Footprints of ICSSPE in global quality physical education (QPE)

Abstract

The global quest for Quality Physical Education (QPE) remains largely under-achieved despite initiatives of international organisations like United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) as well as the International Council for Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE). This qualitative content analysis of primary and secondary literature on QPE aims to provide an overview involving the role of ICSSPE as an internationally recognised organisation. Founded in 1958, its goals involve inclusive perspectives from different disciplines in sport, physical education and sport science. ICSSPE’s significant footprints on QPE are in advocacy, research, policy making and education. Since its inception, ICSSPE has sought to be an international leader in physical education and sport science in collaborative initiatives representing diverse organisational members. From a thorough perusal of the literature that has been presented, ICSSPE has made substantive footprints in policy making through its leadership and participation in formal declarations, agendas, and plans, specifically through UNESCO, IOC (International Olympic Committee), and WHO. They have also made footprints at scientific conferences in collaboration with IOC and others by hosting pre-Olympic scientific conferences, keynote speakers, and notable scientific publications involving physical education and sport, such as the Directory of Sport Science in its 6th edition, the Bulletin with 73 issues, and the Perspectives Series, 14 volumes from 1999 to present, published by Routledge. It is recommended that ICSSPE continues to discover innovative strategies that are region-specific to determine solutions that are context-specific to delivery and practice of QPE based upon core principles that have been devised by international organisations.