Since 2011, a sports register has been in use in Estonia to support the work of both sports organisations and coaches, for example when applying for qualification as a coach and when distributing operating grants to sports federations. The information system allows to keep records of sports organisations, academies, coaches, objects, results achieved in Estonian and international championships, athlete scholarships, contracts with athletes, athlete grants, and is an indispensable tool in the development of Estonian sports policy. Our sports register is unique within the context of the European Union – it is one of the most systematic national sports information systems in Europe.
Accordingly, 20 European sports and data experts gathered in Tallinn on 19-21 May at the invitation of the Ministry of Culture and the Sports Training and Information Foundation to discuss the development of national sports information systems and the shaping of data-driven sports policies. In the seminar, co-financed by the European Commission, the participants shared knowledge and exchanged experiences on how sport-related data is collected, managed and used in policy-making.
The event was opened by an interview with Kersti Kaljulaid, President of the Estonian Olympic Committee, who shared the story of the development of Estonia’s digital society. Kaljulaid noted that data-driven policy-making, including in the field of sport, is important because it renders it more measurable, reliable and sustainable. We also provided a comprehensive overview of the sports register with the representatives of the Estonian delegation. Together with Margus Klaan and Raido Mitt from the Ministry of Culture and Liisa Roos from the Sports Training and Information Foundation, we explained the structure, dataset and potential uses of the register. It is a pleasure to note that Estonia’s experiences and solutions were of great interest and inspiration to other countries.
Stefano Pintus, representative of the European Commission, presented the recent and planned steps taken by the European Union to harmonise sport statistics and stressed the economic and social importance of the sport sector. Four reports are under preparation on harmonising methodologies, measuring participation in sport and the social and economic value of sport. In fact, according to Pintus, the sports sector employs more than 9 million people and has a direct and indirect economic contribution of more than 500 billion euros per year. This confirms the important impact of sport not only on health but also for the economy and employment.
In addition to Estonia, relevant information systems and development activities were presented by Portugal, Croatia, Slovenia, Finland, Belgium (Flanders), Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Austria, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, Spain and Germany.
A number of common features and trends emerged from the presentations. Nearly half of the participating countries have already created or are in the process of creating digital sports databases, and are increasingly moving from reactive data collection towards proactive analysis. However, it was acknowledged that the collection and processing of data and the development of information systems are hampered in many areas by legal constraints, lack of a clear concept and limited resources.
The seminar highlighted important common interests and challenges: the collection and processing of personal data for analysing sport and physical activity habits, ensuring data quality and clarifying the legal basis. These topics generated lively discussion and interest in further cooperation. Reliable data allows for more precise interventions, targeted support and mapping of developments within the sector.
The seminar in Tallinn confirmed that the sports sector of the European Union is moving firmly towards digital data management. International cooperation strengthens the sustainable development, capacity and societal impact of the sector across Europe.
