Political Factors in the Decision-making Process in Voluntary Sports Associations

This paper analyses the political factors related to the decision-making process in sports associations in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal. Documentary analysis, observation of board meetings and qualitative interviewing of the presidents of the associations' boards were employed. From an external perspective, the findings highlight the sport policy of the Madeira government as the most significant factor determining the strategies of the associations, followed by the interests of the affiliated clubs, the accumulation of posts by directors and the power over the regulations and fixtures held by the national federation of each sport. From an internal perspective, the establishment of alliances and the knowledge and experience of the directors and sport co-ordinators are determinants of decision making and governance of these associations.