Bottlenecks and Breakthrough Paths in the Development of China’s “Three Major Ball Sports” under the Reform of Sports-Education Integration

Abstract

This study investigates the critical bottlenecks and breakthrough pathways for the development of football, basketball, and volleyball (collectively known as the "Big Three" sports) in China within the context of sports-education integration. Through documentary analysis and in-depth interviews, the research identifies tripartite systemic barriers hindering the development of these sports: conceptual misconceptions, resource misallocation, and institutional deficiencies. Conceptually, the development is constrained by the deep-rooted belief of prioritizing academic achievements over athletic development, misaligned objectives between sports and education systems, and excessive safety concerns. Resource-wise, challenges include unequal funding distribution, shortage of qualified coaches, and inadequate sports facilities. Institutionally, the problems manifest as barriers in the dual-track management system, fragmented competition structures, and insufficient evaluation and incentive mechanisms. To address these challenges, the study proposes establishing a multi-stakeholder collaborative governance framework. This involves strengthening top-level institutional design, creating a dedicated development fund for sports-education integration, improving school-based incentive mechanisms, mobilizing social resources, and facilitating the engagement of professional sports organizations in school programs. These integrated measures aim to establish a synergistic ecosystem where conceptual, resource, and institutional elements interact positively, thereby promoting the sustainable development of the "Big Three" sports.