Economy

No.

Indicator (HTML-version in German)

Summary of results

5.1

Economic relevance of sport in Switzerland

In 2008 sport has generated sales of about CHF 18 billion; total value added amounted to over CHF 9 billion. Overall, sport contributes 1.7 percent to the Swiss GNP.

5.2

Federal government's involvement in sports

Due to an increasing number of tasks assigned to the Federal government and the FOSPO, its expenses for sport have risen continuously until 2003 but been stabilised more recently. Currently, the Federal government spends about 133 million Swiss Francs per year on sports.

5.3

Employment in sports

In 2008, sports contributed somewhat under 89'000 full-time equivalent jobs or 2.5% to the total employment in Switzerland.

5.4

Voluntary work in sports

Voluntary work is a most important resource for sports at the level of clubs and associations. Currently there are about 350'000 volunary positions in Swiss sports filled by about 320'000 volunteers who spend an average of 11 hours per month in these positions. These figures correspond to about 24'000 full-time jobs and a monetary equivalent of about 1.5 to 2 billion Swiss Francs. Paid labor, on the other hand, only plays a minor role in Swiss sports clubs (about 10'000 positions and workers corresponding to about 2'800 full-time jobs).

5.5

Sport facilities

Estimates by the Institute for Tourism (Lucerne) suggest that there are about 28'800 sports facilities in Switzerland. The situation looks favorable with respect to gyms and outdoor facilities whereas indoor swimming pools and skating rinks are comparatively rare.

5.6

Subsidies disbursed by NASAK (Federal programme for the promotion of sports facilities of national importance)

Between 2000 and 2010, NASAK has disbursed about 73 million Swiss Francs for about 50 projects. The NASAK  contributes to the construction of sports facilities of national importance. NASAK's contributions amount to about 10 to 20 percent of the total investment in these new facilities and have an important "signal function" for other investors.

5.7

Sports events

In 2005, about 230'000 sports events were carried out in Switzerland, only 68 of which can be classified as "big sports events". Football accounts for roughly 50 % of all sports events, team sports (including football) for about three quarters. In 2005, sport events generated a business volume of about 1.2 billion Swiss Francs.

5.8

Finances of sport clubs and associations

Currently, Swiss sport clubs and associations generate revenues and expenses amounting to about 1.7 billion Swiss Francs per year. Since 1996, the monetarisation of the Swiss club system has increased substantially.

5.9

Cost of sports accidents and injuries

During most of the 1990s the cost associated with sport injuries was quite stable. From 2000 to 2003 the cost has risen sharply due mostly to the sharp increase in health costs but also due to the exceptional number of accidents for 2003 (see indicator 4.1). In 2008, the direct cost of sports accidents amounted to around 860 million Swiss Francs, whereas the indirect cost (e.g. loss of work time etc.) was about 890 million Swiss Francs.