chapter 19 Future Trends in Sport

Chapter Outline Social Trends Conflict Between Performance Sport and Participation Sport Effects of Social Changes Effects of Spectatorship Effects of Technology Effects of the Electronic Media Will Sport Change? Summary

U.S. Social Trends That Will Affect Sport Global trends (terrorism, global economy) Increase in older athletes Protection of citizen rights Protection of sport investments Increase in sport management Records being broken Increase in coaching competency

Performance Sport Participation in performance sport at the youth level will increase for those who can afford it. Schools will invest more in college athletic programs but will face continued financial struggles. Professional sport will continue to dominate and may develop true world championships. (continued)

Performance Sport (continued) Soccer participation and spectatorship will increase around the globe. Olympics will become more professional. Female sports will continue to grow.

Participation Sport Health struggles will continue to grow. Insurance and company involvement with physical activity opportunities will increase. Connection between physical activity and better health, less disease, and greater quality of life will become more evident. (continued)

Participation Sport (continued) Community programs and extreme sports will grow. Sport will see continued funding challenges.

Effects of Society Changes The U.S. Civil Rights Act increased opportunities for diversity in sport, but opportunities for minorities still lag in some sports. Title IX increased women’s participation, but women are still seeking equality. As the average age of the U.S. population moves up, the demand for leagues for older athletes will grow. There will be more opportunities for athletes with same-sex orientation or with disabilities.

Effects of Spectatorship Pay-per-view and Internet viewing will grow. The growing spectatorship will increase participation if the boom of electronic spectatorship does not prevent it. Attempts will be made to legalize sport gambling.

Effects of Technology Equipment and facility improvements will result in higher performance. Training methods will improve. New and improved drugs and performance enhancers will appear. The ability to recover from injury will increase. Will genetic engineering play a role in sport?

Effects of Electronic Media Sport action will be viewed on demand. Fantasy teams and leagues will be interactive. Sports wagering over the Internet will grow. Athletes will become more accessible to fans.

Will Sport Really Change? Who will lead the changes? Who will fight for change?

Summary Previous and future social trends will continue to change sport for the good and the bad. Changes may increase the level of performance in sport. Demand for increased, diverse opportunities will continue. Changes will affect both spectators and participants.

On Deck… Questions and comments Assignments, readings, and final exams Course review