The role of a research association for the cultural and scientific promotion of Physical Education

This presentation aims to answer to four questions: (1) Who are the international research associations in the field of the sports sciences? (2) What are they doing for the society? (3) How does it work? (4) What are the implications of that situation? After a description of the current context from national to worldwide association, an overview of some concrete actions coming from their actions is proposed. Based on more than 30 years of involvement in national, European and worldwide association, a personal analysis of the success factors and risks is developed. In conclusion, it appears that research associations are fundamental agents of cultural changes. Their influence is determined by internal factors that would need professional approaches. One of the most important challenge is to find the balance between personal and collective goals.