Besprechung der Monographie "Praxeologie der Sportspiele" von Ryszard Panfil (2006) In this way, Prakseologia gier sportowych plays an important role in a two-fold verification. First of all, it is capable of verifying the legitimacy of general praxeological principles in a specific case. If the general assumptions of the theory of effective action are correct, they should also apply in the field of sport, which can be compared to a "productive play" in the context of purposeful human actions. The other verification is based on an entirely opposite assumption. An analysis of concrete sports actions is the starting point, whereas the theoretical considerations should be useful in the verification or modification of the general theory, i.e. praxeology. Ryszard Panfil gives credit to both sides of this historical, methodological argument. The traditional deduction method can also be effectively used, as it confirms sport to constitute an exemplification of the universal truths about life. The induction method also turns out effective, as the truth about man and being can be learnt from the exotic knowledge of sport. To put it simply: the knowledge of effective action in sport affirms the truth about effective action in general. With this view in mind, it is certain that the book by the outstanding Wroclaw scholar will be of interest not only to sports experts, but also to philosophers, sociologists, psychologists, as well as theorists of management and organization in general, and general praxeologists in particular. In all the circumsport areas, the advantages and possib le l imitations of praxeology b ecome exceptionally noticeable. Sport, in turn, seems to be a rewarding exemplification f ield, not less than business, military, organizations or political institutions. Prakseologia gier sportowych is a strong argument supporting the legitimacy of general principles of praxeology as a science, and it should be classified as one of the most significant philosophical achievements of the recent years. Sport, and sports games in particular, have been known for a long time as a cognitively interesting area for model implementation of system theories, theory of play, pragmatics and axiology (ethics and aesthetics inparticular). The extensive subject matter of Prakseologia gier sportowych has been divided into five chapters. The first, introductory chapter is concerned with different aspects of games, considering their various functions:pragmatic, ludic, educational, social, health-related, economic, etc. With extensive references to literature (from Roger Caillois` classic texts to works by modern scholars of sports games, e.g. Naglak, Dzisko and the author himself), Panfil makes important distinctions between the "real" competition (as a radical way of controlling aggression and relieving interpersonal tensions) and play as a regulated method of attaining conclusive outcome in a competition between rival subjects (without the need of total annihilation of the adversary). Sports play is autotelic, i.e. aimed at holding an advantage of one subject over others without the necessity of appeal t o other ob jectives a nd v alues, e .g. economic, political or social benefits. According to Panfil, a special place in the typology of sport games is held by team ball games. A large part of the first chapter is devoted to their definition, typology and classification. Panfil is not interested in ball games as sports games in general, and not all ball games are of concern to him: for instance, tennis, table tennis, polo, gymnastic exercises with a ball or water polo are barely mentioned. Panfil concentrates on the most popular team ball games using a "big ball" and "hard ground", e.g. football, team handball, b asketball and volleyball. Panfil`s references and analogies to other sports are occasional, constituting t he b ackground rather t han the foreground for his considerations. By no means should this be regarded as a form of criticism, but as the definition of the scope of the study, especially of the set of examples. Panfil`s book should not be regarded as a manual for specific types of ball games. The second chapter, "Synergy in team sports games", is extremely interesting. The author discusses the general theory of synergism as a form of enhancement achieved by proper cooperation between sub jects. Referring to the works by Tadeusz Pszczolowski (one of Kotarbiñski`s students and collaborators) and by a Kraków physicist Jerzy Hubert (who postulated creating synergist studies as a separate branch of science), Ryszard Panfil analyses, in a competent and meticulous manner, different types of synergy in organization theory, psychology, physiology, medicine and physics, to finally focus on a careful consideration of synergy in sport. Sports synergies either are psycho-organic, present at the level of the individual, or display a multitude of complex forms, at the level of sport teams. The latter are given particular attention in the second part of the chapter. The third chapter, discussing sports play as a "situational system of interrelated actions", is pivotal in the book structure. Here, the author skilfully combines the classic theory of multi-subject action, derived from Leœniewski`s and Kotarbiñski`s set theory, with the concept of real collective subjects formed by way of interrelations, feedbacks, material foundations and the system of mutual senses, i.e. my own ontology, derived from Roman Ingarden`s phenomenology. Panfil`s detailed analysis of a team structure is accompanied by a description of situational variables and of concrete task solutions in a sports play. The sports team appears in Panfil`s view not only as a durable, synergic structure, composed of particular units, but also as a dynamic system, alternating in time and depending on challenges and its own variable capabilities (strengthening and weakening dispositions in attack and defence). The fourth chapter is devoted to the criteria of action in a sports play. By offering a broad definition of "action", including physical and mental factors, Ryszard Panfil reflects on the most significant types of play evaluation, from ethical and aesthetic to health-related, fitness-oriented and innovative. Particularly noticeable is Panfil`s application of "stylistic" evaluation criteria (surprise factor, intuitiveness, rationality of choice, diversity) next to the praxeological mainstream indices (economic, outcome-oriented). It turns out that a logically and artistically spectacular sports game can be effective, i.e. can lead to gaining strategic advantage and, in consequence, to victory. The fifth chapter is called "Praxeological models of sports play." In the reconstructive and training dimension, this chapter constitutes a logical conclusion to the author`s considerations by "moving from theory to practice." Panfil distinguishes purely "cognitive" models (reflecting or projecting ideal models) from "practical" (those performing control functions) and"promotional" ones. His distinction is based on empirical research carried out earlier by himself and other Polish scholars. The models are certainly directly related to practical kinds of actions on a sports field, including, for instance, various types of dribbling in football. The chapter abounds in diagrams, tables and registers. The main criterion of praxeological evaluation of sports teams is efficiency. This concept frequently appears in the monograph and constitutes the central frame of reference for the meaning and qualities of participation in a sports action. Such a point of view is also explicitly expressed by the author in the conclusion. It is a well-known fact that a victorious and attractive game can only be played by a well-coordinated team of efficient individuals. This conclusion, however, has a much deeper sense, pointing to a new synergic enhancement of a "teamed-up man", i.e. a man "teamed up" in structure and purpose, who contributes with his individuality to the entire team and each team member at the same time. This a pparently ob vious phenomenon requires, however, firm theoretical foundations, and Panfil`s book certainly provides them. The enclosed b ibliographical references reflect the author`s extensive range of interest. The monograph in its content and form is a work in sports sciences (or in the broader realm of physical culture sciences), and it will definitely find ardent readers among sports activists, coaches, instructors and athletes. However, sports journalists and scholars of allied sciences should also be strongly encouraged to read it. At the same time, however, Professor Panfil`s work in its methodology and contents reaches far beyond the traditional scope of sports literature and concepts. It ambitiously aims at the domain of pure praxeology (understood as a philosophical theory), but also looks into the spheres of organization and management theory, sociology, psychology, or economics. It can serve as a useful guide to sports praxis (training practice), but also be read for pleasure, for purely cognitive purposes, in order to understand the principles of action in sports teams as special task structures.
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