What do basketballs and heroin have in common? Some may think the answer is simple, nothing. In reality though, the answer is as complex as it is shocking. The element that connects a dangerous drug to harmless sports equipment, are children. Some may argue that children who are never given the chance to pick up a sport or other recreational hobby may pick up bad habits, like drugs, instead. While this is partly true, there is, of course, more to the story.
Unfortunately, the participation in sports is not a guaranteed solution to our nation's drug problem, and basketball itself may not be able to keep the youth away from pills and needles. Although recreational activities like sports cannot stop children and teens from abusing drugs, according to surveys taken by residents of rural communities, they may decrease the likelihood that these groups of young people will get involved in similar bad habits (Recreation in Rural Communities).
…show more content…
In rural communities, however, recreational facilities tend not to be as available as is preferred by most of the kids and teens living there. Of course, there are others who prefer these communities how they are, without facilities. These people may even argue that a building dedicated to recreation is useless and/or too expensive, but perhaps they just do not realize that the benefits of these facilities outweigh the costs. Many of the people who would argue against the creation of recreational facilities in rural communities also tend to be a part of an older generation who did not necessarily need recreation centers when they were growing up. This is because the lack of recreational facilities/activities have not always been a problem in rural communities across the
The use of illegal substances in sports is a trendy topic in today’s society. In the last few years a copious amount of players have been under the spotlight of substance abuse, which led to a punishment for their actions. Andrew Sullivan wrote an article in the year 2004 called “In a Drugged-up Nation, the Steroid Sports Star is King”, in which he illustrates how these “pharmaceuticals” have revolutionized sports around the world but mostly in America. These drugs have had a large influence in the overall performance of the players, even if it the use of drugs is “often denied or simply overlooked”(Sullivan 1), it will lead to a lack of judgment in what is right and what is wrong.
Mintel. (2013). Teen athletes more likely to drink, less likely to use drugs. Available: http://academic.mintel.com.atlas.worc.ac.uk/sinatra/oxygen_academic/display/id=687169?highlight. Last accessed 4th January 2014.
In many high schools around the country, student athletes are using drugs. “The percent of students that have drunk alcohol is 72.5% while the number of students who have used marijuana is 36.8%” (Report: Nearly Half of High School Students Using Drugs, Alcohol). The students believe that since they are athletes that they do not need to abide by the rules because they feel more superior and that the narcotic will not hurt or affect them. Implementing random drug tests for athletes will create a positive image and not hurt others or themselves. Schools need to have drug tests for student athletes because drugs effect relationships, using drugs have consequences, and lastly they have a major effect on the body.
Substance abuse is a real life problem in the world. It’s happening in every part of the world not just in America. Substance abuse is a major problem that not only affects the person who is abusing alcohol or drugs but affects the lives of those who are close to them like family members or close friends. Sometime it even affects your co-workers if you show up to work intoxicated. With their being so many different kinds of drugs the effects are endless.
Improving competitiveness is not the only advantage to beginning a football program two years earlier. Junior high is a time when many young people reach a crossroads between the innocence of elementary school and the complicated choices that come with the independence of high school. These are the years that young people begin making life changing choices in their search to identify who they are in this new world of leaving childhood behind. Many middle schoolers choose paths that do not lead to positive results. Some students during this time begin the illegal use of drugs and alcohol as well as other delinquent behaviors. Sports are a proven deterrent to these types of decisions. Studies reveal the number of athletes that become involved with drugs and alcohol is a significantly lower percentage than that of non-athletes.
When you hear the names: Barry Bonds, Lance Armstrong, Alex Rodriguez and Jose Canseco what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Those are the names of some of the most famous athletes in the world. They were all at the top of their game and considered the best players in their sports, but they all had one problem. They all used performance enhancing drugs such as steroids to get the upper hand. Their decisions to do performance enhancing drugs doesn’t only affect their careers it affects society in a lot of ways. It became a social phenomenon.
Sports can help many at- risk youths. In order to participate in sports you need to be committed and willing to work hard. You also have to learn to respect others and accept that winning isn’t the only measure of success. Losing can build character as well. When youth participate in a sports they enjoy, they are less likely to engage in behaviors that are harmful or dangerous to themselves and others. It is for these reasons schools should strive to maintain athletic programs for their students.
Hundreds of professional athletes across the world have been accused of taking performance enhancing drugs. The use of performance-enhancing drugs by professional athletes, or "doping", has been acknowledged as a problem since at least the 1960s. The first use of performance-enhancing drugs has been traced back to the first Olympics in Greece. Scandinavian mythology says Berserkers could drink a concoction prepared from a mushroom, to increase their physical power a dozen times. “We have to make some radical move to get the attention of everyone. Cheaters can't win and steroids have put us in the position that it's OK to cheat.” (Lou Brock, 2009) This quote describes how almost every professional player feels when they know that their opponents are cheating. Performance enhancing drugs should be banned and players should be punished more harshly because it leads to numerous diseases, young athletes would be tempted to take it, and players would be unpredictable and can cause.
According to statistics gathered by youth sports organizations, “Up to 50 million kids play youth sports in America, and 73 percent of those who begin playing a sport quit before they turn 13” (Binns). The children could have quit because they did not like the disappointment of losing, or because they are exhausted from their parents pushing them too hard. But parents have their reasons for pushing their children into sports. “Studies show that kids who play sports are less likely to become obese, abuse drugs or alcohol or to perform poorly in school” (McCormick). If children are not active, then they will most likely become overweight, and if they have nothing to do in their pastime, they may turn to drugs and alcohol, which usually leads to a decrease in grades in school.
“Sports do not build character. They reveal it” said John Wooden, Legendary UCLA Basketball Coach. Sports have become very popular over past years and it seems like nobody really joins the sport knowing the true benefits coming from these sports. After all, most people do watch sports on tv more than reality shows or movies. Many teens join sports in their high school years, and most don’t know that these sports are the things keeping teens out of conflicts. A new disagreement has arisen over whether or not sports can keep teens out of trouble. Participating in sports keeps teens out of trouble because it prevents depression and stress, creates a community, and averts boredom.
Numerous athletes already use performance-enhancing drugs. “Everyone’s enhancing, it’s a reality that we should embrace.” (Allenby B.4) Athletes would be on the same playing field if everyone used some sort of PED. A majority of athletes use some sort of PED to help them improve. In South Florida, even high school athletes are using these drugs and their parents are encouraging it. “It’s about making sure that your child has every advantage whether it is legal or illegal.” (Shipley A.1) A variety of athletes a...
Can you imagine playing the game of basketball without a three point line? Basketball has constantly changed throughout history and continues to change today. The National Basketball Association has risen in popularity and is now one of America’s more popular sports. Because basketball continues to be a popular sport, a fan should learn about the origin of the NBA, how the game evolved from the late 1940s to the early 2000s, and how the players today impact the way it is played.
revealed that participation in sports reduced the risk of overall illicit drug use, but particularly during high school; suggesting that this may be a critical period to reduce or prevent the use of drugs through sport.” (Addictive Behaviors.) Being involved helps teens take responsibility and a sense of pride in their activity. Therefore to avoid disappointment and failure adolescents will avoid substances known to have a negative correlation on the activity. One of the items that they may deem harmful includes alcohol since it affects awareness and reaction time. Serious athletes will know to stay away to help maintain their edge and level of fitness. Certainly, participation in extracurricular activities or simply belonging can help decrease teen drinking.
How Does Doping in sport damage the sporting industry as a whole? The usage of performance-enhancing drugs in sports is commonly known as Doping. Doping is banned worldwide in every sports administration and competitions and doping gives an unfair advantage to those using illegal substances, such as steroids to boost their performance. It also puts at stake the integrity of those athletes who do not use performance-enhancing drugs also known as “clean” athletes. In fact it seems that we’re now entering the era of performance-enhancing drugs within professional sports.
At some point students has had trouble either at home or at school and need to release stress or tension. Some of these times the teens choose to do activities that are wrong. Youth want to feel comfort and accepted, therefore they sometimes will do events that are not well for their body just to fit in with a group. There is evidence that proves sports can reduce the likeliness of teens committing crimes, or getting into trouble. Tees look at the negative substances such as drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, and think that they can do whatever they want. Many teens look at these activities and think they are “exciting” or “cool” and want to try them, but if they are busy with sports they most likely will not be as easily influenced. Participation in sports helps keep teens out of trouble by taking up their free time which could be used for mischief, gives them an opportunity to meet new friends for positive role models, provides teens an outlet to develop a higher self-esteem, and also enables student to set goals for on and off the field.