Chapter 18 Deviance and Sport 19 Violence and Rule Breaking in Sport Chapter 18 Deviance and Sport

Chapter Outline Rule breaking Emotion and sport Aggression and sport Violence in sport Chapter summary

Discussion Near the end of a football game, announcers often say that the ref should “hold the flag” (refrain from calling a penalty) in order to “let the players decide” the outcome. When should we follow the rules, and when should officials let things go?

Rule Breaking in Sport Rules are learned. Rule breaking results in consequences, such as penalties and suspensions.

Examples of Rule Breaking Illegally modifying equipment Committing a foul Faking injury to cause a time-out Participating in a brawl Taking other disallowed actions for strategic advantage

Discussion Is it possible for an athlete to break a rule unintentionally during a game? Please explain your response.

Rational Rule Breaking To help the team (or individual) win Because “everyone is doing it” As acceptable behavior when a rule is considered bad

Influence of Youth Sport Coach’s role—to teach young athletes the rules Citizenship Through Sports Alliance

High School and Collegiate Sport As competition increases, rules may become looser, and coaches and players may try to win at all cost. However, NCAA punishments for coaches for violations have increased.

Discussion Are athletes role models? Why or why not?

Emotion and Sport: Athletes Stress of competition Being consumed by emotion Optimal levels of arousal and intensity Role of anger

Emotion and Sport: Fans Increased excitement and arousal with tailgating and alcohol use Hooliganism

Aggression Definition: behavior directed toward another person and intended to dominate or master

Violence Perception that athletes are more violent than other people Perception fed by media exposure and occasional leniency given to accused athlete offenders Sport as mirror of society in violent acts and acceptance of violent acts

On-Field Violence in Sport Demands of collision and contact sports “Enforcer” roles Societal view of masculinity encouraging warrior mentality “Part of the game” Examples: Richie Incognito, Ndamukong Suh

Concussions and Sports Children and teens are more likely than adults to be concussed and recover more slowly. Concussions doubled in the last 10 years. Two of five concussed high school athletes return to play before they have recovered. Strict concussion guidelines are needed.

Concussions and the NFL Long-term effects can include dementia, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease. NFL legal settlement involves 18,000 retired players.

Off-Field Violence It is unclear whether on-field violence leads to off-field violence. Alcohol increases the incidence of violence; athletes are more prone to binge drinking. Some sports may not cause violent off-field behavior but attract more-violent people. Challenges to manhood can arise off the field.

Violence Against Women Rape culture at universities One in five women is raped. Rape is committed by a rising proportion of athletes and men at military academies. Title IX and sexual violence cases Domestic abuse and athletes

Discussion What should be the result when an athlete (male or female) sexually assaults someone? Does it matter if the athlete is a collegiate player or professional?

Consequences of On-Field Violent Behavior Shortened career (and reduced earnings) Pressure to return from injury Concussions: recent change in perspective Negative publicity for teams, leagues, organizations Poor behavior modeling

Reducing Violence Changes in the NHL treatment of fighting NFL studies of brain trauma Mentors in Violence Prevention program Suspensions for players accused of violent behavior?

Discussion How can education reduce violence in and out of sport?