Risk management has become a critical component of sport governance; however, empirical evidence shows that its systematic implementation within sport organisations remains limited, particularly in non-profit entities. Previous studies have addressed the issue only partially, focusing on specific contexts and failing to generate validated and multidimensional instruments. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a standardised questionnaire (KRI – Key Risk Indicators) to assess risk management in sport clubs and federations, integrating theoretical, empirical and expert-based evidence.
A sequential mixed-methods design (QUAN → QUAL → QUAN → QUAL → QUAN) was employed, comprising a scoping review (n = 125 articles), expert validation (n = 8), a pilot survey (n = 153 organisations), semi-structured interviews with sport managers (n = 60) and a weighting process with an expert panel (n = 38).
The final instrument was structured into 9 dimensions and 77 risk indicators, covering governance, sporting dimension, marketing, human resources, technology, integrity, finance, facilities and contextual risks. Psychometric analyses confirmed excellent internal consistency across all dimensions (α and ω > 0.85).
The KRI provides a validated framework for future cross-national and longitudinal studies on organisational risk and governance, advancing theory and standardising measurement in sport management research.
It offers sport organisations a reliable diagnostic tool to identify, prioritise and manage risks proactively, supporting evidence-based decision-making and organisational sustainability.
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first validated multidimensional instrument for assessing risk management in sport organisations, bridging academic research and applied governance practice.
