ABSTRACT
Few dilemmas in academic have resulted in as much animosity and camaraderie as the one of theory versus practice. This chapter presents the issues, discusses the evolution of the field, and provides the reader with substance about the debate. The rift over theory versus practice within the profession has been reflected in the purpose of the professional journals. In 2009, Packianathan Chelladurai examined three significant factors that elevated the status of sport management as a field of study: the expansion of sport management degree programs, the development of professional associations, and the creation of scholarly journals. As the sport management field continues to grow and develop, the most debated issue is probably that of application versus theory. Advancement of the theory versus practice debate has also been a result of changes in the industry. Hiring authorities in the industry have begun to recognize the attributes and skills of sport management graduates.
