Sport management: defining the field

Abstract

Sport management has been a field of scientific investigation since 1960. Regarding professional intervention, sport managers work in public and private, for profit or not-for-profit sport organizations and governing bodies. This article considers three aspects to define the field of sport management. First, the current academic status of the field is discussed based on the development of academic programs, professional associations, and scientific journals. Second, sport management and related terms are defined. Finally, content areas and main research topics are presented considering supporting theories. Each of these aspects was approached taking into account the development of the field internationally and specifically in Brazil, in order to establish borders for teaching, research, and professional intervention.