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 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 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
An examination of the influence of ancient Greece on the modern Olympic Games, the effect that religion, politics and finance has had in its evolvement.
Abstract This paper examines the origins and history of the Olympic Games. The original purpose and ideals of the creators have changed with time to what exists today. The influence of sponsorship, religion and politics are examined.
Introduction
The Site of the Games
The Olympic Program in Ancient Greece
Influence on Modern Sports
Athletes, Officials, and Spectators in Modern Sports
The Victors and Rewards in Ancient Greece
The Role of Women in Ancient Greece
The Politics in the Olympic Games in Ancient Greece
Politics in Modern Sports
Conclusion
From the Paper "Researchers assert that, in the 1990s, more athletes and sports personalities than ever before have started to candidly articulate their religious faith in the presence of their adversaries, teammates, admirers, as well as, television cameras. They go down on your knees. They pray. They yell. They revel and position their fingers to the heavens, presenting thanks to the God, who they articulate has given them the bravery and power to contend and succeed in their selected sports. And when their workday is complete and their term is ended, they carry on to spread their religious expressions in the world outside sports, by means of their standing and superstar personality to attract both the juvenile and the old in a similar way into campgrounds, associations, programs, as well as, organizations whose reason is to serve the god."
Abstract The paper begins by illustrating the Pilates plan's success as the preferred alternative fitness plan. The paper explains the six major Pilates principles: breathing, concentration, centering, precision, control and movement flow/rhythm and the stability ball that is central to these exercises. The writer discusses the beneficial effects these exercises have on the body and explains that daily lives become more pain free and athletic abilities are enhanced. The paper concludes that the Pilates exercises will continue to gain popularity, helping to reduce pain and improving a person's performance in general.
From the Paper "In Pilates, there exists a monumental focus on the quality of each movement, rather than the number of repetitions or rapidity with which they are performed. The body moves as one integrated unit, instead of isolating separate parts. Keeping proper alignment and form are crucial during exercise for achieving maximum benefits as well as preventing injury. (Crawford, 2002)
As Crawford writes, "Furthermore, training on a stability ball provides numerous benefits similar to those of Pilates, such as increased muscle tone and flexibility, improved posture, coordination and a greater sense of body awareness. The most significant difference is how the ball addresses core stabilization. Exercising on an unstable surface forces automatic recruitment of the body's core muscles to hold a position of balance."
Abstract This paper explains that Bill Russell was a sports figure who offers his eleven lessons on leadership based on his time as a basketball player. The author points out that, in "Russell Rules", Russel adapted sport leadership to other arenas such as business and politics. The paper relates how Russell's ideas are in keeping with the ideas of other business leaders who have written advice books for future leaders.
From the Paper "Bill Russell is a sports figure who sets forth eleven lessons on leadership. Clearly, these lessons were developed in a sporting context and can be applied to team efforts, suggesting ways of being a leader and of empowering others to do their best. These lessons are applicable in many other contexts, of course, including business, political situations, and similar areas where leadership is needed and where the individual can follow these rules to achieve his or her best. The leadership lessons Russell offers are comparable to those offered by other business leaders who similarly want to empower others to achieve the most they can achieve. Russell's approach shows clearly that there is a link between all forms of leadership and efforts at achieving personal excellence so that business leaders and sports leaders can learn from and teach one another lessons that apply in both realms and that lead to success."
