THE DEFINITION OF SPORTS MANAGEMENT

ABSTRACTThe paper gives an overview of the sport management definition, which can contribute to a more transparent understanding of the importance of management as a key factor of success of sport. There is a number of definitions for sports management in the sports literature (Chelladurai, 1994; Bartoluci, 1997; Slack, 1997; Parks and Qurterman, 2002; Daft, 2003; Lussier and Kimball, 2004; Houlihan, 2008; Šugman et.al., 2002; Kolar, 2013; Retar et.al., 2013). Most of them are pointing out that the definitions are based on the management of key resources, which are important for the realization of the mission and the goals of sports organizations, sports events or for athletes.A general definition that would uniquely explain the definition of management in sport does not exist yet. Therefore, for the purposes of the definition of sport management in the Slovenian area, we are suggesting to apply the Retar, Plevník and Kolar (2013, p. 83) definition. This definition provides that "Management in sport is a process of management of key resources and cooperation with important stakeholders, which ensures efficient realisation of business and sporting goals of an organisation and/or sportsman in all management/managing functions." Key words: management, sport, coordination, manager