Research emphasizes the organizational responsibilities to foster inclusion in sport (Jeanes et al., 2018; Spaaij et al., 2018). American Sport National Governing Bodies (NGBs) are non-profit, non-governmental organizations that govern activities by setting participation policies, competition rules, as well as monitoring adherence to policies and performance standards. The authoritative relevance of NGBs within the sport system make these governing bodies a vital sample to survey and understand what information is being shared to other stakeholders. The overarching purpose of the current study was to explore the definition and guidelines for fostering inclusion based on information found on US Sport NGB websites. Specifically, this study will answer three research questions: (a) what does inclusion mean to NGBs?, (b) how do NGBs share information about inclusion on their websites?, and (c) what guidelines do NGBs suggest for youth sport stakeholders to promote inclusion?. A content analysis was conducted, where conventional and summative methods were used to analyze content found on NGB websites. Findings suggested statements of inclusion presented on NGB websites define inclusion as a sense of belonging and equitable opportunities, yet rarely indicated social justice in their definition. Additionally, NGB websites were sharing observable information about inclusion, although the consistency of those signals is vastly different. Finally, guidelines were primarily suggested for the administrator stakeholder for fostering inclusion. Overall, inconsistent and vague guidelines for stakeholders limit the effectiveness for organizations to foster inclusion. Therefore, future research should support sport organizations ability to build equitable opportunities and acknowledge systems of oppression and privilege.
Read
