Lack of time inhibits commitment: New study on sport in Lower Saxony!

Lack of time inhibits commitment: New study on sport in Lower Saxony!

In the heart of Lower Saxony, a current study by the Lower Saxony State Sports Association (LSB) shows how much time influences engagement in organized sport. Around 2,000 people were surveyed under the title “Motivations and obstacles for and against involvement in organized sport among the Lower Saxony population”. A key finding of this study is that over 47 percent of those surveyed cited the time factor as the main reason for reducing or ending their sporting commitment. With this study, the LSB would like to create a basis for improving the conditions for voluntary work in sport, especially in view of the increasing demand for flexible forms of commitment, such as temporary assignments or support for temporary projects. The detailed results can be viewed on the LSB homepage.

A humorous aspect can be seen in the fact that the joy of sport is at the top of the list of motives: a whopping 83.2 percent of those surveyed said that they liked having fun the most. For comparison: For other forms of voluntary work in Lower Saxony, this value is only 73.4 percent. Other motivating factors are the need for social interaction and personal development, which are stated by 68.1 and 66.0 percent of those involved in sports. However, only a quarter of those involved in sports receive reimbursement, which underlines the questionable attractiveness of these activities.

Challenges in engagement

The results of the study come at an interesting time, as the exchange about engagement strategies is in full swing. Various actors in Lower Saxony are currently faced with challenges, including: LAGFA Lower Saxony clarified in an open letter to the Federal Ministry for Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth. This letter acknowledges the federal government's appreciation for voluntary commitment, but the authors criticize the lack of practical suitability and lack of concrete measures in the nationwide commitment strategy.

An important point of criticism is the insufficient connection between the federal, state and local governments. LAGFA is calling for a nationwide coordination committee to be set up and financial liabilities to be strengthened. In particular, disadvantaged groups, such as people with disabilities or migrant backgrounds, as well as innovative approaches such as digital engagement platforms should not be forgotten. LAGFA believes that dialogue with practical actors is essential here.

The importance of commitment

The topic of commitment is not only very popular in the sporting sector, but also touches on social issues. Engagement, as we understand it today, includes active participation in projects as well as personal development and community building. The LSB study and the thought-provoking suggestions from LAGFA show that there is still a lot of potential in this area.

The LSB engagement strategy, which is derived from the results of the study, already shows concrete approaches to improving the situation. With over 200 ideas and around 50 suggested solutions, the clubs and associations can finally be better supported in order to revitalize sporting involvement in Lower Saxony.

The insights into these topics are crucial in order to make sport in the region sustainable and future-oriented. Perhaps more such studies and actions based on them are needed to create a commitment that meets the needs of everyone and remains in tune with the times.