Myth,Legitimation,and Stress in Formal Sport Organizations

Abstract

Myths permeate formal sport organizations and are reflected in their practices, pro cedures, techniques, and policies. Institutionalized myths and their relationship to: (1) the legitimation of formal sport organizations; (2) the production of cynical knowledge by members of formal sport organizations; and (3) the reduction of occupational stress among sport professionals were examined. It was concluded that institutionalized myths may serve to legitimatize formal sport organizations, but may also act to constrain organizational and individual behavior.

"Like all social institutions, sport has legitimations which justify its ex istence, [and] rules which guide the interaction of individuals holding posi tions within its structure" (Ingham and Loy, 1973:3). These institutionalized rules, which function as potent myths, may have significant effects upon the structure and upon the athletes, coaches, and administrators of formal sport organizations.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of institutionaliz ed myths to: (1) the legitimation of formal sport organizations; (2) the produc tion of cynical knowledge by members of formal sport organizations; and (3) the reduction of occupational stress among sport professionals.

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