ABSTRACT
Asport generally involves some form of physical exertion and competition according to predetermined rules. In Australia, almost all sporting teams and competitions are organised by third sector organisations. The relationship between governments and sporting nonprofits is relatively straightforward. Local government provides and maintains many of the grounds, pools and courts that are used for individual recreation and local-level sport. The relationship between nonprofit sports organisations and the business sector is more complex, with the business sector offering both support but also competition. Richard Cashman has traced how, early in the second half of the nineteenth century, a powerful social movement developed among the middle classes to rid sport of the corrupting influences of paid or professional sportsmen and gambling. Recreation clubs are member-serving, but sometimes perform a useful public purpose. Recreation clubs are an example of a classic membership association. They bring people together across class and geographical lines.
