Abstract

In sociology of sport, the integration of stakeholder engagement, often coupled with personal involvement in the field, has become increasingly visible and significant. Still, methodological literature tends to prioritize theoretical frameworks over the practicalities of doing research. The aim of this article is to contribute to the scholarly literature on doing qualitative research by outlining strategies for navigating practical expertise and stakeholder engagement in sociological analysis. It focuses on how this can be done while avoiding uncritical descriptions of sport and ensuring that personal experiences do not overshadow nuanced interpretations. Drawing from over two decades of involvement in boxing—as an athlete, coach, referee, volunteer, and leader—and more than a decade of research on gender and boxing, the strategies presented here are: (1) engaging with diverse stakeholder groups and clarifying research intent, (2) fostering collaboration and collective analysis, and (3) practicing transparent and responsible research dissemination. I discuss these strategies using examples from my own research. By integrating these strategies, I illustrate how personal involvement in sport can coexist with rigorous sociological analysis, thereby contributing to the development of critical, reflective, and impactful research in the sociology of sport.