Kelleher’s first ritual element list

Time

Rituals happen at set, often repeated times.
Sport example: A hockey game starts at a scheduled time and is played in timed periods. Like church services on Sundays,

Space

Rituals take place in a special, designated space.
Sport example: A basketball court or soccer field is set apart from daily life.

Language

Rituals use special words or phrases.
Sport example: Terms like “offside,” “touchdown,” or “power play” carry meaning only within the sport

Music

Music enhances the ritual atmosphere.
Sport example: The national anthem before a game or team entrance music creates unity, emotion, and signals that something important is about to begin.

Action

Rituals involve repeated, meaningful movements.
Sport example: The face-off in hockey or kickoff in football marks the beginning of the game—just like religious rituals have structured actions like standing, kneeling, or crossing oneself.

Object

Rituals use meaningful items.
Sport example: Jerseys, trophies, balls, or even game pucks are more than just gear—they become symbols of pride, memory, and identity.