Chapter Outline
The Sports–Government Connection
Safeguard the Public Order
Maintain Health and Fitness
Promote the Prestige and Power of a Group, Community, or Nation
Promote Identity and Unity
Reproduce Values Consistent with Dominant Political Ideology
Increase Support for Political Leaders and Government
Promote Economic Development
Critical Issues and Government Involvement in Sports
The Governance of Sport in the United Kingdom
Sports and Global Political Processes
International Sports: Ideals Versus Realities
Nation-States, Sports, and Cultural Ideology
REFLECT ON SPORTS: Olympism and the Olympic Games: Are They Special?
New Political Realities in an Era of Transnational Corporations
Other Global Political Issues
Making Sense of Political Realities
Politics in Sports
What Qualifies as a Sport?
What Are the Rules of a Sport?
Who Makes and Enforces the Rules in Sports?
Who Organizes and Controls Sport Events?
Where Do Sport Events Take Place?
Who Is Eligible to Participate in a Sport?
BREAKING BARRIERS: Political Barriers: I Think . . . This Opens Some Doors for People
How Are Rewards Distributed to Athletes and Others?
Summary: How Do Governments and Global Processes Influence Sports?