“COMMUNITAS” IN SPORTS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the specific behaviors of sport groups by means of the concept, “communitas” which is offered by V, Turner. This analysis takes the semioticstructual method which differs from the structual-functional one. And the ritual process in sport is interpreted in the light of the cultural-anthropology. The procedure of this study, firstly, makes an overview of the concept, “communitas”, which appears in three dimensions of culture; “liminality”, “outsiderhood”, and “structual inferiority”, then proceeds to the relation with the rite of passage. Secondly, in view of the interaction of members, “communitas” can be demonstrated with “rhizome type” model which takes the form of the multidimensional network system. On the contrary, “community” is characterized by “tree typ” model. According to these procedure, this analysis proceeds to the examination of “communitas” and the ritual traits in sport groups.
The results are as follows;
1) It is necessary for the analysis of sport groups characterized by “communitas” to take supplementary approach with the team-work theory which has been developed for the social structual system.
2) The specific behaviors in sports, e.g. the encouraging shout and cry “GANBA!”, or mass running exercises in formation, could be clarified as “rites of passage” or “transition rites” in broad sense.
3) This shout “GANBA!” is a password for performing audiences to take part in the sport situation sympathetically. At the same time, the shout is also a prayer for athletes to enter into the movement landscape or background of ordinary sports.