Why volunteer, time to volunteer? A case study from swimming

Abstract

In the context of the potential decline in volunteering, and based on a case study of swimming, this paper analyses the factors that affect volunteer decisions. Drawing upon the sports participation literature, the decision to volunteer or not, and then to make a decision to commit time to volunteer activity is analysed. The results reveal that separate factors appear to influence these decisions which policies need to take account of and which future larger-scale research should further investigate and refine. Policies to promote volunteering from within sport and through public authorities are discussed.