Sports Violence
Intimidation and violence have all too frequently been common occurrences in high school and college sports. While journalists report it, and sociologists and psychologists attempt to explain it, it is the athletic-program administrators who are held accountable for sports-violence related incidents. However, many of these administrators have expressed the opinion that some violence is good for a sport, as long as things don't get out of hand (Shields 503). Violence and intimidation have even become accepted strategies in some sports, particularly high contact sports, such as football, ice hockey or rugby (Shields 503). Nevertheless, other experts point out that there is fine line between intimidating tactics and violence that produces serious injury (Shields 503). As to the causes behind sports violence, expert opinion indicates that the causes are varied. For example, Leach argues that part of the problem is culture. Early on, male athletes are "cosseted, praised, and singled out for special treatment" (595). They soon get the message that, due to their skill at a sport, the rules don't actually apply to them. As these athletes are growing up this attitude can be reinforced by parents who come to blows over Little League
The fault lies not only with the players, but also with their parents, their fans, and the distorted sense of priorities that says that winning is everything. The Sport for Peace program was formulated to address the concerns of school districts toward student violence, "fighting, profanity and physical and sexual harassment," which has been identified in research as problematic (Ennis, et al 273). Officials say that coaches need to control their players and athletic directors say that parents and fans need to develop a more balanced perspective on winning and losing (Shields 503). Over half of all athletic directors say that their teams have frequently competed against teams whose coaches have apparently taught and encouraged players to use verbal and/or physical intimidation tactics (Shields 503). Sports research has shown that while no one sports has yet been singled out as the battlefield for preserving sportsmanlike conduct in high school athletics, many administrators see basketball in this role (Shields 503). These days, however, an over emphasis on winning appears to be the prime motivating factor. Ennis, et al also added curricular structures within the sport season format, that provided for teaching conflict negotiation (273). The research team taught teachers how to modify games and equipment to better match the ability of their adolescents and, thereby, maximize opportunity for student success (Ennis, et al 273). One New York high school athletic director has pointed out that students have learned much of their bad behavior from watching the NBA and NCAA games (Shields 503). Boxing is intended to cause injury (Leach 595). Football, hockey, and other sports are not gentle either. According to Goff and Mitchell, there has never been a successful criminal prosecution for sports violence (42).
Common topics in this essay:
Sport Peace,
NBA NCAA,
Little League,
,
Goff Mitchell,
shields 503,
Boulerice Tiboyevich,
ennis et al,
et al,
ennis et,
athletic directors,
sport peace,
sports violence,
goff mitchell,
research team,
et al 273,
leach 595,
al 273,
273 sport peace,
sport peace curriculum,
goff mitchell 42,
|
Acceptance Essays
