Construction and Implementation of Categorization-Based Governance Models of Local Single Sport Associations in China

For the governance of associations of single sports, the varying development situations of different types of associations necessitate the implementation of a categorization-based governance approach in the reform process. By considering the degree of market orientation of a sport and the degree of administrative centralization of an association, this study proposes three governance models to address the demands of comprehensive development in competitive and mass sports. For associations with high administrative centralization and low market orientation, the limited government leadership with association autonomy model is recommended. For associations with high(low) administrative centralization and high market orientation, the government decentralization and empowerment with association cooperation and autonomy model is suggested to regulate the sports market governance order. Additionally, for associations with low administrative centralization and low market orientation, the government oversight with association independence and autonomy model is proposed to enhance specialized services for the public. Through the implementation of categorization-based governance, the in-depth reform of local single sport associations can overcome challenges and establish a broader and solid organizational foundation, contributing to the goal of building a sports power.