American and European Sport Governance: Differences, Commonalities, and the Future

Sports is ubiquitous in worldwide society and is in a constant state of evolution. Even with these changes, sports and the sports business remain an important part of world culture. Sport participation can help citizens increase efficacy in social and personal skills as well as respecting rules, authority and gain core values like tolerance, respect and fair play. This chapter presents a historical overview of worldwide sport and variances between countries and continents. This includes detailed explanations and history of the European and American sport development models with comparisons and contrasts of each model presented. Administrators, coaches and athletes present perceptions and factors on worldwide sport development models. Responses include insights as to which system is more effective in specific areas and suggests best practices and changes for both systems for future sport development options.