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American ethics and outdoor activities. There are 3 moral views in relation to American sport :. Lombardi’s principle - Win at every opportunity A method that has been adopted by professional players Ideas that are in complete contrast to the ideas of sportsmanship. Radical Principle -
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There are 3 moral views in relation to American sport : • Lombardi’s principle - • Win at every opportunity • A method that has been adopted by professional players • Ideas that are in complete contrast to the ideas of sportsmanship
Radical Principle - • Noting that winning is important but not at all costs • There is worth in the way an individual wins • Also there’s an aspect of the development of the individual
Cross-culture Principle - • Taking part is important • It’s the process of making a good effort that’s important, not winning • The feature of challenge is acceptable • Eco-sport
Leisure and mass sports • American sport has not developed a sports club system as seen in Europe. • Sport is aimed at schools, colleges and the professional system. • Because of this American people have very few opportunities to participate in sport outside these circles. • Parks provide an opportunity to play softball, jog, rollerblade but there is very little provision from the public sector.
One exception to this is ‘Little League’ sports. • These are leagues aimed at children under 10, which provide an opportunity to play in a number of sports. • Pop Warner Football, Pee Wee Baseball, Biddy Basket Basketball are some examples of the sports. • The teams are run by parents, and they follow the same structure as professional games, with leagues and ‘superbowls’
Again there is great emphasis on winning, this has raised a number of questions. • But most Americans think that it’s a good idea as it reinforces the American way of life.
Task • What are the characteristics of a sports programme designed by adults? • And what problems are associated with this?
American ethics has changed from sport for all with increasing pressure from the media. • After leaving school/college, individuals do not continue with sport, apart from tennis and golf. • However, these are restricted to country clubs – expensive membership!!! • There has been an increase in health and fitness, but again the costs are high.
Americans agree with the view that sport should be for life. • In many areas sports are organised for many different ages e.g. ‘golden olympics’.
Frontiers have been a prominent part of American life. • e.g. – the taming of the ‘Wild West’, crossing the Rockies and living in difficult environments. • The ‘frontier spirit’ of the early immigrants has developed into the sports field with clubs being called the ‘Redskins’.
The size and beauty of America have a big influence on its culture. • The first country parks were created in America. • They take pride in the ‘great outdoors’ and this is a reflection of the past. • American history is closely tied to the old days, with many of the country’s people yearning to go back to their ’ roots’. • There has been an increase in Dude ranches and ‘city slicker cowboys’
Following the decentralised control of sport national and state parks became important. • But as the area is so wide there is a little central control to protect the public from attacks by bears. • The control of these areas has led to an increase in an idea called ‘eco sports’. • Activities with a focus on nature. • Camping, hunting and fishing are a philosophy seen by many of the middle class – to develop the father-son relationship.
Summer Camps • One feature unique to America is its summer camps, which are attended annually by children from 6-16 years old. • It’s a tradition in America for children to go to a camp where their parents and grandparents went. • Though there are many different types of camp, there are many similarities :
They are residential camps and far away from towns and cities. • There are excellent sports and leisure resources there. • They are held over a period of 6-8 weeks, with counsellors looking after them. • The day is spent doing competitive activites and receiving coaching.
The highlight of the camp is the inter-camp competition called the ‘Colour War’ • The camp is divided into 2, and there is a competition for 7 days.
Although every camp follows the same procedure as the above, some are specialist • e.g. football • Sports – which are often funded by big companies. • Computer • Drama • ‘Fat camp’ • ‘Band camp’
Task • What are the different types of summer camps in the USA?
