Sports Violence Essay Research Paper AbstractThis report

Sports Violence Essay, Research Paper

Abstract

This report will briefly examine violence in sports. It will give possible

reasons for the increase in violence, why violence seems to be growing and what

we can do to curb this disturbing tend. While not all theories can we examined

here, the most relevant to the topic will be examined and discussed.

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to bring into light one of the most talked

about problem in sports today, violence. Many people, spectators, coaches,

players and referees, of nearly all contact sports, have noted that there is

been a large increase in the number of violent encounters. Some believe that

this is a reflection of the problems with society today as a whole; that our

aggressions are simply let out on the playing field. Other people believe that

violence stems from the breakdown of basic family values at home. Whatever

philosophy you are inclined to believe, it is obvious that this is a growing,

and alarming problem. This is a problem that must be dealt with, to not only

protect players and referees, but to find out why we seem to be such an angry

society today. This topic is very close me, because I am a professional soccer

referee. I have dealt with numerous violence situations over the past eleven

years. In some cases, I have merely been a witness. In other cases, I was the

one whom the violence was committed upon.

Hypothesis

My goal here is to determine why violence starting to take over our once, fun

and enjoyable sporting events. I believe that this outpouring of violence is

directly related to society. I believe it all comes down to a lack of respect;

Lack of respect for authority, for each other and for ourselves. I expect to

find out also, that our up bringing, and those that influence us, will have a

direct impact upon whether or not we become involved in violence in sports.

Method

The type of research used primarily was observational and literature

investigations. I used many of my own experiences and knowledge to compose

several of my ideas. Also, I wanted to find as many outside sources as possible

to either support with claim to disprove it. Given the time period given to

complete endeavor, I believe that not all theories will be investigated.

However, all data collected is impartial and objective.

Analysis of Results

Sports violence can be defined as behavior which causes harm, occurs outside

of the rules of the sport, and is unrelated to the competitive objectives of the

sport (Terry and Jackson, p.2).( Leonard p. 165) identifies two forms of

aggression in sports. Instrumental aggression is non-emotional and

task-oriented. Reactive aggression has an underlying emotional component, with

harm as its goal. Violence is an outcome of reactive aggression.

An increase in both frequency and seriousness of acts of violence has been

well documented. Violence is most prevalent in team contact sports, such as ice

hockey, football, and rugby. While most occurrences of violence emanate from

players, others, including coaches, parents, fans, and the media, also

contribute to what has been described as an epidemic of violence in sports today

(Leonard, p. 166).

Considerable research has been done on spectator violence. A central issue is

whether fans incite player violence or reflect it (Debenedotte, p. 207). The

evidence is inconclusive. Spectators do take cues from players, coaches,

cheerleaders, and one another. Spectators often derive a sense of social

identity and self-esteem from a team. Emulation of favorite players is an

element of this identification. Group solidarity with players and coaches leads

to a view of opposing teams as enemies and fosters hostility towards the "outgroup"

and, by extension, its supporters, geographical locale, ethnic group, and

perceived social class (Lee, p. 45).

Mass media also contribute to the acceptability of sports. (Leonard p. 166)

maintains that the media occupies a paradoxical position. On the one hand it

affords ample exposure to sports-related violence via television, magazines,

newspapers, and radio, thus providing numerous examples to children who may

imitate such behavior. It glamorizes players, often the most controversial and

aggressive ones. Its commentary is laced with descriptions suggestive of

combat, linking excitement to violent action. On the other hand, the exposure

given to sports violence by the media has stimulated increased efforts to

control and prevent such behavior.

There are several leading theories about sport violence. The following are

the best examples that I encountered.

There are three major theories that seek to explain violent aggression in

sports (Terry and Jackson, p. 27; Leonard, pp. 170-71). The biological theory,

proposed most notably by Nobel Prize winner

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