Discussing of the function and structure of the concept "rule" in sport, it should be necessary to make the conceptual meanings of rule clear and to use it without confusing of methodological significances of it. On this paper, based on the methodology of social science by Max Weber (1864-1920), the conceptual meanings of "rule" are analyzed and the methodological significances of it are clarified.
According to the analyses of concept "rule" by M. Weber, this concept is divided into three meanings. The first means "Law" (natural law), or a proposition of the causal relation in the empirical reality. The second means "Norm", or general orders to conduct. The third means "Maxime", or an idea to the normal sense of rules.
On the other hand, the methodological significances of rule are as follows ;
1) the statement in itself of rule are directly evaluated (Politische Betrachtung), 2) the statement of rule are dogmatically argued (Dogmatische Betrachtung), 3) the conducts, which are regulated by rule, are empirically evaluated (Zweckmässige, Juristische, and Ethische Betrachtung), 4) the concept in itself of rule is the premise to empirical study (Ideal-Typus), and finally the rules are, historically and theoretically, studied with relation to the "culture" (Sozialwissenschaftliche Betrachtung).