What Makes Collegiate Sport Club Programs Successful? Exploration of How Success Is Measured and Perceived

Abstract

Collegiate sport club programs are increasingly expected to demonstrate effectiveness and impact, as such the evaluation of program success is critical. Current evaluation methods are often subjective and lack standardization across programs. Unlike other recreational programs, sport clubs have unique organizational structures, with student officers responsible for various tasks related to club operations with unclear measurable outcomes. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating how collegiate recreation departments evaluate sport club program success and identifying critical success indicators. A Delphi design was used to gather expert opinions, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis was employed. The findings highlight various evaluation methods employed by administrators, including annual assessments, participant interviews, and point systems. Furthermore, indicators of success encompassed club activities, operations, and status, as well as participants’ experiences and development. These findings provide valuable insights for program administrators to tailor support and enhance the effectiveness of collegiate sport club programs.