Реферат: Sports Violence Essay Research Paper AbstractThis report

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 Konrad Lorenz, sees aggression as a

basic, inherent human characteristic. Within this context, sports are seen as a

socially acceptable way to discharge built-up aggression, a safety valve.

The psychological theory states that aggression is caused by frustration; it

is situational. Frustration results when one’s efforts to reach a particular

goal are blocked (Leonard, p. 170). In sports, frustration can be caused by

questionable calls by officials, failure to make a particular play, injuries

that interfere with optimum performance, heckling from spectators, or taunts by

coaches or players.

The social learning theory has received the most empirical verification

(Leonard, p. 171) and maintains that aggressive behavior is learned through

modeling and reinforced by rewards and punishments. Young athletes take sports

heroes as role models and imitate their behavior. Parents, coaches and teammates

are also models that may demonstrate support for an aggressive style of play.

According to Terry and Jackson (p. 30), reinforcement for acts of violence

may come from three sources: (a) the athlete’s immediate reference

group–coaches, teammates, family, friends; (b) structure of the game and

implementation of rules by officials and governing bodies; (c) attitudes of

fans, media, courts, and society. Reinforcement may take the form of rewards,