ABSTRACT
The process of converting the 'past' into 'history' involves engagement with a multitude of different sources and methods, although historical methods have traditionally focused on finding data, judging the validity of the data and then accurately presenting the data through an historical narrative. The choice of subject dictates which sources are deemed suitable and a burgeoning range of sources has stimulated new ways of thinking about the past. Sports history has suffered in the past from omissions and false or imperfect information. Much of what appears to be historical evidence is actually recycled without being researched and sports myths are a prime example of false information that develops as nostalgia clouds memory. Although oral history is restricted in time period to living memory, it can provide a personal perception of events and what they meant to particular people. Sports history emerged from two academic backgrounds, of scholars trained in historical methods and those with a base in physical education.
