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Biography

Ian Jones is a member of the Department of Sport and Event Management at Bournemouth University. His areas of interest are sporting identities, sport fan behaviour, and research methods for sport. He is author of Research Methods for Sport Studies which has been translated into several languages , and Qualitative Research in Sport and Physical Activity (with Lorraine Brown and Immy Holloway).

Ian is a managing editor of the journal 'Leisure Studies', and a member of the editorial advisory boards for The Journal of Sport & Tourism, the Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, and the International Journal of Festival and Event Management, and has acted as reviewer for a number of journals including The Journal of Sport Management, Leisure Studies, Leisure Sciences, The International Journal of Sport Management, the International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Sociology of Sport, and The European Journal of Sport Science. He was previously Head of Department for Sport and Physical Activity (2007-2019) and deputy chair of the University Social Science & Humanities Research Ethics Panel...

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Research

My current research interests and thought leadership focus upon two main areas. The first is that of sport fan behaviour, and the second is that of group membership in sport, specifically in terms of how individuals maintain their sense of identification with groups.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person's work contributes towards the following SDGs:

Sustainable cities and communities

"Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable"

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Peace, justice and strong institutions

"Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels"

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Journal Articles

Books

Chapters

  • Jones, I., Caudwell, J., 2024. Research methods for sport, leisure, and social justice. Routledge Handbook of Sport Leisure and Social Justice. 491-503.
  • Blake, A., Jones, I., Mhanna, R., 2018. Sponsor Right Protection at Mega-Events: Examples from the London 2012 Olympic Games. In: Seraphin, H., Korstanje, M., eds. International Event Management: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice. Nova.
  • Mhanna, R., Blake, A., Jones, I., 2018. Sponsor Right Protection at Mega Events - Examples from the London 2012 Olympic Games. In: Seraphin, H., Korstanje, M., eds. International Event Management Bridging the Gap Between Theory and Practice. Nova Science, 65-80.
  • Kavanagh, E., Jones, I., 2016. Understanding cyber-enabled abuse in sport. Digital Leisure Cultures Critical Perspectives. 120-134.
  • Jones, I., 2013. Visitor Behaviour at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Handbook of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. London: Routledge.
  • Jones, I., 2012. Regional Involvement with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Handbook of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. London: Routledge, 161-173.
  • Knott, B., Fyall, A., Jones, I., 2011. South Africa 2010: Leveraging nation brand benefits from the FIFA world cup. Contemporary Cases in Tourism. 33-56.
  • Knott, B., Fyall, A., Jones, I., 2011. The Nation Branding Legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup for South Africa. Advances in Hospitality and Tourism Marketing and Management, Istanbul, 19-24 June 2011: Proceedings. Washington State University/ Bogazici University, 242-247.
  • Knott, B., Fyall, A., Jones, I., 2011. Leveraging Nation Brand Benefits from the FIFA World Cup. In: Garrod, B., Fyall, A., eds. Contemporary cases in tourism. Oxford: Goodfellow, 33-56.
  • Jones, I., 2010. Funding and Sustaining Sport development. In: Houlihan, B., Green, M., eds. Routledge Handbook of Sports Development. London: Routledge, 530-541.
  • Jones, I., 2009. Funding of Sport Development. Management of Sports Development. 243-258.
  • Shipway, R., Jones, I., 2009. Running Commentary: Participant Experiences at International Distance Running Events. International Perspectives of Festivals and Events Paradigms of Analysis. 173-186.
  • Sadd, D., Jones, I., 2009. Long-term legacy implications for Olympic Games. In: Raj, R., Musgrave, J., eds. Event Management and Sustainability. Wallingford, UK: CABI, 90-98.
  • Shipway, R., Jones, I., 2008. A Running Commentary: Participant Experiences at International Distance Running Events. In: Ali-Knight, J., Robertson, M., Fyall, A., Ladkin, A., eds. International Perspectives of Festivals and Events: Paradigms of Analysis. London: Elsevier Science, 173-186.
  • Jones, I., Green, C., 2006. Serious Leisure, Social Identity and Sport Tourism. In: Gibson, H., eds. Sport Tourism: Concepts and Theories. London: Routledge, 32-49.
  • Jones, I., 2006. Serious Leisure or Identity Based Leisure? Re-examining the Qualities of Serious Leisure from a Social Identity Perspective. In: Elkington, S., Jones, I., Lawrence, L., eds. Serious Leisure: Extensions and Applications. Eastbourne, England: LSA Publication.
  • Jones, I., 2003. Self-Presentation and Leisure Behaviour Within the 'Civilising Process'. In: Flemming, S., Jones, I., eds. Leisure Cultures: Investigations in Media, Technology and Sport. Eastbourne, England: LSA Publications.

Conferences

  • Jones, I., 2025. Sustainability and Sport: The Need to Address Ignorance. In: 1st International Conference on Citizen Sports and Sustainable Urban Development 16/10/2025 Iran.
  • Jones, I., Turner, D., 2025. The Practice and Role of Ignorance in Sport Coaching: Causes, Characteristics and Consequences”. In: Science in Soccer 12/05/2025 Wilmington, North Carolina.
  • Jones, I., 2019. Problems and Possibilities in Sport Research. In: 17th Sport Science Congress 13/11/2019 Antaya, Turkey.
  • Thomson, T., Lock, D., Jones, I., 2018. Team success, club growth, and long-term supporter identity threat. In: European Academy of Sport Management 05/09/2018 Malmo, Sweden. Yes!.
  • Kavanagh, E., Litchfield, C., Jones, I., Osborne, J., 2017. Virtual Maltreatment in sport: Sexualisation, racism, abuse and social media. In: Qualitative Reseach in Sport and Exercise 01/09/2016 Chichester University.
  • Jones, I., 2017. “I’m still your Number One Fan” – Positive Reactions to Celebrity Transgressions. In: Enacting Leisure, Recreating Leisure - Leisure Studies Conference 04/07/2017 Leeds Beckett University.
  • Osborne, J., Litchfield, C., Kavanagh, E., Jones, I., 2017. Sporting women and social media: Sexualisation, misogyny and abuse in online spaces. In: Australian Society for Sports History 03/07/2017 Sydney, Australia.
  • Mayoh, J., Jones, I., 2014. Older adults’ experiences of physical activity: A path towards well-being through empowering embodiment. In: British Sociological Association, Ageing, Body and Society Study Group 6th Annual Conference "Researching Bodies" 28/11/2014 London.
  • Jones, I., Kavanagh, E., 2014. Its Just Megabantz, Innit? LOL: Justifying Virtual Maltreatment in Sport. In: Leisure Studies Association 07/07/2014 University of the West of Scotland.
  • Mayoh, J., Jones, I., 2014. Woman’s Sport and Exercise Experiences: A Path towards Empowering Embodiment. In: Leisure Studies Association 07/07/2014 Paisley.
  • Knott, B., Fyall, A., Jones, I., 2013. Sport Mega Events as Nation Branding Catalysts: South Africa and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In: Making Waves International Conference on Events (ICE 2013) 03/07/2013 Bournemouth University.
  • Mayoh, J., Jones, I., 2013. Using the Dwelling- Mobility Theory to Explore how Sport can make Wellbeing an Experiential Possibility. In: Paper presented at the Phenomenology Special Interest Group 03/07/2013 Bournemouth University.
  • Kavanagh, E., Jones, I., 2013. #cyberviolence: Developing a typology for understanding virtual maltreatment in sport. In: Brunel International Research Network for Athlete Welfare 06/11/2013 Brunel University.
  • Knott, B., Fyall, A., Jones, I., 2012. Nation-branding and mega-events: South Africa and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In: Destination Branding and Marketing IV International Conference 05/12/2012 Cardiff.
  • Knott, B., Fyall, A., Jones, I., 2012. Sport-tourism and nation-branding: key legacies of the 2010 FIFA world cup™ for South Africa. In: International Conference on Tourism and Events: Opportunities, Impacts and Change 20/06/2012 Belfast.
  • Shipway, R., Jones, I., Holloway, I., 2011. Healthy Options? Putting your (Running) body on the line. International Sociology of Sport Association.
  • Shipway, R., Jones, I., Holloway, I., 2011. Healthy options? Putting your (running) body on the line. In: ISSA 2011: International Sociology of Sport Association World Congress. Sport and the Winds of Change 10/07/2011 Havana, Cuba. International Sociology of Sport Association.
  • Knott, B., Fyall, A., Jones, I., 2011. The role of sport mega-events in nation-branding: the case of South Africa and the 2010 FIFA World Cup. In: 19th Conference of the European Association of Sport Management (EASM 07/09/2011 Madrid.
  • Knott, B., Fyall, A., Jones, I., 2011. The nation-branding legacy of the 2010 FIFA World Cup & implications for future sport tourism events. In: Tourism Summit, South African Parliament 01/03/2011 Cape Town.
  • Henderson, H.E., Guothro, M.B., Jones, I., 2010. Spectator Engagement at Major Sailing Events. In: International Conference on Sport and Society 08/03/2010 University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
  • Sadd, D., Jones, I., 2009. London 2012 - Will it be regeneration or renaissance in times of financial crisis? In: Australian Centre for Event Management 5th International Event Research Conference 06/07/2009 Gold Coast, Australia.
  • Jones, I., 2008. Serious Sport Tourism. In: 1st Commonwealth Conference on Sport Tourism 12/05/2008 Sabah, Borneo.
  • Parry, K.D., Jones, I., 2007. It’s Only a Game: Experiences of Sub-Elite/Recreational Footballers at a Charity Tournament. In: Extraordinary Experiences Conference: Managing the Consumer Experience in Hospitality, Leisure, Sport, Tourism, Retail and Events 03/09/2007 Bournemouth University, England.
  • Burke, V., Jones, I., 2007. Tracking and Optimising Students' Personal, Professional and Academic Development. In: University of Luton 6th Teaching and Learning Conference 17/06/2005 Putteridge Bury Conference Centre, University of Luton, England.
  • Sadd, D., Dickinson, J.E., Jones, I., Wilkes, K., 2007. London 2012: Will it be Regeneration or Renaissance? In: ACEM 2007: Re-eventing the City: Events as Catalysts for Change 11/07/2007 Melbourne, Australia.
  • Ohmann, S., Wilkes, K., Jones, I., 2007. Effects of Sport Tourism Eevents on Host Cities: The Perceived Social Impacts of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Munich (Germany). In: Event Tourism: Enhancing Destinations and the Visitor Economy 10/01/2007 Bournemouth University.
  • Sadd, D., Dickinson, J., Jones, I., Wilkes, K., 2007. London 2012: Will it be Regeneration or Rejuvenation? In: ACEM 4th International Event Research Conference & 2nd International Event Education & Research Network Australasia 10/07/2007 Melbourne, Australia. Sydney: Australian Centre for Events Management.
  • Shipway, R., Jones, I., 2007. Running Away from Home: Understanding Visitor Experiences in Sport Tourism. In: Enhancing Destinations and the Visitor Economy Conference 10/01/2007 Bournemouth University, England.
  • Shipway, R., Jones, I., 2007. The Great Suburban Everest: An Insiders Perspective on Experiences at the 2007 Flora London Marathon. In: Extraordinary Experiences Conference: Managing the Consumer Experience in Hospitality, Leisure, Sport, Tourism, Retail and Events 03/09/2007 Bournemouth University, England.
  • Jones, I., 2005. Serious Leisure or Identity Based Leisure? Re-examining the Qualities of Serious Leisure from a Social Identity Perspective. In: Serious and Casual Leisure: Extensions and Applications 17/11/2005 Putteridge Bury Conference Centre, University of Luton, England.
  • Jones, I., Burke, V., 2005. The Effects of an Outdoor Experiential Learning Programme on Social Identity. In: 13th European Association of Sport Management Congress: The Power of Sport 07/09/2005 Sage, Newcastle-Gateshead, England.
  • Jones, I., Burke, V., 2004. Student Membership, Identification, Retention and Performance. In: University of Luton 5th Teaching and Learning Conference 17/07/2004 Putteridge Bury Conference Centre, University of Luton, England.
  • Jones, I., 2004. Sports Studies Programmes in Higher Education. In: Berkshire Higher Education Fair 22/03/2004 Reading University, England.
  • Kumar, A., Jones, I., 2003. Skills for success. In: University of Luton 4th Teaching and Learning Conference 16/07/2003 Putteridge Bury Conference Centre, University of Luton, England.
  • Jones, I., 2001. Self-Preservation and Leisure Behaviour Within the 'Civilising Process'. In: Journeys in Leisure: Leisure Studies Association Conference 17/07/2001 University of Luton, England.
  • Lloyd, E., Jones, I., 2001. Where Everybody Knows Your Name? The Health and Fitness Club as the New Third Place. In: Journeys in Leisure: Leisure Studies Association Conference 17/07/2001 University of Luton, England.

Reports

Internet Publications

Profile of Teaching PG

  • Sport Principles and Practice
  • Consuming Sport

Profile of Teaching UG

  • Research Methods for Sport
  • Strategic Sport Management

Invited Lectures

  • Shenyang, China, 21 Aug 2021 more
  • Zhejiang Leisure Studies Association, Zheijiang, 31 Oct 2020 more

External Responsibilities

  • 17th World Leisure Congress, Scientific Commiittee Member (2022)
  • Human Kinetics, Editorial Advisory Board - Human Kinetics Library (2019-)
  • Leisure Studies, Editorial Board Member (2015-)
  • University of Hertfordshire, External examiner (2013-)
  • Journal of Research in Higher and Further Education, Editorial Board Member (2013-)
  • University of Gloucestershire, External Examiner (2011-)
  • International Journal of Festival and Event Management, Editorial Board Member (2010-)
  • Journal of Sport & Tourism, Editorial Board Member (2009-)
  • Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, Editorial Board Member (2009-)

Journal Reviewing/Refereeing

  • Annals of Tourism Research, 01 Oct 2019
  • European Sport Management Quarterly, 01 Mar 2017
  • Journal of Consumer Culture, 02 Sep 2016
  • Leisure Studies, Anonymous peer review, 01 Nov 2006

Conference Presentations

  • International Congress on Safe Sport Research, A Critical Examination of Children’s Well-being and Well-becoming in Talent Development Environments, 18 Jun 2025, Quebec City, Canada

Qualifications

  • PhD in Sociology of Sport (University of Luton, 1998)
  • MSc in Sociology of Sport (Leicester University, 1995)
  • BSc (Hons) in Sport Science (Nottingham Trent Polytechnic, 1991)

Memberships

  • Higher Education Academy, Senior Fellow (2018-),
  • Higher Education Academy, Fellow (2003-),
  • Leisure Studies Association, Member (1997-),
The data on this page was last updated at 22:00 on February 14, 2026.