Template
Balls may be thrown back and forth collaboratively among a group of individuals, or else control of its movement may be the subject of intense competition between teams of one or more individuals in order to increase the score of one at the expense of the other.
Metaphor
An issue may be casually transferred (bounced) back and forth between institutions or groups. These may also form rival coalitions, each competing intensely to place the issue to its own advantage and especially in a position of maximum disadvantage to any opposing coalition.
[Features]Ball games are very widespread. The engender patterns of interaction between cooperating and opposing groups which are perceived as fundamental to social behaviour in other settings.
[Contrast]Whilst there is awareness of the importance of team spirit, of the necessity for a game plan in any social enterprise and of the importance of 'not fumbling a pass', this awareness does not generally extend to team rehearsal of detailed moves or to understanding of how the ball may appear in any such context.
[Keys]Game rules, the contextual implications of winning or losing, referees, the process of determining what constitutes winning or losing.