The phrase "associations play" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the role or function of associations in various fields, such as psychology, sociology, or organizational behavior.
Example: "In the study of human behavior, associations play a crucial role in shaping our perceptions and reactions."
Alternatives: "associations contribute" or "associations serve".
Although formally organized associations play a predominant role in traditional lobbying efforts, non-associational groups and interests often have an important influence.
These results raise two interesting questions: whether the CTCF, AGO1 and HP1 proteins associate together at the chromatin level in human cells, and whether these associations play any role in alternative splicing regulation.
BME housing associations play a unique role in housing BME communities and providing neighbourhood services".
Mycorrhizal associations play a key role in the life cycle and evolutionary history of orchids.
By providing a representative body, pastoral associations play an important role in articulating pastoral interests and enhancing their political clout.
These associations play essential roles in agricultural and food safety, and contribute to the environmental equilibrium [8].
Florence's trade guilds and professional associations played a central role in republican government.
But whether or not his associations played a part, Mr. Brunerie's action on Sunday was clearly premeditated.
But Dr. Tisch, who told the board prior to its vote that she opposed making the regulations permanent, said her family's associations played no role in her decision.
In his New Year message Cameron praised "those millions who keep on strengthening our society too – being good neighbours, running clubs and voluntary associations, playing their part in countless small ways to help build what I call the 'big society'.
In "The Contender," a political thriller set to open on Friday, Ms. Allen, a 44-year-old Tony winner and two-time Oscar nominee who has earned awards from national and regional film critics associations, plays a highly principled United States senator whose nomination for vice president stirs up a long-buried sex scandal.
