Leveraging participation in Olympic sports: a call for experiential qualitative case study research

• Published in: Sport in society 2017-12, Vol.20 (12), p.1861-1869
• Main Authors: Barrick, Simon, Mair, Heather L., Potwarka, Luke R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Case studies; Qualitative research; Research methodology; Sports participation
• ISSN: 1743-0437; 1743-0445
• DOI: 10.1080/17430437.2017.1232779

Through this research note, we intend to advocate the importance of investigating introductory sport programmes in connection with leveraging initiatives to understand: (1) the processes of, as well as the forces shaping, the development of introductory sport programmes, (2) the experiences of participants in these programmes and (3) how these programmes connect to broader leveraging structures and initiatives. Additionally, a qualitative case study methodology presents an effective research strategy to achieve these goals. We also outline the promise of a qualitative case study methodology by illustrating its potential for deepening our understanding of leveraging-related programme development. While past research has focused on the construction of these programmes, we argue for the need to explore what the leveraging experience is like for those engaging in introductory sport programmes. Through exploring the development and experiences of introductory sport programmes, scholars can develop new research directions and questions, as well as inform future leveraging initiatives.