Violence in Sports
Violence in Sports
Brian Thompson
American Military University
SPMT601
Pamela J. Wojnar
Abstract
Sports and violence are complimentary to one another. In some sports, violence is merely a byproduct of the competition. In other sports violence is expected. Certain sports require a predisposition toward violence to be successful while others encourage an over-conformity to the norm with regard to violence. The more violent the athlete plays, the better for him and his team. Violent behavior is not limited to the players on field. Fans and spectators can fill a role when it comes to violent behavior. Although it is not expected as it is among the players, fans will engage in violence as a way of expressing, or reacting, to their emotional involvement with the sport.
1. On-the-field violence is related to a number of things including over-conformity to the norms of the sport ethic, commercialization, and masculinity. Which of these factors accounts most for the level of brutal body contact that occurs in professional football in the United States? Explain your choice.
Choice: Over-conformity to the norms of the sport ethic is the best choice.
Explanation: The reason is that there are certain expectations of competition especially in contact sports such as pro football. To survive and excel in such a physical game as pro football the athletes must maintain over-conform to a certain extent. They must play the game in such a way that they maximize their earning potential. The average life span for a pro player is around 3 years. For an athlete to secure lifelong financial security they must play with a level of physicality that warrants their need to the team. This is a minimum expectation not taking into account other factors such as athleticism and execution of techniques.
2. After reading a report of a male athlete who has assaulted a woman, one of your friends says, “Playing sports causes men to be violent.” She knows you are taking a course on
Brian Thompson
American Military University
SPMT601
Pamela J. Wojnar
Abstract
Sports and violence are complimentary to one another. In some sports, violence is merely a byproduct of the competition. In other sports violence is expected. Certain sports require a predisposition toward violence to be successful while others encourage an over-conformity to the norm with regard to violence. The more violent the athlete plays, the better for him and his team. Violent behavior is not limited to the players on field. Fans and spectators can fill a role when it comes to violent behavior. Although it is not expected as it is among the players, fans will engage in violence as a way of expressing, or reacting, to their emotional involvement with the sport.
1. On-the-field violence is related to a number of things including over-conformity to the norms of the sport ethic, commercialization, and masculinity. Which of these factors accounts most for the level of brutal body contact that occurs in professional football in the United States? Explain your choice.
Choice: Over-conformity to the norms of the sport ethic is the best choice.
Explanation: The reason is that there are certain expectations of competition especially in contact sports such as pro football. To survive and excel in such a physical game as pro football the athletes must maintain over-conform to a certain extent. They must play the game in such a way that they maximize their earning potential. The average life span for a pro player is around 3 years. For an athlete to secure lifelong financial security they must play with a level of physicality that warrants their need to the team. This is a minimum expectation not taking into account other factors such as athleticism and execution of techniques.
2. After reading a report of a male athlete who has assaulted a woman, one of your friends says, “Playing sports causes men to be violent.” She knows you are taking a course on