Development of Standards for Promoting Excellence in Football by the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization

Abstract

Background and Aims: Establishing guidelines to elevate football to a high level guarantees steady progress, improves player performance, and fosters long-term success. Additionally, it offers a precise structure for competition, training, and resource allocation. This study aimed to 1) examine the level of key factors influencing the promotion of football by the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization; 2) analyze the factors affecting the standards of football promotion toward excellence; and 3) develop a model for enhancing football promotion to achieve excellence within the organizational context. A mixed-methods research design was employed, integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Research instruments included structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were collected from 221 stakeholders—including members of the Elite Sports Development Committee of the Sports Authority of Thailand, football management personnel of the Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization, football club executives under the organization's jurisdiction, and officially registered football players—based on sample size determination using Yamane’s formula. Qualitative data were gathered from 12 key informants involved in local disaster prevention and mitigation efforts in Sila Municipality. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statistics through multiple linear regression analysis. Qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis techniques.

Results: The findings indicated that most respondents were male (70.6%), aged between 20 and 25 years (38.5%), single (55.2%), and held a bachelor’s degree (38.0%). Most respondents were football athletes (44.6%). Overall, the level of football promotion factors was rated high ( = 4.16). The highest-rated dimension was sports equipment and facilities (\bar{x} = 4.25), followed by personnel (\bar{x} = 4.20) and access to fitness areas, sports fields, and health parks (\bar{x} = 4.19). Regarding the standards of football promotion toward excellence, results also indicated a high overall level (\bar{x} = 4.03), with management and administration receiving the highest rating (\bar{x} = 4.11), followed by sports personnel development (\bar{x} = 4.02), athlete development, and competition organization (\bar{x} = 3.99). Multiple regression analysis identified three statistically significant factors influencing football promotion standards: (1) access to fitness areas, sports fields, and health parks (X1); (2) availability of sports equipment, buildings, and facilities (X2); and (3) operational effectiveness (X4). Based on these findings, a model for promoting football toward excellence was developed, comprising five core components: 1. Athlete development, 2. Resource management, 3. Competition organization 4. Collaborative networking, and 5. Monitoring and evaluation.

Conclusion: The study concluded that football's pursuit of excellence is significantly impacted by critical factors such as operational effectiveness, equipment availability, and access to sports facilities. To effectively guide football's progress, a five-part plan was proposed.