This article responds to calls to develop pragmatically relevant theories for studying physically active leisure. Empirical evidence supports a method of operationalizing a stage-based framework capable of stimulating paradigmatic evolution and building a Theory of Participation (TOP). A staging algorithm using involvement facets is tested on two contextually disparate samples: a single-gender competitive sport of Rugby League participation in Australia and a non-gender specific context of recreational skiing in Greece. Results indicate progressive development of sport involvement can be classified into four stages of awareness, attraction, attachment and allegiance with discrete psychological and behavioral outcomes. Support for the presented hypotheses from both studies and suggestions for future research are offered.