Relationship between motivational factors and functional roles chosen by student volunteers at sports competitions; Relación entre los factores de motivación y los roles funcionales elegidos por los estudiantes voluntarios en competiciones deportivas

Introduction: The growing role of the volunteer movement in sports highlights the importance of effectively distributing functional roles among volunteers based on their motivation and competencies. Objective: This study aimed to identify the relationship between motivational factors and the functional roles chosen by student volunteers at sports competitions. Methodology: The research involved 252 student volunteers from seven universities who had participated in sports events as volunteers within the last two years. Data were collected through an online survey using an adapted version of the Volunteer Functions Inventory (VFI), supplemented with additional questions on volunteering experience and satisfaction. Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in motivational factors between groups (p < 0.001) and confirmed a correlation between motivation alignment with role selection and satisfaction levels (rs = 0.45–0.58). Additionally, a correlation was found between academic specialization and role choice (V = 0.30–0.34). A trend toward professionalization was observed, with the proportion of specialist volunteers increasing from 12.3% to 67.8% as experience accumulated. Discussion: The findings align with prior research on volunteer role allocation and suggest that motivation-based placement strategies can enhance volunteer engagement and satisfaction. These insights contribute to optimizing volunteer management practices in sports events. Conclusions: A differentiated approach to role allocation, considering students' specialization, experience, and motivation, is essential for improving the effectiveness of volunteer programs at sports events. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.