Sport. A value system serving an idea of utopia?

The reference to values is a recurring theme in sport and shapes attitudes as much as it does the initiatives that are undertaken. Taken consubstantially, they lead to an essentialising of both practices and behaviours. Having been conceptualised from the earliest days of the formation of the sporting movement, they have become a permanent fixture and contributed to sanctuarising sport. After characterising these values and their functions, we will attempt to analyse what underlies their persistence. The aim will be to try and comprehend the consequences of the combination of sport and certain values on the perceptions of those involved in scandals and issues that have shaken the sporting movement over the last few years.