The Award is granted based on nomination and peer review and reflecting a number of criteria including: having made significant contribution in the conceptual, empirical, and theoretical development in the field; advancing the pedagogy and teaching of the sport management discipline; and, reflecting EASM’s values in leadership, service, scholarship, and collegiality.
In presenting the award to Paul, Professor Marijke Taks from the University of Ottawa noted that among many contributions Paul has published over 120 articles in many different peer-reviewed journals, having an H-index of 45, with 7 books, 23 book chapters, numerous national and international conference presentations, as well as having 17 research and policy grants. His work has been cited over 7,500 times. His i10-index is 104, meaning that he has 104 publications which were cited at least ten times.
She also argued that his theoretical and empirical contributions have significantly enriched our understanding of sport, uncovering insights into the effectiveness of policy and, whilst using advanced methods of analysis, maintains a practical and managerial perspective and presents complex empirical work in a comprehensible manner, which is much appreciated in academia.
Prof Taks emphasised that Paul has led EASM’s journal (European Sport Management Quartely) for an unprecedented two terms, increasing the number of issues, enhancing its quality and impact factor, adapting the editorial board to accommodate growing submission numbers and diverse topics. Importantly, he has championed gender diversity, implementing a gender-balanced editorial board and ensuring gender balance among Associate Editors.
Moreover his textbook remains a prime resource in many sport management curricula across the globe. One reviewer remarked that its impact is best summarised by that fact that its extensive coverage of sports participation and non-profit sports clubs meant that such ‘…topics (that) have previously been ignored ….made it into classrooms and scholarly offices through his book. This is an incredible achievement.’
It was also remarked that through active participation at many EASM conferences, Paul has continuously mentored, supported and encouraged colleagues, and in particular, younger scholars, which is also reflected in appointments to the ESMQ Board of editors. This reflects his dedication to the growth and development of future academics in the field. One reviewer remarked that
“I can report that he is a true testimonial of EASM’s values in all areas. He has always provided excellent leadership with regard to my research and my career, the collaborations with him have significantly affected my research, and he has always been very collegial. One of his strengths is providing balanced judgments in conflicting areas and working towards solutions that everybody can live with… it has been a pleasure to conduct research with him (and still is).”
Another reviewer remarked that Paul is ‘a global leader in sport management’ and that
“Finally, I feel it is important to convey the outstanding level of collegiality that Professor Downward maintains. He is someone who is kind, approachable and willing to have a conversation no matter how senior or junior a colleague may be. He is willing to share his wisdom and advice with others when asked to do so and he is someone who genuinely wants to see others in our field succeed and is happy for them when they do.”
Professor Taks concluded her laudation by arguing that “Paul Downward's contributions to sport management research are nothing short of exemplary. His academic excellence, leadership as the Editor of ESMQ, dedication as a supervisor and mentor, and involvement in the broader academic community all underscore his profound impact on the field. His commitment to diversity and selfless sacrifices for the advancement of the discipline make him an outstanding recipient of the Chelladurai Award.”
Professor Downward remarked that he was overwhelmed to receive the Award and it was a very emotional experience to hear directly the support and kind comments from the EASM community and peers whom he deeply respects. Moreover, it was very gratifying to see how over his career the EASM community had grown in terms of scale but also importantly the diversity of areas of scholarship covered, the diversity of scholars at the event, and particularly the active involvment of many young scholars, all of which bode very well for the future of EASM and Sport Management.
Professor Downward is the third recipient of this Award from Loughborough. Previously (now Emeritus) Professors Ian Henry and Barrie Houlihan have received the award. Paul remarked that this is a testimony to the international thought leadership in sport management and policy that Loughborough has shown to date.