Society for the Study of Social Problems
Division of Sport, Leisure, and the Body
Pre-Conference Business Meeting Minutes
Date: July 25, 2025
Location: Online (virtual meeting)
The pre-conference business meeting of the Division of Sport, Leisure, and the Body for the Society for the Study of Social Problems was held virtually on July 25, 2025, in advance of the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Social Problems. The outgoing Chair for the Division of Sport, Leisure, and the Body opened the meeting by welcoming Dr. Sanjay Tawari (incoming Chair) and the attendees. Johnston also outlined the purpose of the session, which was to provide updates on division activities, review plans for the Annual Meeting, and encourage active participation from members. It was noted that there were no members in attendance at the live meeting. To ensure access and transparency, the session was recorded and posted on YouTube for members to watch at their convenience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Uk0EtUOXVo.
Leaders reported on recent initiatives, highlighting progress in scholarship, programming, and outreach, and recognized notable achievements of members whose work has contributed to the growth and visibility of the division. They also presented details on upcoming sessions for the 2025 Annual Meeting, emphasizing opportunities for members to present their research and engage in conversations that connect sport, leisure, and the body to broader cultural, political, and embodied dimensions. The division reaffirmed its strategic goals, which include expanding interdisciplinary collaborations, supporting critical approaches to the study of sport and leisure, and enhancing member engagement through outreach and accessible programming.
An open discussion segment was included in the agenda, allowing for ideas and questions about the division’s direction; however, due to the absence of members at the live meeting, no direct input was received during this portion. Division leaders committed to following up on any suggestions received after members have viewed the recording and to strengthening programming for the upcoming conference while continuing to develop initiatives that foster inclusive and critical dialogue. The meeting concluded with expressions of appreciation for the ongoing commitment and support of the division’s community.