Theme 1: Sporting Cultures and Identities
On sport’s motivations, meanings and purposes. Includes the psychology of sport and the interplay between individual identities and access, equity, and participation in sports. Examines the social and sociological aspects of sport, the impact of cultural traditions and cultural differences on how sports are played or viewed, and the influence of sports on national, ethnic, or community identity.
- Individual identity (race, gender, ethnicity, religion, etc) and impacts on sports participation
- Group identities – community, nations, cultures
- Values- as exemplified by athletes, fans, communities
- Cultural differences or traditions
- Psychology or sociology of sport
- Historical perspectives on sport and athletes
- Sport and community building
- Nationalism and ethnic identity in sport
- Exclusionary and inclusionary practices in sport: access, equity and their social benefits
- Human rights in sport
Sample Keywords: Cultures, Community, Identities, Diversity, Values, Psychology, Sociology, History, Nationalism, Human Rights
Theme 2: Sport and Health
On the relationship of sports participation to physical, mental, or emotional health and wellbeing. Includes the study of health, nutrition, exercise science, sports medicine, and biomechanics. Examines the relationships between health/physical fitness and other aspects of life (cognitive abilities, work performance, social interactions).
- Exercise, fitness, and physical wellbeing
- Sport and recreation in psycho-social wellbeing
- Sports medicine and health sciences
- Drugs in sport
- Exercise science, sport biomechanics, functional anatomy
- Sports injury---prevention, identification, rehabilitation
- Sports nutrition and exercise metabolism
- Sports and disabilities
- Health and fitness in the workplace
Sample Keywords: Health Sciences, Fitness, Wellbeing, Injury, Disabilities, Drugs, Nutrition
Theme 3: Sports Education
On learning about and through sport. Includes physical and health education in schools and communities, teaching and coaching techniques. Examines how sports programs in schools and communities promote learning, tolerance, social cohesion, and community development.
- Physical and sports education
- Health education in schools and communities
- Community based youth sports
- Sports programs in schools, colleges, and universities
- Coaching and instructional, motivational strategies
Sample Keywords: Health Education, Physical Education, Coaching, Youth Sports, College Sports, Student Athletes
Theme 4: Sports Management and Commercialization
On sports organizations, leadership, and management. Considers sports and sporting events as commercial activities. Explores the impact of sports and sporting events on communities, nations, international relations. Includes sports as a profession and the roles of professionals (athletes, coaches, media and marketing professionals) within it. Examines policies, rules and regulations, and laws related to governance and participation.
- Management of sports organizations and sporting events
- Marketing, branding, and building a fan base
- Communications and media coverage of sports
- Sponsorship, licensing and advertising in sport
- Commercialization, commoditization and privatization of sport
- Professionals in sport
- Sports facilities: design and management
- Adjudication, refereeing, rule making and game governance
Sample Keywords: Management, Marketing, Finance, Economic Impact, Professions, Commercialism, Media, Governance, Policies and Regulations
Presentations at the conference, as well as the journals and books created in this knowledge community, are grouped around the themes listed here. Submissions are welcomed that cross more than one thematic area. Keywords are only indicative - please add your own keywords as you think necessary. The range of ideas listed in each thematic grouping and associated keywords is continually reviewed and revised by the participants in this knowledge community. Please suggest additions and changes.