A sporting chance for liberty

The over-regulation of Australian Rules football is an example of the nanny state nature of Australia itself. Simplifying the rules of sport and life, rather than adding to them, might produce better outcomes for us all.

A league of their own? Why the NRL wins on male privilege

Rugby League’s preferential treatment in the COVID-19 shutdown while women’s sport was shutdown reveals both male privilege and the power of its commercial partnerships. It also makes a mockery of the NRL Chairman’s claim that “we’re all in this together”.

Australasia will host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: What’s not to like?

Australia and Aotearoa/New Zealand have won the right to host the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. In the middle of a global pandemic, sport in both countries surely has something to celebrate.

It’s a RAP for indigenous women: Reconciliatory action and the Commonwealth Games

Reconciliatory objectives and activities should be a cornerstone of all current and future planning for major sporting events in this country.

This non-sporting life

For the first time since the Second World War, the global sporting machine has ground to a standstill. Beyond the financial loss suffered to leagues and competitions, what is the effect on spectators?

All sport is global: A hard lesson from the pandemic

It has taken the wicked problem of a hyper-contagious virus emerging in East Asia and passing rapidly around the world to demonstrate the vulnerability of sport’s global system of just-in-time, continuous production.

Slow off the mark

Despite the cancellation of sports events around the world to slow the spread of coronavirus, Australian sports from Formula One to rugby league and Australian rules football, have tried hard to protect their income at the expense of their fans’ health.

Why women’s sport matters

The popularity of women’s sport is soaring, and elite-level competitions are gaining more mainstream traction, which sends a positive message for health and wellbeing for all women.

Bad apples or a rotten barrel?

There are far too many recent examples of athletes facing abuse in sport. If we don’t change the structure and culture within sport, it will keep happening.

Foul play?

Sports bodies are keen to trumpet their viewership and revenue, but Australian teenagers are among the least active in the world. At a time when off-field controversies are dominating, how strong is the social license of our sporting bodies?

It’s a numbers game of two halves

Manchester City won last year’s English Premier League and have a 36.5 per cent chance of coming top again, according to the numerical analysis of University of Adelaide’s Professor Steve Begg.

Sports clubs are good for the soul

Being part of a sporting club is not just about the time spent on the field each week. A sense of belonging is just as important for its members, boosting their well-being and mental health as much as their physical fitness.