Chapter 1 What is Sport and Why Do We Study It?

Chapter Outline Sport Through the Ages Definition of Sport Study of Sport Chapter Summary

Why Study Sport? Sport is an integral part of everyday life. It builds connections with strangers and communities. It provides identities for cities and schools. It provides role models in our society. It affects our culture, traditions, and values.

Sport Through the Ages Early Greeks used sport for celebrating, hunting, and honoring the gods. Spartans used sport to improve war skills. Athenians used sport, along with academics and music, to develop a person holistically.

Discussion What is the difference between play, games, sport, and work?

Figure 1.1

Play Free activity to explore environment, express oneself, dream, and pretend No firm rules No set location Outcome unimportant Pleasure only objective Name some examples

Games Specialized form of play with more structure Mental or physical (inactive or active) Informal or formal rules Competitive Outcome is prestige or status Name some examples

Discussion As many games become more mainstream, there is often a corresponding movement to organize them with standardized rules and competitive events. They take on the characteristics of a sport. Can you think of any examples?

Sport Higher order of play or games Must include physical activity and skill Competitive; outcome important to participants (and others) and not predetermined Institutionalized Requires specialized facilities, equipment Name some examples

Definition of Sport in North America An institutionalized competitive activity that involves physical skill and specialized facilities or equipment and is conducted according to an accepted set of rules to determine a winner. Important: The definition of sport is always changing according to a given culture’s beliefs and attitudes toward sport.

Work Physical or mental effort needed to perform a task. Often connected to earning a living. Professional athletes work when they are paid to play sport. High-performance athletes may experience sport as work even if they aren’t yet paid. Name some examples

Figure 1.2

Why We Study Sport Personal development Scholarly study Professional practice Important: Global physical health concerns have enlarged the focus of sport studies to include exercise, physical activity, and public health

Sport and Exercise Sciences Various names, terms, and university departments for study of sport and exercise Adopted standard of kinesiology emerging Three domains Biophysical Psychosocial Sociocultural

Biophysical Domain Focuses on physical activity from the sciences of biomechanics, physiology, and medicine Areas of study Biomechanics Exercise physiology Nutrition Sports medicine

Psychosocial Domain Focuses on physical activity from the science of psychology Areas of study Sport psychology Motor learning and behavior Pedagogy

Sociocultural Domain Focuses on physical activity from the sciences of history, philosophy, and sociology Areas of study Sport history Sport philosophy Sport sociology

Definition of Sport Sociology Sociology is the study of a society, its institutions, and its relationships. Sport sociology is the study of sport and physical activity in the context of the social conditions and culture in which people live.

Discussion What are some advantages that can be gained by an individual AND a society when developing a deep knowledge of sport and physical activity is a priority?