Реферат: Sports Violence Essay Research Paper AbstractThis report

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