A content map analysis of the national policy landscape in physical education, physical activity and youth sport in Ireland

Mapping of national and international policy landscapes is widely acknowledged as imperative in understanding the breadth, depth and extent of existing policies. The aim of the current study was to conduct a content map analysis of the national policy landscape in physical education, physical activity and youth sport in Ireland. A three-step systematic approach was used to achieve this aim that included: (a) Policymaker identification; (b) Policy identification; (c) Alignment of identified policies with the domains of physical education, physical activity and youth sport. Deductive content analysis was used to illustrate policy documents alignment across the three domains of physical education, physical activity and youth sport. In parallel, utilising an inductive approach, a matrix was constructed in which each policy document was categorised according to whether it acknowledged or addressed the three aforementioned domains. Policymakers were classified into three categories, namely (a) Governmental Departments, (b) State entities and (c) National Governing Bodies (NGBs). In total, 18 policymakers issued 82 active policy documents pertinent to physical education, physical activity and youth sport in Ireland. The analysis of domain alignment revealed that while some policymakers acknowledged multiple domains, most prioritised only one. The crowded policy landscape surrounding physical education, physical activity and youth sport in Ireland highlights potential overlaps, inefficiencies and gaps in implementation. While there are significant links between physical education and other domains, greater cross-sectoral collaboration and policy alignment are needed to enhance coherence and impact. Addressing discrepancies in policy acknowledgment can ensure a more integrated and aligned approach to physical education, physical activity and youth sport.