Sportssammenhæng

Sportssammenhæng is a Danish term used in sports studies and policy discourse to describe the degree to which sports-related activities, institutions, and policies form a coherent system with broader societal goals. It encompasses how different parts of the sport sector—governance bodies, funding streams, education and training, clubs, and event organizers—align with health, inclusion, education, and community development objectives.

Key dimensions of sportssammenhæng include governance and institutions, policy coherence, resource alignment, program design, and ethical standards. It also covers inclusion and accessibility, safety and safeguarding, anti-doping norms, and the way values such as fair play and participation are embedded in practice. A strong sports coherence implies that strategic plans, funding priorities, and program delivery reinforce each other rather than operate in silos.

In practice, the concept is used to assess how national, regional, and local sport efforts connect with health promotion, youth development, education, and social cohesion. It can guide reform efforts, inform budget decisions, and support integrated approaches where sport activities complement other public services.

Methods for studying sportssammenhæng include policy analysis, program evaluation, stakeholder interviews, and the synthesis of data on participation, performance, safety, and health outcomes. Common aims are to improve participation rates, ensure equitable access, optimize resource use, and strengthen the credibility and impact of sport initiatives. Challenges include fragmented responsibilities, competing priorities, and data gaps, which can hinder cross-sector coordination and long-term planning.