The Sociology of Sport and Physical Education

Like all social institutions sport has an organizational and structural aspect with built-in roles and statuses. These provide the individual with his or her social position within the institution and dictate his or her level of power within the structure. Social control is an important element of all social institutions. Sanctions are levied against violators in an attempt to maintain conforming behavior. All social institutions have rules, procedures and norms that must be followed. Formal organizations have governing bodies to legislate expected behaviors.