“Risk Management Issues in Large-scale Sporting Events: a Stakeholder Perspective”
“Risk Management Issues in Large-scale Sporting Events: a Stakeholder Perspective”
Chris Kerlin
Endicott College
MAA 585
February 8, 2016
Dr. Woo
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“Risk Management Issues in Large-scale Sporting Events: a Stakeholder Perspective”
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Since the events of September 11, 2001, risk management for large-scale sporting events
has become an even more important consideration when planning and executing a successful and
safe event. While there is research about the process of risk management, there seems to be a
lack of research that investigates the risk management issues from the perspective of the different
stakeholders involved in the event (Leopkey & Parent, 2009). Therefore, the objective of this
paper is to identify the risk management issues in a major sporting event from the viewpoint of
the internal and external stakeholders (Leopkey & Parent, 2009).
A comparative case study was completed by looking at archival material and carrying out
interviews for two large-scale Canadian sporting events. The events compared and analyzed
were the 2006 International Skating Union World Figure Skating Championships and the U-20
FIFA World Cup Canada 2007. These two events were chosen based on having similar and
differing qualities, which ensured a good comparative analysis (Leopkey & Parent, 2009).
While collecting the data, the stakeholders were categorized into six groups to better
understand the perspectives of each group. The six groups of stakeholders were the organizing
committee members, sport organizations, community members, governments, media, and
delegation representatives (Leopkey & Parent, 2009).
This was then followed by an analysis of the archival data and interview responses for
related themes with regards to risk management concepts and categories. Building on Parent’s
(2008) research, which identified 13 risk issue categories, it was determined that two new issue
categories should be added (Leopkey & Parent, 2009). The fifteen risk issue categories identified
by the study are visibility, financial, human resources, infrastructure, interdependence, legacy,
media, operations, organizing, participation, political, relationships, sport, threats, and
environmental, with the last two issues being the new categories (Leopkey & Parent, 2009).
“Risk Management Issues in Large-scale Sporting Events: a Stakeholder Perspective”
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In general terms, the findings of the study showed the various stakeholders felt
operational risk was the biggest area event managers need to pay attention to with regards to risk
management (Leopkey & Parent, 2009). The other areas in need of attention were organizing,
financial, human resources, and visibility risk issues (Leopkey & Parent, 2009). The study
further breaks down the areas of concern with regards to the different perspectives of the six
groups of stakeholders. These results will help future event managers to plan safe and successful
events by providing the managers with a “road map” of risk issues to consider from varying
perspectives.
In conclusion, this study made one last important contribution to risk management theory.
As the study was being completed, it was determined there is a high importance for event
managers to plan for risk management throughout the preparation and hosting of an event. It is
because of this, that the need for a new definition of risk management for sport events was
proposed. Leopkey & Parent (2009) stated that risk management in major sport events is:
A proactive process that involves assessing all possible risks to the events and its
stakeholders by strategically anticipating, preventing, minimizing, and planning
responses to eliminate or mitigate those identified risks, with key factors to consider
including location, previous experience, staff, facilities, timing, size, politics, culture and
complexity of the event. (p.205)
“Risk Management Issues in Large-scale Sporting Events: a Stakeholder Perspective”
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References
Leopkey, B., & Parent, M. M. (2009). Risk management issues in large-scale sporting events: A
stakeholder perspective. European Sport Management Quarterly, 9(2), 187-208.
Parent, M.M. (2008). Evolution and issue patterns for major-sport-event organizing committees
and their stakeholders. Journal of Sport Management, 22, 135-164.