPLISS
Veerle De Bosscher, [email protected] - Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Maarten van Bottenburg, [email protected] – Utrecht University
Simon Shibli, [email protected] - Sheffield Hallam University
Hans Westerbeek, [email protected], Victoria University
Jasper Truyens, [email protected] – Vrije Universiteit Brussel
1. Introduction: SPLISS, a network of research cooperation in high
performance sport policies
SPLISS
At the end of 2002 a consortium of research groups from three nations (Belgium, the
Netherlands and United Kingdom) initiated an international comparative study on elite
sports policies. These researchers expressed common needs, all from their own
perspective, to fill the gap in scientific research on the relationship between elite sport
policies and international sporting success and to benchmark their nation against
competitors. Their common purpose was reflected in the name “SPLISS”, which stands
for Sports Policy factors Leading to International Sporting Success. A joint research
project was established, of which the first stage was an overall comparison of elite sport
policies in six nations: Belgium, Canada, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and the United
Kingdom. The study resulted in a Ph.D (2007) and in a jointly authored book (2008):
De Bosscher, V., Bingham, J., Shibli, S., Van Bottenburg, M., De Knop,
P. (2008). The global Sporting Arms Race. An international comparative
study on sports policy factors leading to international sporting success.
Aachen: Meyer & Meyer. ISBN: 978-1-84126-228-4. (173p)
De Bosscher, V.(2007). Sports Policy Factors Leading to International
Sporting Success. Published doctoral thesis. Brussel: VUBPRESS. ISBN978-905487-421-8 (347p)
A range of other publications and communications during international congresses related
to the SPLISS work, are provided in appendix 1.
Key points
The key points of the 2008 SPLISS-study are characterised by four elements as outlined
below.

The specific focus on the relationship between policies and success and
accordingly increasing insights in the factors that shape elite sport policies and
the pathways to success in different nations.
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
2

The development of a theoretical model of sport policy factors leading to
international sporting success, that has been operationalised through over 100
critical success factors (CSF).

The development of a methodology to measure the competitive position of
nations in elite sport quantitatively by aggregating CSF into a final percentage
score (see SPLISS brochure).

The involvement of the main stakeholders in elite sport as part of our research
methodology. 1090 athletes, 273 coaches and 71 performance directors in the
sample nations were surveyed in order to measure the competitive position of
the nations in nine policy pillars
Comparison with other competitors is very common in the economic sector, but in sport
it is rather new. Further research is required to explore this field.
Results of the SPLISS study
The SPLISS study has resulted in a range of new insights into the key success drivers,
and the way elite sport policies of nations evolve in an environment of increasing
competition. Furthermore the SPLISS study has helped high performance organisations
and governments in the respective nations to determine the keys of effective elite sport
policies, and possible drivers for future investment. Finally, the SPLISS study has
delivered some first steps in improving theories on the sports policy factors leading to
international sporting success, and has devised a method to measure the competitive
position of nations in elite sport.
This study mainly served as a pilot study and is only a preliminary stage in increasing
insights into theoretical, methodological and political developments in high performance
sport policy research, along with other recent studies that have been developed in the
past few years (see among others Bergsgard, Houlihan, Mangset, et al., 2008; Digel,
Burk, Fahrner et al., 2006; Green & Houlihan, 2005; Houlihan & Green, 2008; Oakley &
Green, 2001).
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
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Effects on elite sports policies: some quotes from the consortium team:
United Kingdom, Jerry Bingham, research director UKSport
In the UK, it has been difficult to answer the frequently-asked question: how does our
sports system compare with that of other nations? However, as a result of the SPLISS
project, we finally have some robust comparative information on this subject. Looking
across the nine policy areas that comprise the SPLISS framework, the results for the
UK are generally encouraging, providing us with a degree of assurance that we are
doing the right things. The two policy areas in which we appear to have performed
less well are those of talent development and the coordination of scientific research.
In reality, we have already identified these as areas needing attention, and the new
investment we are now making in them may be seen as a test of the reasonableness
of the SPLISS analysis.
Belgium (Flanders), Bert Anciaux, Flemish Minister of sport and Ivo Van Aken, elite
sports manager
“In Belgium (Flanders) the SPLISS research has had an enormous impact on the
direction of future policy choices. It has given policy makers and federations very
useful insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our elite sports policies compared
with other nations. The study has made policy makers aware of the determinants of
competitiveness and the nine pillar model is now used as a basic framework for our
2009-2012/16 policy plan. Most of all, the study keeps policy makers alert to
international developments, and has given insights into the characteristics of effective
elite sport policies and how nations can develop a competitive advantage. We have
also learned that it is difficult to implement good practice from other nations directly,
but nonetheless it inspires us to innovate and develop our own ideas. Whilst the
SPLISS project is a very welcome starting point in providing information on national
elite sport policies at an overall level, even more research is needed. In particular we
would very much welcome more in depth analysis and comparisons at a sport by sport
level.”
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
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Follow-up
As a follow-up the SPLISS group will continue their project in several directions and
invites researchers, governments, Olympic Committees, national sport agencies and
national governing bodies1/federations and international organisations to be involved in
future studies if their interest is in one of the three areas outlined below.
-
Policy purpose: to benchmark your nation against competitors, -both at an overall
and a sport specific level, for able-bodied and disability sports, to gain insights
into the competitiveness of your nation and to get a better understanding of good
governance in elite sport. To achieve a win-win situation for your nation by
learning from other competitors.
-
Research purpose: to develop theories on the key success factors and methods to
compare nations in elite sport and to measure the competitiveness of nations in
elite sport (both at an overall and a sport specific level, for able-bodied and
disability sports).
-
Networking: to develop a team of researchers and high performance experts who
cooperate, have meetings and seminars on high performance sport policy
research and common interests; and to offer a forum for other researchers to
spread and communicate their high performance research.
-
Marketing: to develop a world competitiveness ranking for elite sport policy, in
order to articulate the value of elite sport of your own and other countries to the
population and to evaluate your competitive position in elite sport policy in an
international context.
The purpose of this document is to invite researchers and policy makers (governments,
national sport agencies, Olympic Committees, national governing bodies etc.) who are
interested in cooperating in further SPLISS studies. Participation could be at either an
intensive level, by taking part in the SPLISS-meetings to prepare and realise the studies;
or either at a less labour-intensive level, by just conducting the research in your own
nation (in cooperation with a researcher), using the methods and research instruments
prepared by the SPLISS group.
The nations that have been compared in the 2008 publication, all have expressed an
interest to be involved in future SPLISS research projects: Norway, Belgium, the
Netherlands, Canada, United Kingdom and Italy. Researchers and policy makers from a
number of other countries have already demonstrated a keen interest in joining this
1
Note that national governing bodies are synonymous to national sport organisations and federations. These
terms are used differently in distinct nations and regions. National Governing Bodies (NGBs) manage eligibility,
rules and championships for individual sports. They sanction competitions in its country and those competitions
follow NGB rules (De Bosscher et al., 2008)
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
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study (e.g. Australia, France, Germany, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal,
Switzerland, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Finland). It is the aim of the SPLISS group to
involve nations worldwide and to develop different research strategies depending on the
individual needs of researchers and policy makers.
This document contains a number of research proposals, all with their indicative
rationale, methods and purposes. It is aimed at a wide forum of people with common
interests and is meant to be a discussion document. Any particular interests, comments
or suggestions can be addressed to the SPLISS secretary (see contact details below).
2. SPLISS mission
The mission of the SPLISS group is “to create a sustainable international network that
coordinates, develops and shares expertise in innovative high performance sport
research at the meso-level (policy level) in cooperation with other policy makers, NOCs,
national and international organisations, and researchers worldwide”.
The SPLISS studies are characterised by using recognised good practice that can be used
by nations to benchmark their policies and to measure their competitive position;
furthermore they aim to increase the social relevance of research by developing theories,
methods and strategies to measure and compare elite sport policies of nations. Each
study endeavours to achieve a win-win situation for every participating nation by
maximising
the
policy
relevance
and
learning
effects.
This
is
the
purpose
of
2
benchmarking . By disseminating the results amongst performance directors, coaches
and policy makers and by searching for practical applications, the aim is to reduce the
gap between academic research and practitioners. It needs however to be noted that the
SPLISS group will respect each nation’s specific requests with regard to the publication of
results.
By creating research networks and research cooperation, the SPLISS group wants to
offer
opportunities
for
researchers
and
research
institutes,
policy makers, and
stakeholders to create networks around high performance sport research and joint
publications (e.g. by publishing jointly authored books), taking into account the specific
desire of policy makers and possible funders. Furthermore the SPLISS projects may
2
Benchmarking can be interpreted as
“the continuous process of measuring products, services and practices against the toughest
competitors or those companies recognized as industry leaders” (David T. Kearns, Chief Executive
officer, Xerox corporation, cited by Waalewijn & Kamp, B., 1994).
Camp (1989) continues with: “the search for industry best practices that will lead to superior performance”
On the other hand, no nation can be competitive in everything and every nation will be able to create learning
effects in particular areas.
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
6
enable PhD students to realise some parts of the projects as integral parts of their
doctoral studies, applied to their own context under supervision of a tutor within their
research institute and eventually a SPLISS researcher. In this respect the SPLISS group
is prepared to help research institutes with submissions for funding. Last but not least, in
the longer term the use of the SPLISS forum can help to create your own networks and
to stimulate recognisable research networks on high performance sport worldwide.
3. SPLISS follow up proposals
The list discussed in the following sections are titles of individual research proposals for
projects that will be developed by the SPLISS group during the next few years. For each
project, separate proposals will be developed. Nations are invited to participate in either
all of them, or in a sub-set of them. Each project requires different resources (varying
from only a limited budget to pay for marginal costs to a conventional full cost research
budget), as well as specific methodologies and timings.
Nations, which have higher research ambitions than mentioned in this document, should
not hesitate to share their thoughts and suggestions with the SPLISS group. The SPLISS
consortium will be prepared to help in negotiations with policy makers, national or
international organisations, and research institutes in order to assist in finding funding.
Please do not hesitate to contact the secretary in this respect.
SPLISS Project proposals
Starting
Competitiveness of nations in elite sport: an international
comparison of the overall elite sport policies and climate
This is an extension of the Global Sporting Arms Race research, whereby
elite sports policies at a national level are compared using:
- evaluation of elite sport policies in nine pillars
- comparison based on measurement (traffic light) and description of
processes and strategies
- including an elite sport climate survey with elite athletes and coaches in
each nation
January 2011
(finished
data
collection
by
December 2011)
contact: Veerle De Bosscher
[email protected]
Competitiveness of nations in elite sport disciplines: athletics as a
case study
Data
collection:
May 2010
Contact: drs Jasper Truyens (as part of a PhD):
[email protected]
Veerle De Bosscher
[email protected]
Competitiveness of nations in elite sport disciplines: tennis as a
case study
Data
2011
collection:
Contact:
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
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Drs. Jessie Brouwers (as part of a PhD)
[email protected]
(joint PhD between Bond University (Australia) and Vrije University
Brussels (Belgium)
Veerle De Bosscher
[email protected]
The following separate research projects are being considered:
Competitiveness of nations in elite sport disciplines: summer and winter sports
- Sports will be determined in cooperation with other nations
- Currently preferences have been expressed towards swimming, cycling and tennis
- Realisation will depend on availability of funding and PhD students
Measuring the outcome of elite sport: an international comparison of the effects of elite
sporting success on national pride and international prestige
The relationship between elite sport and sport for all
Competitiveness of nations in Paralympic sports
 Overall
 Sport by sport
An international comparison of financial support for elite sport (pillar 1)
Please note that nations who participate in part I, will automatically receive the cooperation in
this specific study. This is an in depth analysis of one particular pillar.
An international comparison of talent identification and talent development
programmes (pillar 4) (at the national level and some sports more in depth)
Please note that nations who participate in parts I and II, will automatically receive the
cooperation in this specific study. This is an in depth analysis of one particular pillar.
An international comparison of coach development programmes and coaches
provisions (pillar 7) (at the national level and some sports more in depth)
Please note that nations who participate in parts I and II, will automatically receive the
cooperation in this specific study. This is an in depth analysis of one particular pillar.
An international comparison of the social status of practising elite sport and being an elite
athlete (pillar 5)
Development of a world competitiveness elite sport policy ranking
Please note that nations who participate in part I, will automatically be included in the world
competitiveness ranking. The aim of this study is to develop a ranking system where nations can
objectively compare themselves with other competitors (from a marketing viewpoint) and
measure there competitive position (from a policy viewpoint) in order to help them in developing
their future perspectives.
A selection of criteria from part I (overall comparison) will be used to develop this ranking. In
order to realise this ranking, this research will mirror to economic competitiveness rankings.
Therefore at least 30 nations should be included in this study
An international comparison of elite sport policies at the local (city) level
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
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4. Funding of SPLISS research
The SPLISS consortium group will take responsibility for: the guidance and mentoring of
participating researchers; the research instruments; the comparative analysis of data;
literature reviewing and analysis; and, the scientific procedures. SPLISS does not ask any
financial contribution from the participating nations as a return for this coordinating
work. This is paid by each consortium member and by the Vrije Universiteit Brussel as
part of PhD and post doctoral funding. This is a similar model to the first SPLISS project
which was completed in 2008.
So far funding for the individual nations to collect the data domestically has not yet been
confirmed. We recommend that each participating nation should apply for funding to
cover the expenses that are related to this 'pump priming' work. It is our aim to establish
projects at international levels that will make a positive difference to the nations that
take part. We also believe that nations which want to improve their elite sport policies
and which are interested in these ambitious SPLISS-projects (from their own perspective
and at their own level of engagement) should be able to fund the elements of the
research to which they subscribe. In the longer term the SPLISS consortium aims to find
additional funds for extending the project, providing a coordination function, and
eventually to support individual nations.
From our previous experience we know that the funding required does not need to be
extraordinarily high. Some parts of the SPLISS aims (e.g. sport by sport comparisons)
only require limited funding and could be carried out with the help of postgraduate
students. Other elements of the research are more time consuming, and may require the
support of dedicated staff (e.g. the elite sport climate survey and competitiveness
measurements) in order to achieve reliable data collection. It is possible, for nations
which want to, to involve PhD-students on separate subjects and the SPLISS consortium
group is prepared to help with supervision.
Costs (depending on each nation): regular running costs for data collection (copies,
mailing, mileage, telephone,…). Eventually personnel (interviews, data collection, data
analysis, domestic report); master thesis students could participate in some parts of data
collection and inputs in SPSS)
5. Researchers or research institutes as the drivers for creating
partnerships
Individual researchers or cooperating research institutes are the drivers of the SPLISSprojects. They need to ensure that the objectives of their funders, policy makers, NOCs,
and national governing bodies are achieved and sufficiently addressed towards their
particular context in order to maximise the outcomes for their country. The SPLISS group
will assist researchers in this process. We recommend that policy makers or other
organisations involved in high performance sport policies cooperate with a suitably
experienced researcher in their own country.
Apart from the general report that will be developed by the SPLISS group on each project
and in cooperation with each participating member, we strongly advise researchers to
write a separate report (in the own language), which addresses the particular points of
interest for the own country. This will not only enhance the credibility of the researcher in
the eyes of funding organisations, but will also help policies in the nation concerned by
making use of scientific data in an applied manner.
It should be noted that many research projects could be achieved with the help of
postgraduate students, especially via the collection of data through interviews and
secondary data analysis. Time invested by researchers may then be limited to the more
higher level processes such as data analysis and interpretation. We therefore advise
researchers to start looking for interested students according to the timing outlined in the
table above. The SPLISS-group will assist researchers with supervision of these students.
This may be a viable solution in instances where researchers only have limited funds but
still want to be involved in some parts of the SPLISS-projects.
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
10
5. Contact details
For any questions about this SPLISS research project, please contact (secretary):
Veerle De Bosscher ([email protected]), Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium
Or any other member of the SPLISS consortium group:
Maarten van Bottenburg, [email protected] – Utrecht University, NL
Simon Shibli, [email protected] - Sheffield Hallam University , UK
Hans Westerbeek, [email protected], Victoria University, AUS
Jasper Truyens, [email protected] – Vrije Universiteit Brussel, BE
Institutional address:
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Faculty of Physical Education and Physiotherapy
Department Sport Policy and Management (SBMA)
Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium
Tel:
**32 2 629 27 12 (secretary)/ 32 2 629 27 72 (direct)/ 32 486 52 60 60
(mobile phone)
SPLISS consortium Partners
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
11
References
Bergsgard, N.A., Houlihan, B., Mangset, P., NODLAND, S.I. & Rommetveldt, H. (2007).
Sport policy. A comparative analysis of stability and change. London: Elsevier.
Digel, H., Burk, V.,& Fahrner, M. (2006). High-performance sport. An international
comparison. Edition Sports international, 9. Weilheim/Teck: Bräuer.
Green, M., & Houlihan, B. (2005). Elite sport development. Policy learning and political
priorities. London and New York: Routledge.
Houlihan, B., & Green, M (2008). Comparative elite Sport Development. Systems,
structures and public policy. London: Elsevier.
Oakley B., & Green, M. (2001a). The production of Olympic champions: International
perspectives on elite sport development system. European Journal for Sport
Management, 8, 83 – 105.
Camp, R.C. (1989) Benchmarking: the search for industry best practices that lead to
superior performance, ASQC quality press.
Waalewijn, P., Kamp, B. W.C.M. (1994) Strategische benchmarking: wie durft de
vergelijking aan? [Strategic benchmarking: who dares comparing?] (Rep. No. 9404)
Rotterdam, the Netherlands: Erasmus University Rotterdam and Rotterdam institute
for business economic studies.
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
12
Appendix 1: publications related to the SPLISS study
Books
1. De Bosscher, V., Bingham, J., Shibli, S., van Bottenbug M., De Knop, P. (2006).
Readers Digest. SPLISS. Sports Policy Factors Leading to International Sporting
Success. London: UKSport
2. De Bosscher, V.(2007). Sports Policy Factors Leading to International Sporting
Success. Published doctoral thesis. Brussel: VUBPRESS. ISBN-978-905487-421-8
(347p)
3. De Bosscher, V., Bingham, J., Shibli, S., Van Bottenburg, M., De Knop, P. (2008). The
global Sporting Arms Race. An international comparative study on sports policy
factors leading to international sporting success. Aachen: Meyer & Meyer. ISBN: 9781-84126-228-4. (173p)
International (peer reviewed) journals
1. De Knop, P., De Bosscher, V., van Bottenburg, M. (2002). Factors determining
international success in high level sport: a comparative study between Flanders and
the Netherlands [Succesbepalende factoren in topsport: vergelijkende voorstudie
tussen Vlaanderen en Nederland]. Geneeskunde en sport, The Flemish/Dutch journal
of sports medicine and sports science, 35 (5), 25-30
2. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Heyndels, B.(2003). Comparing relative sporting
success among countries: create equal opportunities in sport. Journal for
Comparative Physical Education and Sport, 3 (3), 109-120.
3. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Van Aken, I., Heyndels, B. (2003). International
comparison of tennis success. Medicine and science in tennis, 8 (3), 16-17.
4. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Heyndels, B.(2003). Comparing tennis success among
countries. International sport studies, 25 (1), 49-69.
5. De Bosscher, V., De Knop,P., van Bottenburg,M., Shibli, S. (2006). A conceptual
framework for analysing Sports Policy Factors Leading to international sporting
success. European Sport Management Quarterly, 6 (2), 185-215.
6. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Van Bottenburg, M. (2007). An international
comparison of elite sports policies in six nations. [Een internationale vergelijking van
het topsportbeleid in zes landen]. Sport en geneeskunde. The Flemish/Dutch journal
of sports medicine and sports science, 2, 20-26.
7. De Bosscher, V., Heyndels, B., De Knop, P., van Bottenburg, M. (2008). The paradox
of measuring success of nations in elite sport. Belgeo, 9,2, 1-18.
8. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Shibli, S., van Bottenbug M., (accepted). An analysis of
homogeneity and heterogeneity of elite sport systems in six nations. International
journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship. Special Edition on internationalization of
sports and sport-related industries, January 2009
9. De Bosscher, V., De Knop,P., van Bottenburg,M., Shibli, S., Bingham, J. (accepted).
Explaining international sporting success. An International comparison of elite sport
systems and policies in six nations. Sport Management Review, January 2009
10. De Bosscher, V., De Knop,P., van Bottenburg,M (Accepted). Sports, Culture and
Society: Why the Netherlands are successful in elite sports and Belgium is not? A
comparison of elite sport policies. Kinsesiologia Slovenica (KinSI), scientific Journal on
Sport
Best Paper award was received at the SMAANZ conference, with the paper entitled: Sport
policy excellence: An International comparison of elite sport systems and policies in six
countries. SMAANZ, Raising the Bar. Promoting excellence in sport management.
Fremantle (Australia), 27-29/11/2008
Communications at international congresses/ symposia integrally published in
proceedings
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
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1. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Heyndels, B. (2002). Using SOCIO-economic
determinants to make an international comparisons of top level sports policies.
Application for tennis. Proceedings of the 10th Congress of the European Association
for Sport Management, (pp. 235-236). Jyväskulä (Finland): EASM.
2. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P. (2002). The influence of sports policies on international
success: An international comparative study. Proceedings ‘Sport for All and Elite
Sport: rivals or partners? (pp. 31). Ahrnem (Nederland): IOC
3. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P. (2002). l’Influence des politiques sportives sur le
success international: une etude comparative internationale. Sport pour Tous et Sport
d’élite : adversaires ou partenaires ? Livre des résumés – 9é Congrès mondial du
sport pur tous. Ahrnem (Ne): IOC.
4. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Heyndels, B. (2003). The influence of sports policies on
international success of countries: equal opportunities or not? In R. Calson, A.
Wahlberg & E. Fors (Eds.) Proceedings of the 11th Congress of the European
Association for Sport Management, (pp. 61-63) Stockholm: Tennbergs Reklam &
Produktionsbyra.
5. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Van Aken, I., Heyndels, B. (2003). Comparing tennis
success among countries. In M. Crespo,M. Reid &D. Miley (Eds.), Proceedings of the
ITF worldwide coaches symposium, (pp.136). Villamoura (Portugal): ITF.
6. De Bosscher V., De Knop P., van Bottenburg, M., Leblicq S. (2004). Why the
Netherlands are successful and Belgium is not? A comparison of the elite sports
climate and policies. In EASM (Ed.). Proceedings of the 12 th Congress of the European
Association for Sport Management (pp. 239-241). EASM: Ghent.
7. Leblicq, S., De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P. (2004). The development of an elite sport
index for Belgium. In EASM (Ed.). Proceedings of the 12th Congress of the European
Association for Sport Management (pp. 79-81). EASM: Ghent.
8. De Knop, P., De Bosscher, V. (2004). How to create Win to Win models: Sports policy
factors leading to international sporting success. In EOC (Ed.) Both side of medals win to win models in sport”. Proceedings of the Vth EOC Technical (pp. 19-38).
Seminar. EOC: Warsaw.
9. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., van Bottenbug M., Shibli, S., Bingham, J., Gratton, C.,
(2005). An international comparison of the elite sport climate and policies in seven
countries. In EASM (Ed) Proceedings of the 13th Congress of the European Association
for Sport Management ‘The Power of Sport’ (pp78-81). Newcastle-Gateshead
(England).
10. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., van Bottenbug M., Shibli, S., Bingham, J., (2006).
Development of a model for international comparison of elite sports policies. In D.
Papadimitriou (Ed), Proceedings of the 14th Congress of the European Association for
Sport Management (pp. 34-35), Jyväskylä: EASM
11. Van Bottenbug M., De Bosscher, V., Shibli, S., Bingham, J., De Knop, P., (2006). An
international comparison of the elite sport climate and policies in six nations. In D.
Papadimitriou (Ed), Proceedings of the 14th Congress of the European Association for
Sport Management (pp. 41-43), Jyväskylä: EASM
12. Shibli, S., Bingham, J., De Bosscher, V., Van Bottenburg, M., De Knop, P. (2006).
Identifying successful nations in international sport: Lessons from a trans national
study. In D. Papadimitriou (Ed), Proceedings of the 14th Congress of the European
Association for Sport Management (pp. 38-40), Jyväskylä: EASM
13. De Bosscher, V., Shibli, S., Bingham, J., van Bottenbug M., De Knop, P. (2006).
Facteurs de politique sportive lies à la reussite sportive internationale: une étude
comparative internationale. Readers Digest. Brussels: author.
14. Legg, D., De Bosscher, V. (2006). How does Canada stack up? Comparing Canada’s
sport policies to five other nations. Proceedings of Coaching Research Symposium
from the Coaching Association of Canada, November 2nd, Vancouver, p12.
15. De Bosscher, V., van Bottenburg, M., De Knop, P., Shibli, S., Bingham, J. (2007). A
comparative analysis of Flanders (Belgium) in elite sport against six other nations. In
EASM (Ed.) Sport events and sustainable development. Proceedings of the 16th
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
14
Congress of the European Association for Sport Management (pp. 48-51). Torino,
Italy: EASM
16. De Bosscher, V., van Bottenburg, M., De Knop, P., Shibli, S., Bingham, J. (2007).
The global sporting arms race. During congress “The Olympics in China – The price of
the medal”. Aarhus, Denmark: Danish Institute for Sports Studies.
17. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., van Bottenburg, M. (2008). Homogeneity and
heterogeneity of elite sport systems in six nations. During congress “Targeting the
International Audience. Challenges Facing Sports Management”. Heilbronn Business
School, Germany.
18. De Knop, P., De Bosscher, V., Van Bottenburg, M., Leblicq, S. (2008). Sports, culture
and society: why the Netherlands are successful in elite sports and Belgium is not. In
M.D. Topic, & S. Licen (Eds.). Sport, culture & Society. Proceedings of the 5 th
conference of the European Association for Sociology of Sport (pp. 86). Bled,
Slovenia: EASS. [Abstract]
19. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., van Bottenburg, M., Shibli, S., Bingham, J. (2008). Is
there room for diversity in elite sport development of nations? In EASM (Ed.)
Proceedings of the 17 th Congress of the European Association for Sport Management
(pp.). Heidelberg, Germany: EASM
20. Truyens, J., De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P. (2008). Are Performances at young age a
good predictor of later success? The Development of a Youth Elite Sport index. In
EASM (Ed.) Proceedings of the 17th (pp.). Congress of the European Association for
Sport Management (pp.). Heidelberg, Germany: EASM
21. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Van Bottenburg, M., Shibli, S., Bingham, J. (2008).
Sport policy excellence. A comparison of six nations. In SNAANZ (Ed) Raising the Bar.
Promoting excellence in sport management (pp.77). Fremantle, Australia: SMAANZ
Communications at international congresses/ symposia not published in proceedings
1. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, van Bottenbug, M., Leblicq, S. Rijnen, B. (2004). Why the
Netherlands are successful and Flanders is not? A benchmark study on elite sports.
Symposium for the European Student Seminar and Bloso, 20.10.2004
2. De Knop, P., De Bosscher, V., Leblicq, S. (2005). Recherche relative au le climat
sportif de haut niveau en Flandres. Tijdens Colloque inaugural de la Chaire en
Management des Organisations Sportives. Louvain-la-Neuve, 06/10/05
3. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., van Bottenburg, M., Shibli, S. & Bingham, J. (2006).
Facteurs de politique sportive lies à la reussite sportive internationale: une étude
comparative internationale. [An international comparison of the elite sport policies
and climate in six nations]. Trainerssymposium « l’environnement du sport de haut
niveau », Paris, 16.11.2006 [invited speaker]
4. Legg, D., De Bosscher, V. (2006). How does Canada stack up? Comparing Canada’s
sport policies to five other nations. Coaching Research Symposium from the Coaching
Association of Canada, Vancouver, 2.11.2006
5. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Van Bottenburg, M. (2007). Sports Policy Factors
Leading to International Sporting Success: An international comparative study.
Tijdens Congres ‘Nederland op Olympisch niveau’ Flevoland (Nederland), NOC*NSF,
14/02/2007.
6. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Van Bottenburg, M. (2007). Talentontwikkeling in
international perspectief. Tijdens Congres ‘Talentontwikkeling’. Ahrnem (Nederland),
NOC*NSF, 03/05/2007
7. De Bosscher, V., De Knop, P., Van Bottenburg, M. (2007). Het topsportsucces van
Nederland en Vlaanderen in internationaal perspectief. Tijdens Congres
Sportwetenschap en –onderzoek, Sport, betekenis en beleving. Utrecht (Nederland),
Mulier Instituut, 03-04/07/2007.
Secretary: Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of Sport Policies and Management (SBMA), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels,
Belgium. +32/2/629.27.12 (ask for Veerle De Bosscher or Jasper Truyens) - Mobile: +32/496.08.79.99, +32/499317734
15