This book explores some of the basic principles of behavior which have been derived from the study of operant conditioning and considers the phenomenon of sport in society in the light of these principles. First, some of the terms used in Skinnerian behavioral analysis are defined and explained. The second section examines the reinforcements available for participation in sport while seeking to give a behavioral answer to the question, "Why does man participate in sports?" It is argued that mentalistic explanations are unnecessary and that is is possible to explain sports participation using only behavioral principles and related evidence. The third section asks the question, "Why are some people influenced by the available reinforcers for sport participation and some people not?" To find the answer, the kinds of individual histories of reinforcement contingencies which potentially lead to nonparticipation are reviewed. A lack of interest in sport and a poor attitude toward sport are attributed to the consequences of sport behavior. Of concern next are the mechanisms of skill acquisition and an attempt at behavioral analysis of the mechanisms by which skills are acquired. In the fifth section, attention is devoted to some of the categories of social behavior in sport, and a Skinnerian analysis of them is presented. Section six examines some of the criticisms which have been made concerning Skinner's views in the context of sports behavior. It is argued that sport is an aspect of behavior within Western culture which can be manipulated and, at different levels within the sports hierarchy, manipulations of reinforcement and punishment may be used in achieving behavioral goals. (MM)