The International Journal of Sport Policy has three inter-related aims:

• to stimulate scholarly debate about the role, significance and impact of public policy on sport
• to encourage critical analysis of sport policy and the sport policy process
• to publish articles that are theoretically rigorous and of interest to both scholars and practitioners

Editorial Statement

The International Journal of Sport Policy aims to publish articles that address all aspects of sport policy irrespective of academic discipline. Articles that adopt a multi-disciplinary, inter-disciplinary or comparative approach are particularly welcome. The Editorial Board is especially keen to encourage the submission of articles that cover one or more of the following five broad themes:

• theoretical contributions to analyses of the policy process for sport which draw upon and develop current macro and meso level theories and analytic frameworks

• the development of robust, evidence-based empirical research on the impact of sport policy

• the role and influence of national and sub-national government in relation to sport policy. At the national/federal government level this would include both the utilisation of sport to achieve a range of non-sport objectives such as those related to economic, social, cultural and diplomatic objectives as well as policy focused more sharply on sport outcomes such as improved elite performance and increased participation. At sub-national/local level this theme would include the use of sport to help fulfil community social and economic objectives as well as the role of regional and local government in providing sport opportunities.

• the significance of government, for example as regulator, resource provider and competitor, for the operation of commercial, semi-commercial, and not-for-profit/voluntary clubs, leagues and national sports organisations/national governing bodies, and the development activities of these organisations. 

• the role of transnational government organisations, such as the EU, the World Anti-Doping Agency, UNESCO, Council of Europe, and NGOs, such as the International Olympic Committee and the major international federations, in relation, for example, to the regulation and development of sport.

"Sport policy is assuming greater importance at local, regional, national and international levels.  There is increasing recognition of the social and economic benefits of sport and policies and government initiatives to exploit these benefits are being implemented and monitored.  Sports events are increasingly being supported by governments at local, regional and national levels.  Other government policies and laws impact directly on sport, such as child protection, the education curriculum, and government expenditure. The time is therefore right for the International Journal of Sport Policy - which will help in the process of exploring the way sport policy is constructed and delivered, and its effects on relevant communities."

Peter Taylor