Program Unit In-person November Annual Meeting 2026

Religion, Sport, and Play Unit

Call for Proposals

The Religion, Sport, and Play Unit seeks individual paper and panel proposals for two sessions at the 2026 annual conference.

(Co-sponsored with Religion, Media, and Culture unit) “Sportswashing” and “Reputation Laundering”: Proposals that investigate the complex religious and political dynamics at stake in the rising global economies of the future. Consider the example of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 campaign, the controversies surrounding the Riyadh Comedy Festival (2025), WrestleMania 43 (2027), their hosting of the FIFA World Cup (2034), and the ongoing LIV professional golf tour. How do these national events detract from a country’s otherwise tarnished image, rehabilitating public opinion through sports worship and sacred leisure time? How is “sportswashing” used in more developed countries such as the United States? How are U.S. Americans equally culpable within these business dynamics? What role does religion play here either as a co-participant in the state’s dealings or as a source of critique? Studies of China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and others are also encouraged.
For the second session, any proposals addressing the interaction of religion and sport; religion and play; or religion, sport, and play will be considered.

The Religion, Sport, and Play Unit is committed to inclusion. Our Unit requires pre-arranged sessions or panel proposals to incorporate gender diversity; diversity of race, ethnicity, and rank are also highly encouraged.

Statement of Purpose

This Unit provides an opportunity for scholars to engage in emerging research at the intersection of religion and sport, games, and play. We are interested in examining these topics across broad geographical areas, religious traditions, and historical eras. We encourage critical reflection regarding relationships of religious institutions to sport, play, and games; theological and spiritual experiences of participants and spectators invested in these activities; and the cross-cultural applicability of the received categories.

Chair	Mail	Dates
Kimberly Diaz	kdiaz038@ucr.edu	2023/01/01 - 2028/12/31	View
Terry Shoemaker, Arizona State University	terry.shoemaker@asu.edu	2026/01/01 - 2031/12/31	View

Steering Member	Mail	Dates
Annie Blazer	annie.blazer@gmail.com	2026/01/01 - 2031/12/31	View
Cody Musselman, Harvard University	codymusselman@fas…	2026/01/01 - 2031/12/31	View
Gary Green, United Theological Seminary of…	ggreen@unitedseminary.edu	2024/01/01 - 2029/12/31	View
Kathleen Mroz	mrozk@emmanuel.edu	2023/01/01 - 2028/12/31	View
Onaje Woodbine	woodbine@american.edu	2024/01/01 - 2029/12/31	View
Vincent Biondo, Humboldt State University	vincent.biondo@humboldt…	2026/01/01 - 2031/12/31	View
Zachary Smith	zts5151@psu.edu	2023/01/01 - 2028/12/31	View

Review Process: Participant names are visible to chairs but anonymous to steering committee members until after final acceptance/rejection

We are planning on sponsoring an "other event" as well that focuses on a new book by Annie Blazer on pedagogy helping with Religion and Sport courses.