Research Project on Violence in Sports

Research Project on Violence in Sports

Our group has collectively decided to discuss the topic of violence in sports, especially riots in relation to sports. Riots occur for many reasons, but for our topic we will focus on riots that are caused by or occur at sporting events. We hope to explain why many violent acts happen at sporting events in stands, outside arena's, and after games. In order to look into this matter, we must first understand what violence in sports is and how it may affect young children's mindsets.

In order to full understand the subject of sports violence we need to know the full definition of it. Violence in sports is defined by M.D.Smith as, "a physical assault or other physically harmful actions by a player that takes place in a sports context and that is intended to cause physical pain or injury to another player (or fan, coach, game official, etc.), where such harmful actions bear no direct relationship to the rules and associated competitive goals of the sport." This definition suggests

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that violence within the rules is accepted and may not be considered as violence in sports. Many sports such as hockey allow players physically fight until one falls and then issued penalties, which are insufficient to deter

the player or harm the team; this action is outside of the rules but accepted widely throughout the game. These types of actions are violent, but are part of the game, can and should we put an end to this type of activity? Many may say yes, but it is inevitable that this will change the game.

Smith then explains in his article, "Building a New Brand of Sport," how much of this need for violence is natural and how violence is praised in our society. The first theory suggests that humans are "inherently violent and sport is a relatively safe and controlled way to discharge aggression." The psychological theory says that violence is caused by frustration as one's efforts to reach a goal are blocked. The social learning theory explains that violence might be officially condemned and penalized but unofficially coaches, teammates, fans, and the media praise it. All three of these theories are accurate and can be used to explain the need for violent sports in our society.

Smith feels that violence in sports can be either reduced or eliminated by doing a few simple things.