Constituting games : an analysis of game rules and game-processes.

In social theory, games are frequently presented as
archetypal examples of activities governed by formal rules.
Drawing upon ethnomethodology and figurational sociology,
this project provides an analysis of the constituting of
games and identifies the inadequacies of this conventional
formalist wisdom. Applying and elaborating upon Garfinkel's
work, two case-studies are presented which are designed to
display the other dimensions of rule-following through which
players accomplish a viable game. Analysis also reveals
that this collaborative work does not preclude differing
interpretations of the rules of the game. Changes to the
rules are invoked in an attempt to remove their fringe of
incompleteness in governing game-conduct and in the
interests of creating and sustaining a viable game. These
case-studies and a typification of game-rules provides the
basis for analysis of the constituting of institutionalised
'invasion' games such as basketball, rugby union, soccer,
rugby league, and netball. Interview material and
documentary evidence is provided to argue that rule-changes
are principally the outcome of a dynamic between legislators
and players. Players explore the insufficiency of rules in
precisely determining conduct in the game, and legislators
respond by modifying the rules, to consolidate the game and
thereby preserve characteristic features of game-identity
and game-viability. This is elaborated by applying Elias's
figurational analysis: changes to game rules are conceived
as an unintended and unanticipated consequence of powerbalances and the different interests of the functionally interdependent groups who produce game-processes. By virtue of their separate functions in this process, each group seeks to mobilise their power and resources in pursuit of their interests in the game-process. Confirmation for the perspective upon game-constitution developed in this project is sought in an analysis of one contemporary initiative to establish an invasion game as constituted by a set of hybrid rules from Australian Rules and Gaelic Football.

This analysis of game-processes and game-rules is
designed to both exemplify and inform social theory, and
also to make a significant contribution to sociological
analysis of the development of contemporary sport.