AUTHOR=Hulme Adam , McLean Scott , Read Gemma J. M. , Dallat Clare , Bedford Anthony , Salmon Paul M. 

TITLE=Sports Organizations as Complex Systems: Using Cognitive Work Analysis to Identify the Factors Influencing Performance in an Elite Netball Organization

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Sports and Active Living

VOLUME=Volume 1 - 2019

YEAR=2019

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sports-and-active-living/articles/10.3389/fspor.2019.00056

DOI=10.3389/fspor.2019.00056

ISSN=2624-9367

ABSTRACT=There is increasing interest in the adoption of a complex systems thinking approach when attempting to understand and optimise sports performance.  Despite this, few studies have attempted to model elite sports organisations.  The aim of this study was to use methods from the Cognitive Work Analysis (CWA) framework to develop a model of an elite netball organisation and identify wider organisational functions and constraints influencing performance.  Two phases of CWA were used: (i) Work Domain Analysis (WDA); and, (ii) Social Organisation and Cooperation Analysis (SOCA).  A WDA model of the elite netball organisation was developed via subject matter expert workshops, and a SOCA was undertaken to identify the different functions, roles, and responsibilities of key actors within the organisation.  The findings identify various factors that influence performance.  Functions that appear to provide a competitive edge are discussed, including a strong club ethos, a shared responsibility for performance, and a focus on player and staff health and wellbeing.  Factors that potentially have a negative impact on performance include organisational priorities not related to playing netball, and additional coach and athlete roles beyond coaching, training, and playing.  The implications for understanding and optimising elite sports organisations are discussed.