Book excerpt: What is, or should be, the social function of sport in a globalised, commercialised world? Why does sport matter in the 21st century? This book calls for a new model of sport that goes beyond the traditional view that sport automatically encourages positive social, moral and political values. Acknowledging that sport is beset by poor practice, corruption, harmful behaviours and illegality, it explores current issues in sport ethics, governance and development. It argues that identifying the root causes of harmful behaviour, those things that are characteristic of sport, and engaging sport managers, policy makers and leaders of sport organisations, is essential if sport is to thrive.