Can sports explain the world?

I was sitting in my introduction to sports administration class last week when I heard something that caught my attention. My professor was lecturing on what sports administration is, plainly, the people that run the sports industry. As he continued his lecture he began to compare the way in which games and leagues are conducted  to how everyday society is. Theres referee's that officiate games to ensure the safety of players and fair play. In our society there is policeman who to ensure the safety of the people and so everyone can go about there day with equal opportunity to accomplish their goals. Is that the same? Can sports be used as a tool to understand the system of our government? Is this a way to reemphasize the role of each individuals role as a participant in the system of our society/ organization/ league?