|  | Resources | No.58 January 2010 |
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Book Information: Principles and Practice of Sport Management Reviewed by Sarah E. Sweeney |

Principles and Practice of Sport Management
Masteralexis, Lisa; Barr, Carol and Hums, Mary (2009)
(3rd ed.), Jones and Bartlett Publishing, Sudbury MA.
Cost: $80.95 (www.jbpub.com).
In its effort to provide students with insight into the sport management industry, Principles and Practice of Sport Management, delivers. One of the book’s strengths is the resources provided. In each chapter, the reader is afforded examples, case studies and references to assist in preparation for entering into the sport management environment. The book also serves as an excellent tool for experienced sport managers. Many chapters include sections covering career opportunities, current sport issues and key management skills related to the industry. It is this continuity that maintains the interest of a sport management student. The topics of Law, Ethics, Communications and Facilities are all rolled into a single text that allows the student to absorb all aspects of the industry. The book aspires to show the sport industry as a whole, including histories of leagues, advancement of women and the underlying theme that in today’s society, “sport is a business”. The mix of professional and amateur sports, along with recreation and fitness organisations, brings together an entertaining way to educate sport management students.
The only weakness of this book is that it lacks coverage of two topics of interest in sports management -- officiating and violence in sport. There is a tremendous increase in sporting violence displayed by fans, such as European soccer rivals, and the experience often ends in injury, destruction of property and on occasion, death. Despite the increase in sport violence, the book offers limited coverage. The text also provides only limited insight into the official/umpire/referee role in sport administration. Again, learning about recent events of officials being banned from sport due to gambling and point fixing would be a great asset to the sport management student. As a former owner of a franchise team and having dealt with both of these situations, I feel that students should be aware of the actions and be prepared to deal with these difficult circumstances. Although the book has weaknesses, it is an excellent representation for an undergraduate sport management student to experience. I would use this textbook in my class because it does help students gain essential skills and provides good resources for studying the world of sport management.
Contact
Sarah E. Sweeney
Texas Woman's University
Denton, Texas, USA

http://www.icsspe.org