Sports and Politics PHED 1007 April 1, 2015

Objectives  Examine some definitions  Explore the role of politics and governments in sports

Introduction In a sociological sense, politics involves processes through which power is gained and used in social life

Definitions  _________: processes and procedures of making decisions that affect collections of people  _____________: formal organizations with the power to make and enforce rules in a particular territory or collection of people.

Definitions  _________: an ability to influence people and achieve goals  Example:  ___________: form of power that comes with a recognized and legitimate status or office in a government, an organization or an established set of relationships  Example:

Government Involvement in Sports: 1.Safeguard the public order 2.Maintaining health and fitness 3.Promoting the prestige and power of a group, community or nation 4.Promote identify and unity 5.Reproduce values consistent with ideology 6.Promoting economic development 7.Increase support for political leaders and government

Safeguard Public Order  _____________________determines where and when games/sports/physical activities can be played as well as the ___________________that is used  _________________has the ability to ban certain activities within a community e.g. road hockey/ skateboarding on streets  Sport Canada have policies on women in sport, First Nations participation and those with disabilities  The Olympic Games spend millions of dollars to ensure the games are safe for all

Safeguard Public Order  Programs are in place for “at risk youth”- these are generally not successful as they do not deal with the significant issues of ________________________________  Military and Police training Example: RMC (Royal Military College has 20% of its students participate in CIS sports Police and Firefighter games held annually/semi annually

Maintaining Health and Fitness  The concept was that if a country had government funded health insurance, it would introduce sports programs to improve physical fitness and cut health care costs. Example: PARTICIPACTION-was reintroduced in 2007 in a response to the rising percentage of the population that were obese. However, this reintroduction has not seen great results

Promoting Prestige and Power  We see this often with host nations of __________________and ___________________  Countries are now starting to pay their medal winners in these prestigious events

Promoting Identity and Unity  Groups, organization, cities and countries use sport to _________________________  A question that continues to surface: Is this a long term benefit? What do you think? Yes or No? Why or Why not?

Reproducing Values  Generally speaking, success is based on ________________, _________________ and ______________  Sport used as a platform to promote these values

Increasing Support for Political Leaders  Political leaders present themselves as friends of sport/ faithful fans

Increasing Support for Political Leaders

Promoting Economic Development  Cities spends millions of dollars to bid on major sporting events  Unfortunately, this is only a ______________ ____________to the economy. Often, the citizens are left with the debt.

Sport and the Canadian Government  Bill C131- Fitness and Amateur Sports Act 1961-Initial involvement was due to ongoing concerns about the health of the Canadian population AND the declining success of hockey teams at Olympic Games and World Championships Which of the seven reasons would this satisfy? (2) Quebec-separation and western provinces feeling alienated Which of the seven reasons would this satisfy? (1)

Sport and Canadian Government Montreal Olympic Games- no gold medals won by Canada Which of the seven reasons would this satisfy? (1) Ben Johnson scandal Which of the seven reasons would this satisfy? (1)

Sport and Canadian Government More dollars into high performance sport. Which of the seven reasons would this satisfy? (2) 2010/2015- Winter Olympic Games/Pan American Games Which of the seven reasons would this satisfy? (1)

Sport and Canadian Government  One problem that still persists is funding for GRASSROOTS PROGRAMS. However, in 2001, new policy was brought forward that promotes both Grassroots (participation) and High Performance (excellence)

Sport and Global Political Processes  Many people hope that sport will unite us all/set aside our differences etc. Unfortunately, this is not reality.  Countries and transnational corporations use sport to promote their ideology/interests etc.

International Sports: Ideal versus Reality Olympic Games -create communication lines -highlight shared interests -demonstrate friendly international relationships

International Sports: Ideal versus Reality ______________diplomacy (cultural exchange) versus _________ diplomacy (looking at resolving serious political issues) Olympic Games have been boycotted to “send a message” USA and Canada boycott Olympic Games in Moscow Russia boycotts Olympic Games in Los Angeles The Games still continued. There were no real repercussions The only real success of boycotting- bringing an end to Apartheid in South Africa in the 1990’s

International Sports: Ideal versus Reality Athletes as Migrant Workers Athletes move away from their hometown to play at the elite level -Reverse migration – occurs once a professional athlete’s career is finished in North America- travels to another country to continue-usually less competitive- dual citizenship often occurs- happens in sports such as hockey, basketball, volleyball, rugby

International Sports: Ideal versus Reality Sports Equipment and Apparel Often can be made for less money in developing countries. Therefore, manufacturers close their factories in Canada and “open up shop” where they can make more profit. Workers health and safety not as stringent as in North America. However, some corporations are developing a “conscience”.

Conclusions  Politics has many roles in sports for a variety of reasons