1. chapter 16
Politics and Sport

2. Chapter Outline Government in Physical Activity and Health
Government in Sport
Government in Promoting Identity and Unity Among Citizens
Nationalism and Sport
Sport in Promoting Social Values
Politics Within Sport
Summary

3. In the United States, what role does the government play in physical activity, health, and sport?

4. Role of Government in Physical Activity (PA) and Health
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Links information on PA and quality of life
Sets recommendations for PA
1950s Council on Youth Fitness
President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports (created in 1961)

5. Role of Government in Sport
Designated the USOC but does not provide its funding
Intervenes when there are scandals or social issues in sport (MLB steroid use and drug testing)
Protects rights of Americans
Promotes equal opportunities
Protects financial interests of the public

6. Government’s Use of Sport to Promote Identity and Unity
Cities work to attract pro teams to increase the attractiveness of the city
Sport unifies strangers and provides topics of conversation
Sport promotes collective identity through apparel
Cities and countries hold special sporting events

7. Nationalism and Sport
Patriotic symbols and colors at international competitions
National anthem played before games
Army–Navy game
Expression of loyalty in hard times
Historical Olympic boycotts

8. Use of Sport to Promote Social Values
Capitalist society
Competition, hard work, winner
Socialist society
Teamwork, fitness, friendship

9. Sport and Society
Sport distracts from difficult times of life (distraction = passivity)
Sport helps retain the status quo (male dominance, traditional values)
Sport can change society (Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, Billy Jean King)
Sport can promote politicians (photo opportunities, athletes turned politicians)

10. Politics Within Sport Organizations
Sports are run by international or national governing bodies (NGBs).
If there is more than one organization for a particular sport, each struggles for control.
Federations have less control so their role is confusing.
The NCAA has unchecked control.
It is difficult to create new professional leagues or tours.

11. Summary
Governments exert some power over sport to protect citizens in different domains.
Sport can also be used by governments and politicians to promote values, status quo, and popularity.
Sport events are often synonymous with displays of nationalism.
Politics are also very evident within sport.

12. On Deck… Questions and comments Assignments and readings
Next chapter: Deviance and Sport
Rule breaking
Violence, drugs, eating disorders, hazing, gambling