Comparative analysis of new sport types – Potential candidates for inclusion in the winter olympic games

Abstract

The aim of this analysis is to compare and to assess modern sport types and to define one of them as the most suitable for inclusion in the program of the Olympic Winter Games(OWG). Material: as the object of study most suitable sport types were chosen in accordance with the existing criteria for the assessment of the International Olympic Committee. Five of these sports are the disciplines that are practiced in winter and are eligible for inclusion in the OWG. Methods: on the first stage by selection method we defined the list of suitable sport types for inclusion in the OWG. On the second stage by comparison method we evaluated their potential, using the existing IOC criteria. Results: the list of sports was educed (for the present day), which formally have the right to be considered for inclusion in the program of the OWG; it is estimated that in accordance with paragraph 29 of the Olympic Charter, national sports federations of sports candidates for the OWG must be included in the National Olympic Committees of the countries and international bodies, and also must be the members of the Association of Recognized IOC International Sports Federations (ARISF). Thirty five sport types, governed by corresponding international sports federations and included in the ARISF, were analyzed. It is stated that five of these sports are disciplines that are practiced and may have a chance of being included in the OWG. We came to conclusion that in terms of international recognition the best position is awarded to ski orienteering since that sport type is already part of several significant multisport events that cannot be applied to other sport types under consideration. Conclusions: as a result of ranking ski orienteering has the highest potential as the most popular sport having the best coverage in the media and the most convenient for carrying out competitions on existing winter biathlon stadiums or tracks