A Study of Fair Play in the Pre-Modern Era: From the Perspective of N. Elias's Concept of Figuration*

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the characteristics of fair play in the pre-modern era, targeting pugilism in the 18th century, by focusing on the essence of gambling-oriented spectator sports. First, it analyzes the practice of gambling-oriented spectator sports from the perspective of the concept of figuration. Second, it analyzes Broughton's Rules of pugilism from the perspective of the concept of figuration to identify their function and the characteristics of fair play seen in them. Third, it examines the process by which fair play was transformed in the transition from the pre-modern to the modern era by exploring the meaning of the revision of Broughton's Rules as the London Prize Ring Rules. This study establishes the following. First, the main function of Broughton's Rules was to guarantee interesting bouts and the viability of gambling. The fair play in spectator sports conducted in accordance with these rules manifested itself in the “performance” of a bout that was fought skillfully and carefully right to the end, while being free of unnecessary accidents and injuries. Second, in the 18th and early 19th centuries, fair play in pugilism evolved under the influence of an emphasis on greater clarity. As a result, conduct that had previously been permitted came to be prohibited under the London Prize Ring Rules.