Structural elements which seem to limit and control conflicts in games and sports are examined. How these elements may be developed within sport environments is then discussed. Valuable lessons can be learned (a) from sports and games in non-Western societies where conflict is often controlled by ritual, (b) from the informal games of children, where the play element often is maintained, and (c) from the concept of subordinate goals, developed as a way of ensuring association. Finally, these three forms of conflict resolution are demonstrated in the game of rugby football.
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