The sportification process of emerging activities in Sweden : Case studies of e-sports and padel through the perspectives of institutionalization and standardization

The sportification process of e-sports and padel in Sweden is analyzed by using the concepts of institutionalization and standardization, which are closely related elements of sportification. This contributes to map, and better understand the sportification process of emerging activities in Sweden. This is relevant, as there is a lack of research on this topic in Sweden, and previous research has shown conflicts between different stakeholders may arise. A multiple-case study design is used to draw different perspectives on the topic, where empirical data is collected through online documents and interviews with players and sport managers. Padel in Sweden is in the process of sportification and will grow its institutions with an upcoming membership with Riksidrottsförbundet (RF). Motives towards it are increased accessibility for youth to play padel, and a wish for clearer classifications according to level. On the other hand, a barrier might be the corporate character of the clubs, as they might wish to remain independent and have no incentive to grow towards more traditional sports practices, something that is in line with the commercialization of sports. Moreover, players appreciate the freedom they currently experience in their clubs. For e-sports, there are currently two national federations. The sport will likely become a member of RF in the future, with the main focus on facilitating grassroots competitions. Standardization is very limited, as competitions are organized by commercial entities that provide what is demanded by the audience. Moreover, the e-sport community has resistance towards more institutionalization and standardization, even though the importance of it for grassroots development and competition is acknowledged. Future research with analyses of other, carefully chosen cases will contribute to draw a more complete picture of the sportification process of emerging activities in Sweden and will enable to further generalize the findings of this study