ISSA Sport Sector Mapping Framework

This study is part of Forward Through Sport, an ISSA initiative designed to support Member Countries in understanding and strengthening the role of sport in national development. Recognizing that every country operates within a unique social, political, and economic context, the study avoids a one-size-fits-all approach and instead focuses on assessing the specific realities, priorities, structures, and challenges of each national sport ecosystem.

As a foundation for this work, ISSA developed the Sport Sector Mapping Framework, a comprehensive assessment tool that examines ten key dimensions of the sport sector. These include sport policy and governance, high-performance sport, sport and health, social inclusion, economic development, integrity, sustainability, and other critical areas that influence the overall effectiveness and impact of sport. The framework provides a holistic picture of how sport is organized, delivered, and leveraged within a country, helping stakeholders identify strengths, gaps, opportunities, and areas for improvement.

The study is grounded in the belief that effective sport policies and development programmes should begin with evidence and understanding rather than assumptions. By generating a clear and structured overview of the sport sector, the mapping exercise enables governments, sport organizations, and development partners to make informed decisions, design targeted interventions, and maximize the contribution of sport to broader national development goals.