Violence in Sport

1. Violence in Sport

2. Discussed Topics • Definition of Violence in Sport and aggression • History of Violence in sport • Different types of violence and aggression • Causes of violence and aggression in sports (When is it most likely to occur) • Different Cases of violence in sport (Brashear and McSorley, Perezhogin, Bertuzzi on Steve Moore and the incident from the Indiana Pacers) • Commercialization and Fan support • Sheldon Kennedy story (Sexual Assault) • How to control Violence and Aggression • Spectator violence • Controlling Spectator violence • Violence among coaches • Violence in Sport: Good or Bad?

3. Definition : What is Violence? • Any type or form of excessive behavior with the goal of injuring or harming another individual against his or her will.

4. History of Violence in Sport • Violence is not new to sport • During the Medieval period, there were blood sports among the Greeks throughout the Roman Empire. • However, this type of expressed violence has decreased over time while entertainment directed violence has increased or has taken over.

5. Types of Violence in Sport Continued.. • #2. Borderline Violence: • Practices that violate the rules of the game but are accepted by most players and coaches. • Examples: Forcefully placed elbow (basketball or soccer), Fist-fight in hockey, or a forearm to the ribs in football.

6. Types of Violence in Sports continued… • #3. Quasi-criminal violence: • This is a more serious type of violence. • It violates the formal rules of the game and public laws. • Examples: cheap shot, late hits, sucker punches, dangerous fouls etc…

7. Types of Violence in Sport continued… • #4. Criminal Violence: • Worst type of violence in sport • These are extreme actions inflicted by players that are totally against the law and can be otherwise labeled as crimes. • Examples: assaults during the game that are intended to seriously injure another player or assaults outside the facility.

8. Pictures of the criminal violence type

9. Causes of aggression and When is it mostly likely to occur… • The three basic causes of aggression are: • #1. Build up of aggression until they finally let it all out • #2. Frustration: goal blockage or failure Example: A goalie getting scored on too many times.

10. Causes of aggression continued… • #3. Modeling Professional Athletes For instance, it is said that violence in hockey is modeled by young children. They watch their heroes on television and perform these violent acts in their everyday lives

11. Other examples of causes of aggression • When a player is losing • When officiating is bad • Player is not feeling up to par • Player is not performing well • If the player feels embarrassed

12. Different cases of violence in sport • http://espn.go.com/nhl/news/2000/0221/373043.html# • McSorley and Brashear incident • A case of criminal violence? We want your opinions on this issue.

13. Continued… • Bertuzzi’s hit on Steve Moore • http://www.ifilm.com/ifilmdetail/2537303?htv=12&htv=12

14. Continue… • Alexander Perezhogin incident • http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8918691151466515215&q=montreal+canadiens&pl=true

15. Continue… • The Indiana Pacers incident • http://www.lookatentertainment.com/v/v-10.htm • http://www.basketbrawl.us/

16. Commercialization and Fan support • We see in a lot of incidents where players are paid to perform violent acts. • Our fan support and the media are both factors that are increasing boundaries of contact sport. • For example, Don Cherry’s “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em” videos.

17. Sexual Abuse • Sexual abuse can also be associated with sport related violence • Example: The Sheldon Kennedy story • Sheldon Kennedy was abused by his coach Graham James between the age of 14-19(junior hockey years) • Kennedy stated that he was abused about 350 times. • "James pleaded guilty to the offences and admitted in a statement read to the court that; 'I offer no excuses. I blame nobody but myself. I was selfish.' But he added: "I am truly sorry that this happened.'" (Calgary Herald, 1/7/97)

18. Controlling Violence • Very hard to control violence, Brutal body contact being the hardest part to control because it is a natural part of the sport • Efforts to control brutal body contact will require a change in culture • Much easier to control other types of violence – Bordeline, Quasi-crominal and criminal violence

19. Spectator Violence • Spectator violence seems to be on the rise • Fans are very much involved in the game • Usually fans get more hostile at contact sports • More likely to occur with younger disadvantaged male spactators and especially if alcohol is involved

20. Strategies to control Spectator Aggression • 1. Develop a rule to ban alcohol • 2. Kick spectators out if using aggressive acts or under the influence • Hire officials that will not tolerate any aggression • Inform coaches that aggressive displays on their part will not be tolerated • Work with media to not promote aggressive acts in sports coverage

21. Violence Among Coaches • Coaches in some sports often pressure or persuade their players into violent acts • Players are then left with a tough choice

22. Violence in SportGood or bad? • Ongoing debate for many years • Would players continue to play without violence?

23. The Four Types of Violence in Sport • #1. Brutal Body Contact: • Physical practices are common in sports such as: collisions, hits, body checks, tackles etc.