ABSTRACT
In Chapters 4 and 5 of this text, sociologists cast a critical eye on a range of behaviours in sport and recreation using a theoretical lens of hegemonic masculinity, power and masculine or sport-specific subcultures (or subworlds). Conduct coming under scrutiny in Chapter 4 included: violence on and off the ball, on and off the field, punishments given to team players, assault charges and defences, violent incidents and responses from the sport community, normalisation of unacceptable conduct – from the sports field to the law courts. The focus was on the law as it stands on common assault and the OAPA 1861. In Chapter 5, child abuse was located on a continuum of sexual exploitation in sport. Research on a range of issues informed both risk assessment and the development of child protection (safeguarding policies). Illustrative criminal cases arising out of the Sexual Offences Act were followed by legal and policy developments in child protection in sport and recreation. Prior to this, statutory frameworks and illustrative cases of discrimination and harassment were introduced.
