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As a consequence of research carried out at the University of Stirling, as set out in this case study, enhancement of the capacity of National Sport Associations has been achieved:
Sports Integrity is focused on supporting the development of infrastructure by governments, sports bodies, betting operators and law enforcers, internationally, for identifying and addressing vulnerability to corruption in professional sport, demonstrating the following impact:
Over the past 20 years, racism in sport, particularly football, has been recognised as a significant problem, on the pitch, in the stands and within clubs. The issue is being proactively addressed at multiple levels, from national initiatives by sports governing bodies to policies implemented by individual clubs and fans, all designed to challenge discrimination, encourage inclusive practices, and work for positive change.
The University of Leicester pioneered research into sports spectator statistics and analysis and later specialised in assessing the effectiveness of anti-racism and social inclusion strategies. Its research has been used by sports organisations to identify the scale of the problem and to guide and inform work to combat it.
Research related to the economic and social impact of major events and festivals conducted by the Sport Industry Research Centre (SIRC) has provided a catalyst for the logical evaluation of hosting events. SIRC staff have provided national level research leadership culminating in the launch of an event evaluation framework (www.eventIMPACTS.com) in 2010, which is widely viewed as representing the `gold standard' by which the impacts of events and festivals are evaluated. The website has helped public and private organisations to assess and forecast the value of events, thus justifying public investment in events as well as benefiting their planning of events.
The research, conducted at Loughborough University between 1998 and 2013, into two central issues in sport governance, gender equity and doping, has changed the policies and procedures of two international sports organisations and their domestic affiliates. For the International Olympic Committee (IOC) the change in policy was in the manner in which gender equity targets for National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are to be identified and met. With regard to the World Anti-Doping Agency the impact has been (i) on the way in which anti-doping education programmes are planned and evaluated and (ii) on the promotion of domestic legislation to combat doping in sport.
In the last decade, sport has earned unprecedented recognition in international policy circles as a tool to support international development. Nonetheless, many have challenged this `new social movement' (Kidd, 2008), concerned by its uncritical application of Global North models of sport to Global South contexts. Addressing these concerns, Brunel researchers and collaborators have drawn on the field of international development studies to investigate how principles of local ownership and partnership can be applied to sport. Since 2010, empirical studies and critical conceptual analyses have contributed to this. Specifically through building organisational capacity at local level, supporting partnership between funders and recipient organisations, and developing national as well as international policy guidance to ensure community level experiences and perspectives are represented in sport for development policy and strategies.
Brackenridge's research on sexual abuse and prevention has informed a range of practice communities including: law, psychiatry, sport psychology, medicine, the arts, sports development and social work. It has effected change in policy, practice and regulation at local, national and international levels, including: advocacy (e.g. for the FA); professional development (e.g. for the IOC, FINA and FIFA); committee and expert advice (e.g. for the National Organisation for the Treatment of Abusers Research Committee, the Dame Janet Smith enquiry into abuse by Jimmy Savile at the BBC, and the NSPCC's Child Protection in Sport Unit). At the international level, this work has prompted reform in the management of welfare services in the Olympic movement and in UNICEF's network of sport for development programmes. This impact was recognised through the award of an OBE in 2012.
This well established research conducted by members of Peter Harrison Centre for Disability Sport (Loughborough University) is seen as an integral part of the support provided for Paralympic wheelchair athletes and has impact in 3 key areas:
Dr Andy Pitchford's research has been a significant influence on the development of policies and services at The Football Association in the period from 2008 to 2013. During this time, the Association's approach to children and the youth game has changed dramatically, culminating in a range of interventions, new training resources and a major system overhaul in 2012. These change programmes have been directly informed by academic research by Pitchford and colleagues, by commissioned evaluations and related media coverage.
The impact of our research is on promoting racial equality through sport and leisure spanning almost twenty years from our early work with the Rugby Football League (RFL). The nature of the impact has been three-fold: the incorporation of key findings into professional equality standards, guidelines and continuing professional development (CPD); enhanced public understandings of race and the multiple forms of racism; and the stimulation of debate to shape policy and improve opportunities for sport and leisure. Impact has reached a wide range of beneficiaries, including sports governing bodies; sports councils; professional sport; equality/ diversity organisations and teacher education.