Building Resilient Research Communities
To support the range of options, and flexibility needed in our current climate, we will offer a blended conference experience. You do not need to commit either to a place-based or virtual presentation at the time of submission. You can present both ways, or change your mode of the presentation if your preferences change. This way we build for our Research Network Members flexible, and at the same time resilient, spaces for communication, engagement, and participation. The choice to participate virtually could also be a moral decision – for the planet, for security, or when the financial burden of travel is too great. We seek to foster spaces that align with principles of social justice and community development — particularly in difficult times.
We also want to be ready for the possibility of place-based postponement due to COVID-19. If we are forced to postpone, the online engagement will still go ahead, and your registration will allow you to join the conference in person in a later year.
This way we build for our Research Network Members flexible, and at the same time resilient, spaces for communication, engagement, and participation.
Themes and Special Focus
The Twelfth International Conference on Sport & Society is brought together around a common interest in cultural, political, and economic relationships of sport to society. We seek to build an epistemic community where we can make linkages across disciplinary, geographic, and cultural boundaries. We invite proposals addressing one of the following themes or special focus.
2021 Special Focus—Sport and Society in Crisis
The impact of the ongoing Covid-19 health crisis has disrupted many regular aspects of life and therewith had considerable effects on the sporting world as well as on the physical and mental well-being of people around the world. On the elite level, the move of the Olympic Games to 2021 has led to significant disruptions to the sporting calendars. On the recreational level, access to regular sporting or exercise routines has been largely restricted. Many questions have come out of the current situation that we seek to answer at this year’s Sport & Society Conference. How can spectators safely return to mega-sport events? What psychological, physical and social impact did the Covid-19 lockdown have on elite athletes and leisure sport participants? What role can new technologies play in safeguarding sporting activities on all levels? We want to focus on the economic, social and cultural impact of crises in sport, including learning from other sectors and from sport’s history of (not) dealing with challenges in the past.
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.
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- 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
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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).
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- 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
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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.
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- 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
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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.
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- 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
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Important Dates
We welcome the submission of proposals at any time of the year. All proposals will be reviewed within two to four weeks of submission. The dates below serve as a guideline for proposal submission based on our corresponding registration deadlines.
You do not need to commit either to a place-based or virtual presentation at the time of submission. You can present both ways, or change your mode of the presentation if your preferences change.
Proposal Deadlines
Advance Proposal Deadline – 24 August 2020
Early Proposal Deadline – 24 November 2020
Regular Proposal Deadline – 24 March 2021
Late Proposal Deadline – 24 May 2021
For more information, visit the conference website!
