Spain: Putting the pieces of the sport system in place-the role of the sport federations

Abstract

This chapter examines the functions and characteristics of the Spanish sport federations, and the way in which their actions are driven by the principles of the National Sports Act. In order to do this, the chapter offers an overview of the Spanish sport system in terms of structure, steering, support and governance, as well as a reflection on how the traditional Spanish strong public culture is reflected in sport. Focusing on sport federations, the chapter explains the way in which they interact with the rest of the actors in the sport sector and it offers an analysis of their characteristics and functions. The chapter ends with a section that includes some strategies and perspectives stemming from prospective studies about the future of Spanish sport federations.