The European Association for Sociology of Sport (eass) was founded on November 16, 2001 in Vienna. The eass is dedicated to advancing sociological research in sports. During its foundational years (2001–2006), the association was guided by inaugural President Otmar Weiss and Secretary General Georg Anders.
The idea for founding the eass originated from two key factors. Firstly, up to that time there had been no organization representing experts in the area of sport and social sciences on the European scene. Secondly, the accession of ten new member states to the European Union in 2004, most of them Eastern European countries, posed a number of challenges not only for politics and the economy, but also for sport and social sciences. This process of enlargement concerned not only the Eastern European countries, but all of Europe. In an ethnically diverse population, sport can facilitate cultural dialogue. Hence, the exploration of sport’s sociocultural, sociopolitical and socioeconomic functions has become a task of increasing importance for the sociology of sport.
In this context, new perspectives for scientific orientation and research activities (e.g., cross-cultural studies) have evolved on the European scene. It is essential for the sociology of sport to investigate the development and differentiation of sport over time and across different societies. The eass conferences, which are held annually, help shape the discipline, and the scientists involved contribute to building international networks and relationships in the forefront of the field. This facilitates both the circulation of knowledge, as well as international research collaboration. Such bridges are vital for sparking new initiatives and for creating a larger scientific community.
According to its Articles of Association the eass is a non-profit organization with the purpose of promoting social sciences and social research in sport at the European level and to offer scientific advice to European institutions such as the EU and the Council of Europe.