APPLICATION OF THE PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF A SPORTS FEDERATION

The application of the principles of good governance in sports organisations is an important topic due to the aim of ensuring transparency and accountability, management of conflicts of interest, effectiveness, sustainability and innovation.Good governance is a concept that conditions the effective and ethical management of a sports organization, but sports organizations face challenges in the application of good governance. Sporting activities, due to their obvious social and cultural benefits and the well-being they provide, not only to the sports community, but also to society, are a means of promoting and implementing ethical values in practice, which, by their very nature, should serve as an example not only for the sports community, but also for other groups in society. The aim of the study – to evaluate the application of the principles of good governance in the activities of the sports federation and to provide recommendations for the improvement of governance. Methods. The quantitative research method used to achieve the objective of the survey – questionnaire survey. During the study, the principles of good governance were assessed: transparency, management of conflicts of interest, effectiveness, innovation and sustainability. 95 members of the federation community participated in the survey: managers and council, athletes and other respondents (judges, coaches). Results. Different community groups in the federation have different views on the application of the principles of good governance. Judges and managers rated the application of the principles of good governance better than athletes. The differences between the stakeholders indicate their unequal involvement and experience in the activities of the federation. Good results in one area of good governance are often linked to good results in others, which requires a coherent and integrated approach to the application of all principles of good governance, involving and coordinating decisions with all stakeholders. Main conclusions. The Sports Federation is based on the principles of good governance, but their application is assessed differently between different groups of community members. Improving professional competencies, increasing transparency and accountability, achieving effectiveness, implementing innovations and sustainability are prerequisites for improving the quality of the federation's activities. The Statutes, Code of Ethics and Discipline, Financial Statements and other documents of the Sports Federation formally include the principles of good governance and their application, but insufficient communication with all stakeholders does not ensure the dissemination of the results of the application of the principles and the involvement of all members. The study shows the need to strengthen communication and inclusion in the development of good governance mechanisms in order to ensure democratic governance and trust among community groups.