Search

This article focuses on the leadership in sports. Traditional theories of coaching, for example, have often drawn on military metaphors to portray the strength of character and Lombardi-style commitment to toughness that is thought to characterise great coaches. This chapter begins by examining the extent to which sport exhibits high and low conditions for violence and abuse in relation to wider social conditions. Cultural feminists and pro-feminists have called for a transformation in sport whereby changes to institutional practices and to the cultural atmosphere will make sport a safer, less socially divisive and more friendly place for all people, not just for women. The accumulating body of evidence of sexual harassment and abuse in sport underpins the work of both feminist and pro-feminist advocates who are seeking more effective harassment prevention procedures and practices. The process of empowerment leads to autonomy; with autonomy comes responsibility for self and for the consequences of investing effort and emotion into the embodied demands of sporting performance.

This article reports that interest in the field of sexual exploitation in sport appears to be growing almost exponentially as a result of trends in social and cultural analysis and the seemingly ever expanding practical, political and academic interest in sport. Work on reducing sexual exploitation in sport, whether it is based in scholarship, policy or practice, is a contribution towards the humanisation of sport. This book represents a hesitant step on a long, perhaps even endless, journey: at this point, the route is uncertain and there are many dead ends. Sexual exploitation has occurred throughout history and therefore predates modern sport by centuries. However, the accelerating commodification, globalisation and intensification of competition witnessed in the last few decades of the twentieth century cast a particular spotlight on sport and on its associated values. Sport is still fondly regarded by some as a kind of moral oasis where individual interests are subsumed for the good of the team and where shared values are safeguarded.

This article presents information on the book "Spoilsports." Sexual exploitation in sport is a problem that has beset both male and female athletes privately for decades but one which has only recently emerged as a public issue. It is the first fully comprehensive text on the subject, integrating cutting-edge academic research, new theoretical perspectives, and practical guidelines for performers, coaches, administrators and policy-makers. Key topics covered include: moral panic, children's rights, masculinity and power, making and implementing policy and leadership in sport. The book draws extensively on the personal experiences of athletes and those involved in sport. Challenging and controversial, this book represents an important step towards tackling a difficult issue. It is essential reading for coaches, athletes, parents and policy-makers.