Conducting ethnography in athletics involves studying the social and cultural aspects of sports and athletic communities through immersive and qualitative research methods. Ethnography in this context means deeply exploring how athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders experience and interact within the world of sports. Here’s a guide on how to approach ethnographic research in athletics:

3 min readSep 4, 2024

1. Define Your Research Focus

Choose a Specific Context: Decide whether you want to study a particular sport, a team, a training facility, or a broader athletic culture.
Formulate Research Questions: Develop questions that address the social dynamics, cultural practices, and experiences within the chosen context. For example, you might explore how team dynamics affect performance or how athletes navigate their identities.

Build Relationships: Establish connections with key figures in the athletic community, such as coaches, athletes, and administrators. Networking and demonstrating genuine interest can help you gain access.
Obtain Permissions: Ensure you have the necessary permissions and consent from participants, institutions, and organizations involved. This may involve formal agreements and adherence to ethical…