Exploring sense of community among small-scale sport event volunteers

Abstract

Research question: In response to claims that sport event research over emphasizes economic outcomes and mega-event contexts, this research sought to both assess a scale that measures sense of community among small-scale sport event volunteers, and empirically test if the event volunteer experience enhances sense of community. Research methods: The six-factor Sense of Community in Sport Scale (SCS) was utilized to collect pre- and post-event data from a population of 253 (N = 253) event volunteers in the Niagara region of Canada. Results and findings: Model testing indicated all but one SCS factor, Competition, showed statistical fit with the event volunteer data. Analysis of variance revealed three SCS factors, Common Interest, Equity in Administrative Decisions and Social Spaces, were statistically enhanced following the event. Implications: The findings provide theoretical support for Warner and Dixon's Sport and Sense of Community theory and highlight the positive social impact of small-scale sport events within a community for volunteers.