Abstract Baseball is America's official past-time, and as such it is far more than a sport. It is an integral part of they country's culture, and in many ways represents the heart and soul of America itself. Baseball is about healthy competition, sportsmanship, teamwork and family entertainment. The paper shows that unfortunately, in recent years, the heroic legacy of Major League Baseball (MLB), and the sacred idol-status of MLB players has been compromised. Unlike the great eras of baseball history, the recent era is not named after joyous baseball events, but rather after an illegal drug. The 'Roid Era, named after steroid drug use, saw its height between 1998-2003 when home run numbers skyrocketed. The paper argues that steroid use in Major League Baseball is unacceptable, and all records which have been set by players using steroids should be stricken from the record books.
From the Paper "There remains a minority of Americans that believe records of the 'Roid Era should remain intact in baseball history. One defense made in favor of allowing these records to remain is that there have always been "flaws" in baseball, and throughout history the public has turned a blind eye. An example of this includes that Ty Cobb (a legendary baseball player who is in the Hall of Fame) was a racist and murderer; if a murderer can remain in the Hall of Fame, why not steroid users? However, this is a ridiculous defense, because murdering a Black man did not give Cobb an unfair advantage in the game, nor was his racism the reason that he was able to achieve such incredible physical feats."
Abstract This paper explains that scientific data indicates that high school competitive athletes were more likely to be popular but lack in maturity, to be trouble-makers, to use drugs and alcohol and to engage in promiscuous sex. The author believes that sports promote violence and plays a significant role in preserving and creating sexual and racial inequality. The author points out that, on the other hand, there are advantages to the students, such as pride in their successes, social acceptance, healthy activity in terms of physical exertion and muscle training and a bonding ritual that brings schools and communities together. The paper concludes that it would be far better for students to participate in physical activity and sports in a fun and less-competitive atmosphere in which all students who wanted to participate could join the teams and having fun remained the central goal of the event.
From the Paper "Before this point can be proven, it is worth taking a moment to define the terms of this argument: competitive should not be taken to refer to the rules of the game, but rather to the focus of the game. A game which is competitive, in that the players compete with one another and the game rules requires winners and losers is not necessarily unhealthy for children. Children naturally compete to some degree in their games. However, in modern schools, games are not merely competitive by nature of their rules -- they are competitive by nature of their social ramifications and structure. Students not only compete while playing, but they also compete intensely for the mere privilege of playing, and continue to compete intensely not merely against their immediate opposition on the playing field but against all other teams in all other schools and even against their own teammates for recognition and possible promotion to the "Pros" or for college scholarships."
Abstract This paper examines the relationship between violence and sports. The paper first asserts that violence in sports is culturally agreeable and goal oriented. The paper then explores recreational violence, including hunting. Next the paper studies how sports legitimize violence and the relationship between sports, violence and masculinity. The paper concludes by studying the effect on male-female relationships of violence in sports.
From the Paper "This research paper addresses the topic of how violence in sports affects our lives. The following relevant areas are presented..."
Abstract This paper discusses the diabetic athlete. It looks at the possibilities and limitations of this diagnosis, with special emphasis on the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics in regard to exercises. The paper notes the complications of diabetes and how these affect athletic ability and performance. The paper also discusses in details what trainers and athletes need to know about glucose control.
From the Paper "It is important to know the difference between the two types of diabetes and how they affect the person because they make a difference to the management of diabetes in the athlete and what trainers must be on the look out for and how they must evaluate athlete..."
Abstract This paper addresses several elements of MLB, including the governance of the game and the baseball Commissioner. Other topics addressed by the paper are: relations between players and club owners, suspensions and appeals, baseball scandals, and the composition of club organizations and leagues.
Tags: steriod, league, commissioner, baseball, club owners, appeals, suspensions
Abstract This paper discusses the life and accomplishments of the runner, Steve Prefontaine. The author pointsout his story and legacy. The paper contneds that Prefontaine is a gifted athlete, a visionary and a world class runner.
From the Paper "Steve Prefontaine was born in Coos Bay Oregon. During his life, Steve Prefontaine became an internationally acclaimed track star and an American hero. Don Kardong wrote in "Runner's World" that Steve Prefontaine or 'Pre' as he was known to his fans held every ..."
Tags: Running, Amateur Athletics, AAU, Olympics, 5000 meters, athletes, sponsorship, training camp, lessons, hero, hard work, Steve Prefontaine, Pre, Amateur Athletic Union
Abstract This paper reviews the 2004 movie "Friday Night Lights" about high school sport in America. The author includes an introduction, analysis, justification for the movie, relationship of the movie to sport in American life, contribution to society and conclusion.
From the Paper ""Friday Night Lights" starred Billy Bob Thornton, Tim McGraw, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Lucas Black and Garrett Hedlund. "Friday Night Lights" is a movie that chronicles the true story of the Odessa Texas high school football team the Permian Panthers and ..."
Tags: Friday Night Lights, sports, obsession, movie review
Abstract In this article, the writer analyzes sports law as it applies to the N.C.A.A. The paper discusses Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The writer looks at their connection to an increasing number of lawsuits brought by student athletes against not only schools but also the N.C.A.A.
Abstract This paper looks at the different types of performance enhancing drugs available and their effects on the body. It examines the benefits to the athletes from using these drugs, and also the health risks associated with their use.
From the Paper "The drive among athletes to win at all costs pushes them to take risks with their health by using what are known as performance enhancing drugs. There are many categories of performance enhancing drugs including steroids, growth hormone stimulants, pain killers, and diuretics -- anything the athlete believes will give them the winning edge. Motivation ranges from gaining college scholarships to high-paying spots on professional teams or becoming an Olympic gold medalist. No level of sports is immune to this problem."
Abstract This paper describes and assesses the impact of Title IX funding requirements for intercollegiate athletics. The paper looks at its indirect impact of being used as a tool to marginalize men and male athletic programs.
A paper arguing that the risks college athletes assume by trying to achieve a professional career in sports outweigh any possible benefits they could hope to gain.
Abstract This paper argues that the NCAA has to change the way it operates if it is to maximize the possibility of its student-athletes to achieve their career goals as professional athletes. The paper further argues that trying to combine athletics and academics at this level does not work and serves to lower the standards for both sides of the equation.
From the Paper "The argument to be made in this paper is that the possibilities of achieving a professional sports career and the benefits once that professional career is achieved on the part of college athletes are not worth the odds of giving up on a college education. At the present time, it seems that the major university sports programs especially in football and basketball are geared to producing professional athletes without much emphasis being placed on the academic side of..."
Tags: athletics, professional sport, academics, NCAA
Abstract This paper looks at whether there are other factors at play, in addition to training and practice, such as genetics that are important in determining an athlete's success.
From the Paper "The purpose of this paper is to discuss the question of whether genetics or practice and training are more important for an elite athlete's success. This discussion is salient in an increasingly competitive environment as terms such as genetic predisposition, that have become commonplace in the sports medicine lexicon, open the mind to the possibility that individuals may not be products of their environment and their own will but that there are other forces that determine success and failure..."
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses women in sports. The writer looks at the importance of the body image and how one is viewed in society. The writer discusses the prevalence of eating disorders and the use of steroids. In this paper, the effects of media images on the behavior of athletes are also discussed. Further, the writer discusses the impact of stereotyped images of women in the media.
From the Paper "Body image, the way a person sees their body and feels about it is a concept developed over time and may change depending on a range of factors including media images, attitudes of friends and family and cultural traditions. Looking back over this century we can see how body image has changed from the well-rounded full figure to the slim and even ultra-slim ideal, portrayed today in fashions. We are constantly being bombarded with these images on the television, in the newspaper, in magazines, in fashion shows, in ... "
Abstract In this essay, the writer looks at the barriers women encounter and the struggles they endure in order to participate in sports. The writer makes use of fashion issues to illustrate this point. Billie Jean King is also used as an example in this discussion. Further, the writer discusses the U.S. Women's World Cup soccer team in this paper.
From the Paper "As the saying goes 'winners never quit and quitters never win'. In no other arena is this truer than that of women's sports. The struggle for women to gain equal respect, equal pay and equal opportunity in sporting events has been raging for centuries and indeed rages on still even in this progressive twenty-first century. The battle for athletic equity is especially well-illustrated by examining the emphasis of women's sporting fashion, by highlighting the strides of Billie Jean King as a pioneer in women's ..."
Tags: sports, women, equality, Billie Jean King, US Women's world Cup, AAGPBL
Abstract This paper discusses the tremendous growth of participation in amateur athletic events over the past few decades in terms of their scope, power and economic status and that in the United States alone, amateur athletics involve the lives and athletic experiences of people from their childhood through high school and college and beyond. This paper also discusses how high school and college sports are one of the most popular and important aspects of academic life today and that the camaraderie and fellowship that can emerge among sports players can possibly last a lifetime. The focus of this paper is on a disturbing trend towards violence in sports that has emerged in recent years. While injuries and mishaps can reasonably be expected to take place in any sporting event, there is frequently a fine distinction between intimidating tactics and violence that can result in serious injuries on the sporting field.
From the Paper "While violence in collegiate sports has received much attention in recent years, a less publicized problem also exists. College athletes are highly popular figures on campus and in communities, but they are being unfairly treated in terms of how they are compensated for their efforts. While the performance of these student athletes on the field or court provides millions of dollars in revenue for universities, these students receive only their scholarships (usually comprised of tuition, room, and board), but no spending money. Furthermore, under current NCAA regulations, these student athletes are prohibited from even working part-time during the season. "Athletes have been caught trying to make money by getting loans from coaches and advisers," the author says, "selling the shoes and other gear they get as team members, taking allowances from agents, and getting paid for no-show summer jobs provided by jock-sniffing alumni--all violations of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules" (38). "
Tags: non, sporting, events, athletes, students, teams, coaches, drugs
