Special Issue Guest Editors
Dr Simon J. Roberts, Matthew J. Reeves, Dr Hazel Andrews & Dr John Hayton
School of Sport Studies, Leisure & Nutrition, Liverpool John Moores University
Synopsis
This special issue seeks to foster discussion and dialogue between works of contemporary literary fiction (i.e., novels) and sport coaching. The edition provides scholars from across the arts and social sciences with an opportunity to explore the literary sport coaching characters depicted in this particular genre. Specifically, this issue will explore how authors have used concept, conflict and characterisation to act as a metaphor or microcosm for issues associated with the complexities of the coaching process. For instance, in the novels written by the late Pat Conroy (i.e., The Prince of Tides, and The Great Santini) the author employed sports imagery and references of sport coaches to depict emotions such as; character, courage, and identity. Conroy also introduced issues of gender, masculinity and violence though his visceral and emotive description of his characters involvement in team sports such as basketball and American football. For example, in Conroy’s novel, The Prince of Tides he symbolises how a sport such as basketball can be viewed by its pure aesthetic beauty and describes it as something comparable to poetry or dance.
Central to this issue is to expand critical debate and theoretical perspectives surrounding the contribution fictional novels contribute to our understanding of the lived realities of the coach. Papers which address, but will not be not limited to, the following topics are particularly welcome:
| • | Coach/athlete relationships | ||||
| • | Coach/family relationships | ||||
| • | Gender/sexuality/homophobic/racist portrayals of coaching | ||||
| • | Bullying portrayals of violence and intimidation | ||||
| • | Power/micro-politics | ||||
| • | Culture and symbolic interactionism | ||||
| • | Fiction as an instructional coaching aid | ||||
Authors should follow the “Instructions for Authors” found at http://www.tandfonline.com/action/authorSubmission?journalCode=rspc20&page=instructions. Word limit is 8,000, including all back matter.
Online submissions should be sent to http://www.edmgr.com/rspc/default.aspx, and questions should be sent in the first instance to to questions to either Dr Simon Roberts ([email protected]), or Dr Hazel Andrews ([email protected]).
Due date for Papers: September, 2018