Emergence and evolution of modern sport (21st century) GapFill

Sport in the 21st century is characterised by  globalisationnationalisationtransportationmodernisation, a term used to describe the expansion of sport and its associations across the world. Not only have the physical qualities developed over the years, advances in technology and initiatives that help solve societal issues have contributed to the characteristics and role of sport today.

Contemporary factors shaping the characteristics of, and participation in, sport in the 21st century:  

• Media coverage - there are now multiple platforms where sport can be accessed remotely, such as on  socialmasscontentblogging media, television, radio, the internet and in newspapers
• Greater exposure - sponsorship and   population densitytransportparticipationadvertising has made sport inescapable for the general population
•  AmateurismGreater wagesProfessionalismFreedom of movement - performers are able to travel internationally to compete, set up warm weather or altitude training camps for acclimitisation, and transfer to teams overseas 

• Class - Amateurism and professionalism in the 21st century are not as clearly defined as they were in the late 19th through to the early 20th century. Although sport is more loosely associated with class, there are still sports that are played almost exclusively by some, such as participation in polo amongst   middleproletariatprecariatupper-class people. 
• Gender - Unfortunately, stereotypes have withstood the test of time and remain an issue in contemporary sport. Nevertheless, there has been a major improvement in  sport varietygender equalitysports participationsports popularity, allowing the role and status of women to approach its rightful place in sport. For example, the prize money for advancing through each round of the Wimbledon tennis championships is now equal for female and male tennis players. Furthermore, team sports such as football and rugby are on an upwards trajectory in terms of funding, television coverage and popularity. The approach towards equality has encouraged more women to get involved in sport, and it can now be viewed as a potential path towards a career. More women are also becoming involved in sporting roles behind the scenes, such as sports scientists, coaches and television pundits. 
• Law and order - Both physical and verbal violence can be punished by UK law, and has curbed  spectator violenceattendancesspectator passionfinancial profit, seen at its heights through football hooliganism during the late 20th century. For performers, rules in sport have become more restrictive on foul play, enforcing more severe punishments for those who are seen breaking them. Retrospective action can now be taken, such as citing in rugby, allowing violent play to be disciplined days after the game during incidents that the referee might have missed in real time. 
• Education - PE is   compulsorymissingcommonoptional in every school throughout England and Wales and extracurricular sport such as inter-school leagues and intra-school recreation is now a common feature in most schools. This has encouraged participation in, and the popularity of, a wider range of sports. Initiatives such as the PE and Sport Strategy for Young People (PESSYP), launched in 2008, are aimed at improving the the quality of delivery in schools.
• Availability of time and money - The Working Time Directive is an EU directive which was passed in 2003 and imposes various restrictions on the hours an individual is legally required to work. This, in combination with increases in the minimum  Living expenseswagestipendcommission, has resulted in a greater availability of both time and money, even among the lower working classes. The additional time and money allowance can be spent on sport participation and spectating, increasing access to a wider range of sporting equipment and facilities. 
• Transport - Faster, more affordable modes of transport such as aeroplanes, trains and cars have made it easier to travel for sport.