Innovation in traditional sport: applying the delphi method to strategic designs in basque hand-ball

TL;DR

This study uses expert feedback to identify viable innovations in Basque hand-ball that balance tradition, fairness, and entertainment.

Contribution

Applies the Delphi method and scenario planning to innovate traditional sports while preserving cultural and competitive integrity.

Findings

Innovations like 'short games' and time limits between serves were seen as viable and have been adopted.

Stakeholder profiles significantly influence perceived innovation viability.

Balancing spectacle, fairness, and tradition is key to successful sport reform.

Abstract

This study explores the potential of prospective qualitative methods, specifically the combination of the Delphi technique and scenario planning, to guide innovation processes in traditional sports, using the professional modality of Basque hand-ball as a case study.

Employing a three-round design, the research gathered evaluations from 23 experts embedded within the sport's ecosystem (including players, referees, coaches, organizers, and media representatives) regarding a series of structured proposals linked to key elements of the game (e.g., scoring systems, service, equipment, rest times).

Findings reveal that the most viable innovations are not necessarily the most disruptive, but rather those that balance spectacle, competitive fairness, and symbolic fidelity to the internal logic of the sport. Proposals such as the “short games” system, time limits between serves, and neutral selection of equipment received strong support and have already been incorporated into the current configuration of the professional league.

Furthermore, perceived viability varied according to stakeholder profiles, underscoring the relevance of participatory and deliberative approaches in designing culturally legitimate reforms.