How to conceptualise a national federation sport policy? Towards a model for action

A sport policy can be defined as a process and a tool (Viollet, Minikin, Scelles & Ferrand, 2016; Viollet, Scelles & Ferrand, 2019). Within the scope of a national federation, it takes the shape of a network of actors (Skille, 2008) which can be framed according to three levels: macro, meso and micro (Caldwell & Mays, 2012). All the actors within this network can be involved in and/or affected by the national federation sport policy (NFSP) (Houlihan, 2005, 2011). Based on these elements, it is worth conceptualising an NFSP to assess what it means and what this process and tool implies for each level of a federation. The implications are to understand the logic of appropriation-diffusion of a sport policy once it is defined. In order to conceptualise an NFSP, an intervention research was conducted over three years within the headquarters of a national sport federation, namely the French Rugby Union. An initial model based on a range of academic literature was submitted to the actors of the federation, within the headquarters as well as its regional components. As such, the model was adapted based on the feedback received from the actors. Eventually, a conceptual model was established, offering a framework for analysis and action. This original model clearly defines a sport policy for a national federation, with an emphasis on the contribution made by the various organisation levels for its implementation. In conclusion, this model can be used for the design process and assessment of a sport policy.