Qualitative data
The significance of a workable relationship
between NSOs and the GSS on various legislative
and bureaucratic matters was emphasized
by nearly all respondents during
interviews. They all pinpointed the value of a
co-operative, dependent relationship
between the government and the sport
organizations over funding and regulatory
issues. They also stressed that what they
perceive as performance of NSOs is signi
ficantly enhanced if their relationship with
the GSS is smooth and continuously supportive.
In the words of a technical director:
The co-operation between the NSO and the
GSS plays an inseparable part in the facilitation
of effectiveness of the NSO. If there is
collaboration, this means there is no predisposition
to opposition. (Technical director)
However, the majority of the respondents
expressed serious concerns about the extent
to which a productive relationship between
NSOs and the GSS is consistently attainable.
The issues raised regarding the NSOs–GSS
relationship concern five broad topics:
bureaucratic procedures, exclusive government
involvement, the athletic legislative
framework, long-term planning and the dominant
set of values and beliefs.
NSOs have been operating with some
security, as their survival has been underwritten
by the government through its acknowledgement
of their legitimacy. This
represents probably the main advantage of
their recognition by the GSS. However, a
parallel disadvantage is that the government
controls critical resources needed by the
NSOs. Thus, they are less able to function
independently and more likely need to comply
with the funder’s regulations, directives
or practices.
Indeed, for