A paradigm for identifying macro-events in sports - a critical analysis

Abstract

In the times before the democratic transition, the dominant paradigm describing Polish sport as a unified, formalised system. It seems, however, that such a vision is entirely inadequate for explaining present realities, whereby sport comprises various qualitatively diverse macro-scale events. The purpose of this publication is to:

• present a critical appraisal of the paradigm of sport as a unified system and explain its inadequacy in the face of current realities
• propose a pragmatic paradigm of sport that would provide for the possibility of distinguishing between various qualitatively diverse macro-events, including athletic challenges and competitive fitness as innovative events, as well as competitive sport and commercial sport as traditional events.

Accounting for axiological differences between various macro-events identified in the social context makes it possible to rationally evaluate the qualities in different types of sport activity by employing relevant criteria.