Steven N. Waller

Case studies of collegiate sport chaplains.

The appointment of sport chaplains in public colleges or universities can be controversial and contested as in a recent case at Iowa State University. Some scholarly attention has been paid to the relationship between sport and religion, but studies on sport chaplains are just recently emerging. Through textual analysis of media coverage and promotional materials, this study examines how collegiate sport chaplains, their ministry organizations, and public universities navigate the competing interests of evangelical chaplains and state-funded institutions. The study explores the roles and responsibilities of collegiate sport chaplains at two public universities (University of Tennessee and Auburn University). It also provides a brief review of the historical context of muscular Christianity for the discussion of collegiate sport chaplaincy.

Did the 2012 World Series positively impact the image of Detroit?: sport as a transformative agent in changing images of tourism destinations

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of sport in Detroit as a tool for shaping the image of the downtown area as a tourist destination. We utilized two different sources of data collection: we interviewed a panel of local experts representing sport and tourism stakeholders in Detroit, and we also examined local and national media reports published during the World Series in 2002. Results indicated that efforts are placed on broadening the scope of events the city hosts to attract more visitors and improve the image of the downtown area, but at the same time, the major problems the city is currently experiencing send a rather dual message of the role sport plays in this citys image. Additionally, results from the media analysis produced three key themes: (1) Recovery of the city; (2) Negative image of the city; and (3) Financial woes. Overall, our findings provide mixed evidence about the role of sport as a vehicle for building a positive image of Detroit. Sport could be an image-booster for Detroit, yet any image increase is superseded by the citys other major problems (e.g. economics, population decrease).

Social Accountability and Responsibility in Sport: An Examination of the National Collegiate Athletic Association

Social Accountability and Responsibility in Sport: An Examination of the National Collegiate Athletic Association As the business of sport continues to grow there is a need to remain concerned with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in sport. In the United States, collegiate sport is a complex, and thriving enterprise. At the forefront of the business of college sports are the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and its member colleges and universities. CSR has been reviewed extensively in the realm of professional sports, but scholarship related to CSR and its application in collegiate sports is lacking. For the plethora of good that the NCAA has done over the years, it is also an entity filled with paradoxes. Stakeholder theory serves as the foundation for discussing CSR. The purpose of this essay is to discuss the concept of CSR and its relationship to college sports in the United States. This article examines the organizational structure of the NCAA, its functionality, and the trappings of its fiscal operations. In addition, an analysis of the role CSR plays in the shaping of social responsibility and accountability in collegiate sport is presented.

‘Fist, feet and faith’: an ‘elite’ interview with ‘Fight Church’ Pastor Jude Roberts

Abstract The interest in mixed martial arts (MMA) in the United States has escalated since its advent in 1993. In the last 10 years, there has been a heightened interest in Christian MMA (CMMA). Several evangelical churches across the country have started MMA ministries to attract and retain men and boys. Proponents of CMMA suggest that it helps to build strong Christian values in its practitioners, while its opponents chide the sheer danger of sport because of its violent nature. An ‘elite’ interview was conducted with ‘Fight Pastor’ Jude Roberts (a pseudonym), who was one of the leading voices in the CMMA movement. Over the span of the interview, Roberts concluded: (1) MMA can be used to teach Christian values; and (2) the violence associated with CMMA can be supported by scripture. Despite the growing popularity of CMMA, it is an area that needs to be studied more from an interdisciplinary approach.

A study of women administrators in campus recreation in the USA

The number of women working in campus recreation organizations in the United States of America (USA) has steadily increased due to dynamic changes in recreation departments within colleges and universities across the USA since 1990. This paper is descriptive in nature and its purpose is to examine how women, currently working as campus recreation administrators, are positioned in the industry. Data were collected utilizing an online survey, based on a modified version of the Female Sport Manager Career Survey. Findings offer a descriptive “snap shot” of women in campus recreation such as age, level of education, sector of employment, employment patterns, and use of networking and mentoring to advance their careers. Additionally, results provide some valuable information on work history, continuing education and career advancement, affiliation with professional associations, as well as issues related to networking and mentoring. This paper sets the stage for further inquiries with practical and theoretical implications.

Retrospective reflections on the Black American male athlete and the 1968 Olympics: an elite interview with Dr Harry Edwards

This research note presents an abbreviated version of an ‘elite’ interview conducted with pre-eminent sport sociologist Dr Harry Edwards. As the architect of the Olympic Project for Human Rights, Edwards’s activism targeted racial apartheid in the USA and in South Africa. Edwards’ leadership in the area of human rights catalysed the African-American boycott of the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. A series of semi-structured, retrospective interview questions were posed to Edwards to garner his perspectives on the progress that Black American, male Olympic athletes have made in the USA from 1968 to present day. Analysis of the interview with Edwards revealed the following about Black American, male Olympic athletes: (1) the social conditions in the USA had changed for the better since 1968; (2) in the second millennium these have become ‘commoditised’ after the Olympics and gain substantially from their celebrity; and (3) Black male, American athletes can become enslaved to the economics of their celebrity if they are not careful.

Research note: religious doctrine and its influence on the choice to gamble as a leisure pastime among African American Methodists

Abstract This research note examines the relationship between adherence to religious doctrine and participation in gambling as a leisure pastime. In the United States, recreational gambling is a common leisure pastime for many African Americans. Our ideals about the value of gambling are often shaped within families, based on their lived experience with recreational gambling and also within religious communities. Two doctrinal statements from the Methodist strand of Protestantism provide critical assessment of gambling as a leisure pastime. This case study examined African American Methodists’ perceptions about religious doctrine that addresses gambling; their choice to gamble despite their familiarity with the doctrinal position of the Church; and the perception of gambling as a sinful leisure pursuit. Religious doctrine may deter some adherents from participating in gambling as a leisure pursuit but not everyone. Many can be familiar with religious doctrine, may not agree with it and will proceed to gamble. Finally, even if gambling is perceived as a sinful leisure activity, it concurrently can be viewed as a ‘harmless’ vice.

Compassion fatigue among disability camp staff: an exploratory study

ABSTRACT Being compassionate to others can take its toll on practitioners working in emotionally exhausting professions such as recreational therapy (RT). Research that examines compassion satisfaction/compassion fatigue (CS/CF) in allied health settings is in abundance, but is noticeably absent in RT settings. This paper examines the levels of CS/CF in students working at a therapeutic camp for youth with multiple disabilities in the United States. The findings of the study revealed that: (1) the sample scored in the “high” range on the CS subscale; “average” on the burnout subscale; and “low” in the secondary stress trauma (STS) subscale; and (2) significant differences were found in CS/CF scores based on age and academic major. This research also reveals the importance of training in advance of therapeutic camp experiences towards the end of increasing CS, reducing burnout and STS. The practical implications for students and recreational therapists point to the need for training, awareness of the signs of CF, and the need for effective self-care as strategies.

Sport and the Christian Religion: A Systematic Review of Literature

In light of the escalating interest in the scholarly study of the interface between Christianity and sport, particularly as a subfield of several disciplines (e.g. sociology, religion, sport studies, cultural studies), an organ that gathered and systematically organized the majority of the available scholarship was greatly needed. Nick J. Watson and his long-time writing partner Andrew Parker have met the need with their book Sport and the Christian Religion: A Systematic Review of Literature. In a masterful way, they provide an enormous amount of bibliographic material, some which is in ‘semi-annotated’ form. The material is nicely woven into the narrative throughout the seven chapters and conclusion of the book. Moreover, as accomplished scholars whose work is included in this volume, their voices enter into the narrative at appropriate moments and do not overshadow the contributions of the vast number of excellent scholars they cite. On the whole, the synthesis of the material presented in the book is laudable. Currently, this book is the most inclusive review to date of the literature addressing the connection between religion and sport generally, Christianity and sport specifically. They segment the literature and organize it thematically into seven chapters and close the book with a conclusion and an appendix which highlights the academic and practical developments in the study of sport and Christianity. Watson and Parker eloquently and clearly articulate the twofold aim of the book in the Introduction. First, they state that the systematic review is the book seeks to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize scholarship, empirical research, and practical initiatives in the sport-Christianity field. Secondly, it seeks to identify, encourage, and facilitate emerging areas of research in this area by providing extensive resources from both the social scientific study of sport and the theological study of sport (3–4).

Chaplain or Sports Chaplain First?: Why Identity Formation Should Matter to Sports Chaplains

The purpose of this essay is to discuss the importance of identity formation in the growth and development of chaplains, inclusive of sports chaplains. There is a longstanding history of how identity formation occurs with men and women who have chosen chaplaincy as a part of their vocational calling. The common beginnings for many include a point of occupational testing for vocational tendencies, engaged service in institutional settings such as in the office of a hospital chaplain. In tandem with prayer, studying the Bible of other primary source documents (if not Christian) then one may undergo a period of seeking, illumination, and then a revelation from the Creator about chaplaincy. Chaplains have multiple identities as caregivers. The foundational argument of this paper is that the proper formation of identity as a chaplain compels the individual working in this facet of ministry to see his/herself as a chaplain first and then as a sports chaplain secondarily. The identity of the chaplain impacts the manner in which he/she serves people in sports but also greatly influences the position of sports chaplains in the global community of chaplains.