Introducing Prof. Dr. Ruth Crabtree – ICSSPE’s Newly Elected Board Member

The International Council of Sport Science and Physical Education (ICSSPE) is pleased to introduce Prof. Dr. Ruth Crabtree, newly elected to our Executive Board. A highly respected academic and advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), Prof. Ruth brings over three decades of leadership in sport management, higher education, and global collaboration to ICSSPE’s strategic direction.

 

Prof. Ruth currently serves as Head of the School of Sport and Physical Activity at Sheffield Hallam University (UK) and as President of the World Association for Sport Management (WASM). She has long been active within ICSSPE, previously serving on its Development Committee, where she helped initiate the Global Teaching Excellence series, a collaborative initiative with WASM.

 

“I am delighted to be serving ICSSPE in an Executive role and having served on the development committee, I think it is very important that both the EB and DC work together to achieve the strategic priorities of ICSSPE.”

 

Throughout her career, Ruth has been a powerful voice for equity, diversity, and inclusion, championing intercultural understanding as a foundation for effective global practice.

 

“Being aware of inter-cultural differences and listening to views that may be different from your own is vital for reflective practice and ultimately success.”

 

With deep experience bridging academia and international sport leadership, Ruth emphasises the synergy between global policy and local practice. Her approach integrates global insights into the classroom, creating applied learning opportunities, volunteer projects, and student-led initiatives that connect higher education with the wider sport community.

 

Looking ahead, she identifies technological innovation, sustainability, and inter-cultural competence as essential skills for the next generation of sport leaders.

 

As she takes her place on ICSSPE’s Executive Board, Prof. Dr. Ruth Crabtree continues to bring her trademark energy, openness, and dedication to collaboration — inspiring colleagues, students, and partners worldwide to advance sport and physical education for all.

 

Read the full interview with Prof. Ruth in the attachment below to learn more about her perspectives, priorities, and passion for inclusive global leadership.