Introduction: This study aimed to develop a volunteering management model for sports in Iraq according to qualitative approach.

Methods: The present study was a qualitative exploratory study conducted in the field and was applied research in terms of purpose. In this research 14 sports managers in Iraq with a history of working with or employing volunteers and a 5-year management experience were purposively selected as samples. Based on the application of the grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin (1998), open, axial, and selective coding were used to extract research findings. Also, in this study, several strategies were implemented during the research process to ensure the rigor or trustworthiness of the research.

Results: The results showed that the volunteering management model in Iraqi sports consists of several key elements. These include causal factors such as volunteer characteristics and motivations, procedures and policies, leadership and management, sport event features and time management for volunteer’s work. Contextual factors such as political and security conditions, traditional beliefs and perspectives, mismanagement, and existing limitations. Intervening factors include the structure of Iraqi society, social trust and cohesion, economic conditions, and legal issues. Finally, management strategies in the cultural, social, and legal realms, all of which impact individual, organizational, social, and cultural outcomes.

Conclusion: According to the results of the study, it is suggested that sports managers and officials in Iraq apply the research findings in future planning in the field of sports and thus contribute to better management of volunteers in sports organizations and events.