Archetypicalmodels of sport

Much of the-grassroots1-sport in the United States is provided by schools，colleges，universities，public parks-and-recreation departments，and club-like businesses such as fitness and health centers.In general terms，the list ofmain sport providers in Europe does not deviate from this.Here too，sport is provided by educational institutions，sport and recreation departments of local governments，commercial clubs for fitness-related activities and sports like squash2，bowling，martial arts，and adventure sports3.

The difference between the United States and Europe，however，lies in the relative importance of these providers.In the United States，an educational-commercial configuration has become predominant.This configuration is characterized by a system in which schools and colleges and commercial managed sports centers form the main organizing principle of sport participation.In Europe，on the other hand，a voluntary-governmental configuration has become the principle system，with a strong position of voluntary sports clubs and associations.In many European countries，these voluntary organizations have been confronted with and supported by an increasingly active public sector，while the influence of the business community and educational system remained relatively weak；at least until the last decades of the 20th century.