An Assessment of Sport Canada's Sport Funding and Accountability Framework, 1995-2004.

The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Sport Canada's Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF) from 1995-2004 within the context of four differently funded NSOs. The perceptions of 16 stakeholders (management staff, President, Sport Program Officer, athlete reps) were attained using semi-structured open-ended interviews. Accountability, accountability relationships, and the effectiveness of the SFAF relative to NSO development were the areas of focus. Written documentation verified information expressed by interviewees. Differences in internal accountability processes and the quality of the accountability relationships shared with Sport Canada existed within NSOs relative to its funding category. The SFAF was deemed an effective tool, but negative implications such as competition between NSOs and a tendency towards accountancy were noted. Recommendations for NSOs and Sport Canada regarding accountability in Canadian sport were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]