Sport in society, management and mass displays

Sociology of sport

Sport and culture, nationalism and national identity, the role of the media and sponsorship, commercialisation, professionalism and amateurism, and globalisation of sport. Issues: gender equity, disability sport (Paralympic movement), violence and hooliganism, corruption and match-fixing, and doping.

Sport in Zimbabwe

Traditional games and pastimes; the development of football, cricket, rugby, athletics and netball; the Sports and Recreation Commission and national associations; school sport (NASH and NAPH competitions); talent identification and development pathways; facilities and funding challenges.

Sports management

Planning, organising, staffing, leading and controlling; event management (budgets, venues, safety, marketing, volunteers); risk assessment and crowd safety.

Mass displays

Large-scale synchronised performances for national events.

• Planning: theme, music, formations on a grid, counts, costumes and props, card displays forming images.
• Organisation: training leaders, rehearsal schedules, logistics (transport, meals, water, first aid), safety and supervision of young participants.
• Values: discipline, teamwork, national identity and cultural expression.

Leadership and officiating

Qualities of coaches, captains and referees; codes of ethics; fair play.

Check yourself

1. Give two benefits and two drawbacks of commercialisation in sport.
2. Name three key planning tasks for a mass display.
3. What body coordinates sport in Zimbabwe?