ABSTRACT
It took a while for scholars in the twentieth century to recognize the significance of sports. Philosophers, sociologists, anthropologists, and physical educators preceded historians into the sports field, but enthusiasts established the North American Society for Sport History complete with a journal in 1973. In 30 years the small academic group has grown from 163 members to 380. Scattered through colleges and universities in North America, Europe, and Australia now are courses about sports, and although sports history is still a subtopic it is accepted in course curriculums and as a subject for serious research. It is no longer viewed as a boondoggle for instructors who wish to deduct the cost of stadium tickets from their income tax.
