The Commonwealth Games: Societal Impact, Controversies and Evolution

This report provides a comprehensive sociological analysis of the Commonwealth Games, exploring its historical context, organizational structure, and cultural significance. It examines the evolution of the games from their inception in 1930 to the present day, highlighting key milestones, participating countries, and the increasing global participation. The report delves into the controversies and modifications that have shaped the games, including doping scandals, logo controversies, and match-fixing incidents. Furthermore, it analyzes the social impact of the Commonwealth Games, including its role in promoting unity, traditions, and equality, while also addressing the influence of conflict theory on the games. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and emphasizing the importance of understanding the complex interplay between sports and society, providing a detailed overview of the games' multifaceted impact on the participating nations and global community.

Sports in Society

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
PAST about the Games ...................................................................................................................1
Organizational structure.........................................................................................................3
Controversies and modification in the Commonwealth Games.............................................4
CULTURE ......................................................................................................................................6
Commonwealth Games and people associated with it...........................................................6
Unification of the countries....................................................................................................7
Traditions................................................................................................................................8
Developing a sustainable heritage .........................................................................................9
Femininity in Sports ..............................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11

INTRODUCTION
There is great role of sports in the society as it provides the understanding about the
issues and controversies which are associated with the sports in society. Sports is studied under
the sociological aspects and factors which are co-related to them (Dashper, Fletcher &
McCullough, 2014). Following report will provide the critical evaluation of social factors
associated with Commonwealth Games and its federation. After that rules and regulation,
societal impact and current role of sports are mentioned. It is an perfect example where different
societies is brought together and friendly games are played.
PAST about the Games
The beginning of this games were started from the year 1930 where 11 countries have
participated in it. It was held in Hamilton, London with 400 athletes who have participated in 59
events in 6 sports. Except for the 1942 and 1946 (due to second world war), every year this
games were conducted. During 1930's six games were famous, these were Aquatics, Athletics,
boxing, lawn bowls, Rowing and wrestling. The complete expenditure for the games was
$97,973.00. At the beginning the games were popular as British Empire Games till 1950. After
that, up to 1966 it was under the British Empire and Commonwealth Games. In the year 1974,
Britishers mentioned their name and named it British Commonwealth Games. Finally in the year
1978, Commonwealth Games was named due to its uniqueness, international popularity and
multiple events of sports that were played. After that, there were many games introduced in this
area and many countries were added latter on (Boxill, 2015). Equality and sportsmanship was
promoted during the time of events. There are more than 2.2m people associated with the games
which counts for 30% of global population. Along with this, people from different cultures,
faiths, languages, races and traditions participate in it. Due to all such features it is also known as
'Friendly Games'.
In the year 1891, John Astley proposed it for the first time to organize an event to be held
after every four years. During 1978, in Commonwealth Games there were 46 countries and 1583
athletes who have participated in in those games. During the starting of the 21st century, in the
year 2002, the games were hosted and played in Manchester, England. Many new sports and
games were added into it. Around 17 sports and 281events in total were featured in the game. In
the year 2006, there was absence of Zimbabwe but the games were held in Melbourne, Australia.
As mentioned that every year participants were increasing, in the year 2006, there were 4000
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players who have promoted the event. Until now there were many records created and broken.
Moreover, the stage provided respect and glory to many people.
After the next four years in 2010, it was held in India at Delhi which become the most
expensive games ever as it costed over $11 billion. There were 21 sports, 71 commonwealth
nations, 272 events and 6081 athletes. Until now there were 828 medals given to sports person in
which Australia is at the top winning 74 golds, 55 silver and 48 bronze making total of 177. At
the next position is India with 38 gold, 27 silver and 36 bronze medals, a total of 101 medals.
After that, it is followed by England, Canada.
In 2014, the event was held in Glasgow, Scotland. Sports events up to 18, 71 nations
participating and an estimation of 1947 athletics have participated in the games. The highest
achievement was made by England with 174 medals and second position was trapped by
Australia with 137 medals. Canada was on the third position with 82 medals followed by
Scotland with 53. There was 261 medal ceremonies and 1,385 medals were won by participants.
The estimated budget which was spend at that time was £575.6 million which included the over
all changes and security amount. For the opening ceremonies there were 2000 participants which
included famous personalities. The event held for 10 days starting from 23rd to3rd August 2015.
There were many Partners, supports and providers which helped in completing and organizing
the games peacefully (DiFiori & et. al. 2014).
It was known as Friendly games as in the beginning the countries which have participated
in it were familiar to one common language that is English. Moreover, to increase the
competitiveness and excitement in the games, the federation started team sports at the beginning
of 1998 games at Kuala Lumpur. Out of the total 16 games held, 4 of them were played in
Australian cities.
When Commonwealth games were started, in year 1930, Australia come up at 6th
position with 4 medals and England made the first position with 25 medal in which they won 9
gold medals. The games which was not based on the geographic features but on the historical
aspects. The next games will be held in the year 2018 at the Gold Coast Queensland Australia
which will provide the opportunity to Australians to host it for the fifth time.
Every year, there is different motto and logo of the commonwealth games. In 2014, the
motto was "People, Place, Passion". The official mascot for that year was Clyde which is floral
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emblem of Scotland. It was designed by Beth Gilmour. Every year they have such different
features which forecast the countries culture and traditions.
Organizational structure
Members from the General Assembly chose the president of the Commonwealth Games
through election (Spracklen, 2014). At regular intervals meetings are held so that future decision
related to it can be made. Commonwealth Games Federation current Presidents is from Malaysia,
HRH Prince Imran. after the Hon. Michael Fennell OJ, CD (Jamaica). He has the power to
organize or closed the event during the period of ceremonies. Moreover, he is responsible for the
decision related to the Executive Board meetings as well as General Assembly. Up till now
there were 6 chairman before HRH Prince Imran. The main values which were followed are
global together, respect, excellence, accountable and trust. The past Chairman/president at all the
commonwealth Games are mentioned:
Year Presidents Places where events were held
1930-1938 Sir James Leigh-Wood K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G Canada, England and Sydney
1950-1966 Sir Arthur Porritt, Bt., G.C.M.G., K.C.V.O.,
C.B.E., F.C.S.
New Zealand, Canada, Wales,
Australia and Jamaica
1970-1982 Sir Alexander Ross Scotland, New Zealand,
Canada and Australia
1986-1990 Sir Peter Heatly, CBE., DL Scotland, New Zealand
1994 A. de O Sales, CBE Canada
1998-2010 Hon. Michael Fennell OJ., CD Malaysia, England, Australia,
India.
2014 HRH Prince Imran Scotland
Commonwealth Games Federation was made where all the decision related to this are
taken by them, they have supreme authority related to all the activities associated with games.
Main decision are taken by the directors and Executive Board members. All of them collectively
make the decisions related to organising and safety of the games. All the laws are abide by the
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federation and participants who are violated the rules are banned from the games. All the
members provide the equal opportunity in the games and provide the fair chance to every
candidates.
People wait for these games and practise hard to win and show there skills. Along
with this, the personal experience of people where these events are held eagerly wait to show
their tradition, culture and resources to other people.
Controversies and modification in the Commonwealth Games
In order to organize such event at large level there are certain controversies developed.
Commonwealth games are way to similar to the Olympic games in terms of trouble and scandals.
The the main aspects which lead to Commonwealth Games was the Friendly aspect, it was made
because all the countries knew same language that is English (Harmon & et. al., 2013). Actually,
these were the countries which were found by Britain, they conquered it and colonised all those
countries and they all are great friends. Further, conflict theory can help to better understand this
part. These were the common controversies faced by the not-so-Friendly Games:
Beached Wales: In the 90's three weightlifters won the match and made to gold. Though, there
were no matches of Walsh till then. When urine sample of them were taken it was found that
they had taken anabolic steroids. All the three were sent back and country was banned from
being participate in the event.
Glasgow Games Logo Spark Controversy: It was found that the company which has made logo
has already made that logo three years ago. For the new design they have taken more than
£95,000. The new logo was based on the centre G which was surrounded by the circle and there
were two partial circles made around it. The 2014, logo also featured it which made the
controversy. The Glasgow 2014 made the modification in the logo and presented it in front of
others. There was difference of the centre line and number of lines surrounding the circle. In
commonwealth Games specific logo has to be chosen so that difference can be seen in the
company. It makes the organizers to make extra income by selling the sponsorship and rights
which are sold over the utilization of the logo (Coakley, 2015). Finally it was decided that there
were changes in the both the logos by the committee. At last the company was allowed to make
the logo. However, before this many issues were created and faced by the committee members of
the organization.
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Just not in Cricket: Cricket made it place in the Commonwealth games after the year 1998. There
was defeat of every team when they matched with the Australia. When the same match was
organized in the Asian soil, Pakistan become the champions. There was dynamic-part played by
the Wasim Akram and Salim Malik. The duo was found to be have investigated for the match-
fixing. From the result, Salim was found to indulge in the match-fixing and was banned from the
matches for the lifetime. There were many such cases where doping or fixing was found. In such
cases resignation, expulsions, banning, warning and modification in the policies were made.
Judo Sweep: During the interval of t80's and 90's there was less scope of the English sporting.
However, in the year 1990, certain changes were made in the Auckland events and wrestling was
started which popularly gained popularity. In 1994, there was certain changes made in the system
and reinstating of the wrestling was made.
The country which are hosting the Commonwealth Games provides them opportunities to
showcase its power, dignity and resources to the other countries which are associated with the
them. According to the conflict theory, such scandals made the sports to become an source of
wealth. Here they can show their economical powers to other countries and provides chance to
hike up their own wealth and influence at the international level by making the publicity of the
logo and brand associated with the games (Esmonde, Cooky & Andrews, 2015).
These were the controversies which happened in the Commonwealth Games. The cases
related to money is always an issues but there were case of doping which made controversies. As
mentioned in the starting that all the counties which are linked with the Commonwealth Games
were conquered and colonised by the Britain. They have started this events to make them remind
about their victory.
In terms of the changes or modification, following are mentioned below:
 After the 1930, the name was changed until the year 1978 when it was finally denoted as
Commonwealth Games.
 The Act on which these are based were completed in the year 2011. They follow the
Commonwealth games Federation Act 2011 but before it there were different act on
which it is based.
 Every 4 year there are changes in the logo, motive and location so that different cultures
can be seen and all countries get equal rights.
 New events were increased as well as number of participants.
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 The Federation receives the amount for all the activities and facilities which kept
increasing.
CULTURE
There are different aspects on which culture is based. These are belief, values,
behaviours, objectives and aspects of different people living in the society (Coakley, 2015). In
terms of games it is the way they participate and play that event. From past many centuries
culture has been part of sports and has made meaningful aspects in the entire world (Cooper,
Grenier & Macaulay, 2017). CGF wanted three factors which are uniqueness, affable and to have
international gaming features while organising the event. There are three cultural aspects on
which it is based these are humanity, equality and Destiny. These are the values which help the
federation and the players to get inspire and rejoin millions of people. Moreover, they wanted to
focus on the ethical factors while playing the games and preparing for it. Along with this they
wanted to promote more people associated with this field. Following section consist of details
about the Culture and Commonwealth Games. Uniting all the countries which earlier was part of
the colonial groups are mentioned and culture of there are also shown in these games.
Commonwealth Games and people associated with it
There are certain categories on which commonwealth games are based these are
organised play, higher competition level, winning characteristic and rules on which those games
are based. Further, the gaming activities on the basis of the society are based on the following
features such as physical skills, strategies and chances(Coakley, 2015). The game only wants fair
play and opportunities provided to each and every society. It is based on the shared values and
traditions of different counties which are associated with the Federation. People wait for such
events to occur as they can see different culture and traditions. Moreover, the excitement and
team spirit which the competitors have for each other is also valuable. The spirit of friendship
and the level of fair-play has brought together the Commonwealth of nations associated with it.
Currently there are 53 counties as the member of the games which are separated by overseas but
joined by the core values made by CGF. These values are Humanity, Equality and Destiny which
combined the colonial countries once ruled by the UK.
These values are the main source which has inspired millions of people and keep them
united. Along with this, it symbolise the broad mandate of the federation which lies under the
Commonwealth Games (Quinn & Moore,2015, May). Many countries have won different medals
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in which Australia, England and India have made high score. These games has changed the life
of the people and joined many people to train under the sports areas. Many counties have
invested in these areas to develop their sports person. Further, they are providing high facilities
and aspects to increase the gaming level of the country.
Additionally people earn from the branding and sponsorship. Many companies have rise
in their sales level as they are part of commonwealth games. Such features also adds brand value
and new image to the company. In every four years there is estimated amount of $400-$600m is
spend over the development and organising the events. As mentioned above, in 2014, there was
amount of $550m spend over the entire function.
There is also exposer of the culture and traditions in the commonwealth games. As stated
above, 2000 people have participated in the events to show their traditions, economic power and
development of the country. The development made them inspire their team as well as other
teams which were under the British rules. Now these countries have greater bonds and more
attachment them the other countries.
Unification of the countries
In every four years when Commonwealth Games are played they brought together all the
nations through a common bond. This approach was to turn the colonisation into the past
memories and to bring new aspect in those countries. The members of the commonwealth games
shares international bonds and work for the development of each other. Not only it is the unity
for the countries but also to the 2.2B people living in them. All the nations which are part of the
games are considered equal and growth is provided to them in every possible ways. Along with
is there was rise in trade among these countries (Masterman, 2014). Further, they are building
prosperity among the themselves. Such aspects have brought together different mediums of
development and harmony.
The functionalist theory clearly explains these statement which is stated by Coakley et.
al. (2009). The statement made by him clearly defines that such international games promotes
teamwork, unity and provides different level of competition. All the participants have positive
approach towards the games and face challenges in the sports to deliver peak performances.
Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba stated that they want changes in the areas which can
promote the games and mutual understanding among these countries(Coakley, 2015). Moreover,
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they wanted to develop the countries sportsmanship by promoting child protection in this areas,
utilizing it for the integrating all the different cultures and society, encouraging self-belief and
authorisation, making social enactment and promoting sports for the development of others. She
was the former deputy security general. Furthermore, they are focusing on the areas so that unity
can be maintained and equal opportunities can be provided to other countries which lack in
resources. They all consider themselves as family and make different approach to uplift and
make sustainable development.
These are common values and beliefs which are promoted by the games: democracy,
philosophical system, fair trade, governance, peace and liberty. The Federation has provided the
prospect of positioning the games within the confined structures and made different
achievements from product delivery in modern environment. When the games are played each
and every country which is part of the association shares same values and goals. This has also
increased the multilateral programs and meetings among the nations (Horne, 2015).
Traditions
Commonwealth games are multinational sports event in which many participants of
different countries takes part. These games are controlled by commonwealth games
federation(CGF). There are 52 members which controls all the activities of these sports events.
The traditions plays an important role in commonwealth games. The UNICEF was charity
partner of this game in 2014 which has helped the schools to celebrate its important sports
activities.
These games are spearheaded in every continents. 2.2 billion people are connected with
this game and they have shown their interest in encouraging different nations unity. It influences
tradition of different countries and people who want to make their career in this field. Further,
traditional games are involved in the multinational sport events which motivates different
athletes and participants to take active part and feel proud for their nations. It is directed and
controlled by Commonwealth federation where 11 days games bring joy and integrate the culture
and games. They also support different people in completing their education and developing their
physical health so that sustainability (Coakley, 2015). The winners and other members of this
game are involved in motivating others to boost up their confidence and overcome their
weaknesses. Furthermore, traditions in commonwealth games not only helps the players but
creates positive impact on the society as they feel proud when their nation or their son or
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daughter wins the medal. This creates positive impact on the society as well as other nations
which are not able to make their development in sports.
The main aim of commonwealth games is to create three values that is destiny, humanity
and equality. Such values provides inspiration and unity to thousands of people from different
nations. This game helps the countries to make their relations strong and reduce conflicts
between them.
Developing a sustainable heritage
CGF concentrate in the new ways through which positivity and sustainability can be
promoted among the countries associated with them. Moreover, fair trade, development, sociality
support and encouragement are provided to make sustainable approach (Coakley, 2015). It also
encourages tradition, culture and resources utilization of the country. Nations can show their
economic power and improved structures through these games (Misener & et. al., 2015).
Australia will host the next Commonwealth games in Gold Cost. More than 2B people will be
part of this legacy. The vision of CGF also comprise of sustainable, peaceful and prosperous
communities at international level through the players or participants which are part of these
games. They also wanted such development in terms of culture, social, economic and
environmental so that positive impact can be made over them. Beside this, they have strong
commitment towards accessibility, human rights, health, well-beingness, comprehensive and
safety of people who are part of it.
Femininity in Sports
From the past it was believed that female has never received their rights in any fields
(Coakley, 2015). However, in case of Commonwealth games from the starting of these games
they have actively participated in the events. Women in that year's have participated in the
swimming events. In the year 1998, they have participated in the hockey and netball. The game
has promoted the role of women at every stage. After 2006, there are many games under which
they are winning gold medals. This includes hockey, swimming, shooting, racing, and many
more indoor and outdoor games. CGF has effectively increased the level of participants in the
sporting activities. The federation consider equal and provide equal opportunities to both the
genders. Moreover they encourage, support and promote the women to actively participate in
such activities. To promote the women's in the Commonwealth games in the year, 2004, they
increased the number of games and more events which involved the role of women. Along with
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this, in 2018 games 7 new games are added which includes weightlifting, boxing and cycling.
Such activities inspire and promote more women to participate in such games.
As per the details of the federation, it was found that in Glasgow, there were 41.2% of the
female participant while there were 58.8 % of male participant. All these decision are made by
the Gender Equality Panel to promote the feminine gender. Through these ways women athletics
and leaders can be created through the commonwealth games.
CONCLUSION
CGF has abolished the colonialism and promoted the positivity and sustainability
development among the countries which were part of it. They have encouraged billions of people
who are part of these nations. Along with this, they have inspired many athletes to improve their
performance level and deliver their peak talent in the games. The challenges in the games
provides enthusiasm and opportunities to such people. The integrity which is developed among
these countries are truly to the great standards. Such games have provided beautiful and peaceful
future to the nations which are associated with it. They all have effectively made the
development in the social, cultural, economical and environmental aspects.
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from the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine. Br J Sports Med. 48(4). 287-
288.
Spracklen, K. (2014). Exploring Sports and Society: A Critical Introduction for Students.
Palgrave Macmillan.
Harmon, K. G. & et. al. (2013). American Medical Society for Sports Medicine position
statement: concussion in sport. Br J Sports Med. 47(1). 15-26.
Coakley, J. (2015). Assessing the sociology of sport: On cultural sensibilities and the great sport
myth. International Review for the Sociology of Sport. 50(4-5). 402-406.
Esmonde, K., Cooky, C., & Andrews, D. L. (2015). “It’s Supposed to be About the Love of the
Game, not the Love of Aaron Rodgers’ Eyes”: Challenging the Exclusions of Women
Sports Fans. Sociology of Sport Journal. 32(1). 22-48.
Cooper, J. N., Grenier, R. S., & Macaulay, C. (2017). Autoethnography as a critical approach in
sport management: Current applications and directions for future research. Sport
Management Review. 20(1). 43-54.
Quinn, P., & Moore, D. (2015, May). Commonwealth Games 2014 Host Broadcaster Training
Initiative–A Game Changer?. In Audio Engineering Society Convention 138. Audio
Engineering Society.
Masterman, G. (2014). Strategic sports event management. Routledge.
Horne, J. (2015). Assessing the sociology of sport: On sports mega-events and capitalist
modernity. International Review for the Sociology of Sport. 50(4-5). 466-471.
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Misener, L. & et. al. (2015). Leveraging parasport events for sustainable community
participation: The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Annals of Leisure
Research. 18(4). 450-469.
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