FREE ESSAY ON VIOLENCE IN SPORTS

VIOLENCE IN SPORTS

Research Project
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. First, we must penalize harshly so that the disadvantages outweigh the
advantages. Then, coaches must emphasize fair play by teaching players to look at
opponents as collaborators in the pursuit of a well-played game, not as enemies. He than
says to organize meetings with coaches and parents, to discuss fair play. Smith discusses
how very important parents are in a child's outlook on sports, the child learns much
about sports just by watching his father view an event. Smith feels that these steps may
help in the fight against violence in sports and will help "build a new brand of sport."
Through my research of M.D. Smith, I have realized that violence in sports has many
different aspects and many different solutions. Smith explains what a true definition of
violence in sports is and questions if society wants to end it. It seems that society
needs violence to take out built up aggression, fights seem to happen due to frustration,
and coaches and teammates encourage violence. Smith then discussed his ideas on how to
put an end to violence, which are logical and realistic. The article, "Building a New
Brand of Sport," questions society, explains why violence occurs, and suggests ways to
help change the way sports are played.