Aristov L.S.

Purpose. Studying the group composition of the sphere of Russian mass student sport. Methods. In the study, the theories of social groups and social communities are applied to the sphere of mass student sport. An attempt to divide the social groups of mass student sport into nominal and real ones was made. Results. The group composition of the sphere of mass sports is determined on the example of student sport. Students and professional groups are classified as social groups of mass student sport. It is established that the identified social groups are related to the internal environment of the sphere of mass sports. External environment in relation to mass sports are social institutions. Scientific novelty. Social groups of students and coaches should become primary real social groups and form the core of mass student sport.

Purpose. To study mass sports as a tool to overcome crisis in modern sport. Methods. Key reasons of the modern sport crisis are analyzed, mass sport is characterized as an element of the sport system. The research is based on the principles of institutional and neo-institutional approaches. Results. The research reveals features distinguishing mass sports from physical training, professional sports, high performance sports and leisure activities. Identification of mass sports as a separate element of the sport system in Russia is due to our historical peculiarities. The mass sports agents’ practice is interpreted in terms of rational choice theory. Scientific novelty. Mass sport is defined as sub-institution in relation to the social institution of sports, specific features of its functioning are considered.