Breaking down barriers: collaboration in sport governance networks

This chapter explores and analyses the growing body of work related to the field of collaborative governance in sporting networks. The focus of the chapter is on the federal model of sport governance that exists in a number of Western nations throughout the world. Alternative models such as the unitary system are detailed before an in-depth examination of key issues and challenges related to collaborative governance ispresented. A depiction of collaborative governance in sport is provided by means ofa figure to guide the reader through the chapter’s content. Trust and leadership emerge as the two dominant themes within the chapter, with particular attention being afforded to issues such as histories of conflict, trustbuilding, transparency, face-to-face dialogue, and leadership roles within these networks. The chapter concludes by pointing to both a way forward for future research and practical implications for sporting networks characterised by the federal model.