Discrimination in professional sports

Abstract

This chapter examines the possibility that in sports, despite being over-represented relative to their population share, members of minority groups may still be discriminated against. The chapter defines what is meant by discrimination and considers how it may be measured, noting that it is easier to measure player productivity in sport than is generally the case for workers in other industries. Further, it is necessary to consider which sources of discrimination are likely to be of significance in sports — employer, co-worker or customer — and what forms it may take (hiring, salaries, or position in the team). The role of antidiscrimination legislation is considered in relation to college sports where gender participation rates have been a matter of particular concern in the USA.