1. Chapter 18 Deviance and Sport19
Violence and Rule Breaking in Sport
Chapter 18 Deviance and Sport

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

3. 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?

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

5. 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

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

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

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

9. 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.

10. Discussion
Are athletes role models? Why or why not?

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

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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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.

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

18. 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.

19. 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

20. 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?

21. 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

22. 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?

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