Can Religion Influence Sports?

The intersection of faith and sport has become increasingly visible in recent years, as athletes openly express their Christian beliefs during competitions. Notable examples include Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi and Arsenal's Jurrien Timber, both of whom publicly display their faith through gestures like pointing to the sky after scoring. This trend raises questions about how personal beliefs can influence performance and the treatment of athletes in various sports, especially when governing bodies impose restrictions on religious expressions.

Last updated: 14 September 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Recent events have highlighted the complex relationship between faith and sport, especially in the UK. Athletes like Guehi and Timber are not alone in their public expression of faith; many others, including sprinter Jeremiah Azu and semi-professional footballer Zainab El-Mouden, have stories that illustrate the role of religion in their athletic careers. This phenomenon has sparked discussions about the boundaries of personal expression in sports and the contrasting experiences of male and female athletes regarding their faith.

Key takeaways

• Marc Guehi and Jurrien Timber openly express their Christian beliefs during matches.
• Jeremiah Azu faced scrutiny for wearing a "100% Jesus" headband during competition.
• Female athletes, like Zainab El-Mouden, face unique challenges in expressing their faith, particularly when wearing the hijab.

Timeline: how we got here

The conversation around faith in sports has evolved over the years, with significant milestones shaping the current landscape:

• 2014: FIFA lifts the ban on wearing hijabs in football, allowing Muslim women to express their faith on the pitch.
• 2021: Moroccan defender Nouhaila Benzina becomes the first player to wear a hijab at a World Cup.
• 2023: Marc Guehi and Jurrien Timber showcase religious gestures during a high-profile match, reigniting discussions about faith in sports.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent events have put a spotlight on the personal expressions of faith by athletes in high-stakes matches, drawing public and media attention to the complexities surrounding religious beliefs in sports. These occurrences coincide with ongoing discussions about the appropriateness of religious symbols in competitive environments.

What was already established

It has long been known that many athletes rely on personal beliefs and rituals to enhance their performance. Studies have demonstrated that a positive mindset, often bolstered by faith, can lead to improved outcomes in athletic competitions.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The visibility of athletes expressing their faith can resonate with fans and communities, influencing public perceptions and attitudes towards religious expression in sports. This openness may encourage younger generations to embrace their beliefs, fostering a more inclusive sporting culture.

Businesses and jobs

Sports organisations and governing bodies may need to reconsider their policies on religious expressions to remain relevant and inclusive. How they address these issues could affect sponsorship deals and athlete recruitment, particularly in diverse communities.

Policy and regulation

With governing bodies like FIFA and World Athletics maintaining rules against overt religious expressions, there may be future consultations on balancing athlete freedom with competition regulations. Upcoming discussions could shape how faith is integrated into sports in the UK.

Numbers that matter

• 41: Number of sports represented in a 2000 Seoul University study on coping strategies for athletes.
• 180: Participants in the same study, which identified prayer as a key coping mechanism.
• 2014: Year FIFA allowed hijabs on the pitch after a lengthy ban.
• 1: Number of female players to wear a hijab at a World Cup (Nouhaila Benzina).

Definitions and jargon buster

• Hijab: A headscarf worn by some Muslim women as a sign of modesty and religious observance.
• FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body for football.
• World Athletics: The international governing body for the sport of athletics.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Monitor upcoming matches involving athletes known for their faith expressions, as well as any discussions around governing body regulations regarding religious symbols.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Watch for potential policy changes from sports governing bodies that may arise from increased public discourse about faith and its role in sports.

Signals to watch

• Public reactions to athletes' expressions of faith during high-profile events.
• Statements from governing bodies regarding religious expressions in sports.
• Emerging discussions about diversity and inclusion in sports organisations.

Practical guidance

Do

• Respect the personal beliefs of athletes, regardless of your own views.
• Encourage open discussions about faith in sports within your community.
• Support policies that promote inclusivity and representation in sports.

Don’t

• Dismiss athletes' expressions of faith as mere publicity stunts.
• Assume that all athletes share the same views on religious expression.
• Ignore the cultural context that informs athletes' beliefs and practices.

Checklist

• Consider the impact of faith on your favourite athletes’ performances.
• Stay informed about current discussions regarding faith in sports.
• Recognise the diversity of beliefs within the sporting community.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While many athletes express their faith without issue, the landscape is fraught with complexities. Rules against visible religious expressions can lead to misunderstandings and tensions between athletes and governing bodies. Furthermore, the experiences of male and female athletes can differ significantly, warranting careful consideration of gender dynamics in discussions about faith in sports.

Bottom line

The relationship between faith and performance in sports is multifaceted and evolving. As athletes like Guehi, Timber, Azu, and El-Mouden continue to navigate their beliefs in competitive environments, the dialogue around faith and sport will likely intensify, prompting further examination of policies and cultural attitudes within the sporting community.

FAQs

Can faith really impact an athlete's performance?

Yes, many athletes believe that their faith contributes to their performance by providing discipline, focus, and a positive mindset.

What are the rules regarding religious expressions in sports?

Governing bodies like FIFA and World Athletics have specific rules against overt religious and political slogans during competitions, although interpretations may vary.

Are there differences in how male and female athletes express their faith?

Yes, female athletes, especially those who wear religious garments like hijabs, often face unique challenges compared to their male counterparts regarding visibility and acceptance.