Professionalisation of action sports in Australia

Abstract

An Australian analysis of global sporting megatrends has noted the rise in prominence of action sports. Over the past few decades, action sports have continued to evolve and fragment. Changes in the high-performance sector have been particularly evident through the highly visible inclusion of action sports such as BMX, snowboarding, surfing, skateboarding and sports climbing in the Olympic Games. However, while there has been a swift rise in the prominence and position of action sports globally, relatively little is known about the impact of the shifting formalization and professionalization of these sports and their participants. Focussing on the Australian context, this article seeks to capture and critique the professional development of coaches and athletes, while drawing on examples from BMX, surfing and skateboarding. Further, implications of funding, research and new media technologies on the knowledge, expertise and credentials of elite action sports participants are discussed. Findings of the systematic analysis suggest that there are differing opportunities for professionalization of action sports both nationally and internationally, with the subsequent recommendation being that sporting organizations join forces to support the advancement of athletes and coaches.