Do light sport facilities foster sports participation? A case study on the use of bark running tracks. Issue 2 (2nd April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Borgers, J.; Vanreusel, B.; Vos, S.; Forsberg, P.; Scheerder, J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of sport policy. Volume 8:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 287
• Page End: 304
• Publication Date: 2016-04-02
• Subjects: Sport facilities -- silent expectations -- sports participation -- local sport policy -- innovation -- running; Sports and state -- Periodicals; Sports and state -- Great Britain -- Periodicals; Sports -- Political aspects -- Periodicals; Sports administration -- Periodicals; Sports administration; Sports and state; Sports -- Political aspects; Great Britain; Periodicals; 353.7805
• DOI: 10.1080/19406940.2015.1116458
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1940-6959

Abstract

ABSTRACT: An increasing share of light sports participants (e.g. self-organised runners) challenge traditional 'Sport for All' policy systems to target a more diversified array of people participating in sport and physical activity. The main aim of this article is to analyse whether light sport facilities, as a distinct local level policy intervention, can contribute to the goals of attracting 'light' and/or new sports participants with public means. The study is carried out in the context of a particular case of running facilities (i.e. bark running tracks, BRTs) in Flanders. The use of BRTs is investigated by structured face-to-face interviews with runners at the location of the BRT ( n = 546; RR = 98.8%). The profile of users of BRTs is elaborated based on users' characteristics (whether or not one started to run due to the provision of a BRT, the frequency and intensity of using the BRT) in bivariate logistic regression analysis. Next, reasons for using BRTs are investigated. It is concluded that BRTs mainly serve as a facility of the fragmented individualised society by reaching a large share of light sports participants (86%). However, it has the ability to reach runners at different levels, who show different patterns of using BRTs. It is suggested that so-called silent expectations in light facilities may function differently for different types of users. In this view, findings are discussed in order to identify policy implications related to Sport for All.