Abstract This paper analyzes a study by Eric Pick called "The Economic Effects of a Salary Cap on a Professional Sports League" that attempts to develop and apply an econometric model to the issue. The study is based on a model that is limited, so the most that could emerge from it is a potentially useful formula to be applied on a broader scale than the two team universe addressed by the author and that may or may not be applicable to a variety of different types of sports leagues.
From the Paper "The study by Eric Pick entitled "The Economic Effects of a Salary Cap on a Professional Sports League" is an attempt to develop and apply an econometric model to the subject at hand. The study is based on a model that is limited, so the most that could emerge from it is a potentially useful formula to be applied on a broader scale than the two team universe addressed by the author and that may or may not be applicable to a variety of different types of sports leagues. The same basic issues do apply to different types of sports leagues, and efforts to apply a salary cap have been part of major sports leagues for some time. In 1994, a threatened basketball strike led to an agreement that involved salary caps, among other provisions. In that case, as an end to the players' union was threatened, the players... "
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses today's martial arts. The writer looks at this form of unarmed combat that is associated with Asian culture, philosophy and mysticism. The writer points out that it may be argued that in their incarnation in contemporary North America as sport, these martial arts have lost the underlying philosophical and cultural roots that gave them their fundamental identity.
From the Paper "When one speaks of martial arts today one conceives of unarmed combat in a context pervaded by Asian culture, philosophy and mysticism. Despite different countries of origin - whether it be China (kung-fu), Japan (akido, judo, karate) or Korea (tae kwon do) - these martial arts have all been closely associated with the rich Asian philosophical and cultural traditions that gave them birth."
Abstract The sociology of sport is a sub-division of sociology that studies sport as an aspect of cultural and social life. The paper shows that it may at first seem frivolous to study the sociology of sport, because sport in general may not be seen as a suitable topic for academia. However, it is argued that sport is an extremely important part of our cultural and social life, and that there are many good reasons for studying the sociology of sport.
Abstract This paper discusses how formula one racing is significant because of its appeal throughout the Western world. It looks at how the races occur around the world in countries as varied as the United States, Canada, France, and Monaco and how consequently, these races, also known as Grand Prix races, are internationally popular because of the possibility of rooting for one national hero of the sport.
From the Paper "Any rising popularity of automobile racing in the world today must, of course, pay homage to the form of that race that is recognized to be one of the most refined and esteemed, the Formula One race. Formula One racing is a type of automobile racing that has a century long tradition and history. It is a race form that has developed over the decades to contain elaborate and formal rules and regulations that govern the operation of the races. However, despite these bureaucratic niceties, Formula One racing remains one of the most popular forms of racing in the world today. Formula One racing is significant because of its appeal throughout the Western world. "
Abstract This paper takes a look at the amount of violence in professional hockey, focusing primarily on the case of Todd Bertuzzi and Steve Moore. This paper goes on to discuss the debate such violence has caused within the world of sport.
From the Paper "The Todd Bertuzzi-Steve Moore incident in the National Hockey League's 2003-2004 season provoked widespread debate in both the sports world and among the general public about the role of violence in professional hockey. In this incident Bertuzzi, in retaliation for an aggressive hit by Moore on one of Bertuzzi's teammates, attacked Moore and accidentally broke his neck. While there was no paralysis, Bertuzzi was indefinitely suspended and Moore was said to be considering lawsuits against Bertuzzi, Bertuzzi's team, and the NHL in general."
Abstract This paper explores the frequently argued case that in the interest of equality between genders that males and females should have the opportunity to compete in sporting events by playing on the same teams. The paper puts forth the argument that this is an unfair practice, as males and females are physiologically dissimilar and males would have the advantage and thus females would be excluded.
From the Paper "It is frequently argued that in the interest of equality between genders that males and females should have the opportunity to compete in sporting events by playing on the same teams (Costa and Guthrie, 6-8). Several female athletes have recently brought this issue to the general public; Mia Hamm, for example, has been referred to as one of the best athletes in the history of the world and was able to outperform her male counterparts in many ways. This suggests that males and females do have the basis for equality within sports, and the opportunity should be provided to allow competition between evenly-matched athletes, regardless of gender."
Abstract This report explores the question of whether women should be permitted to participate in all contact sports. A contextual analysis of this issue reveals that its assumptions are predicated upon historically-defined appropriate gender roles for women that are currently under revision in Western society. Given the increasing popularity of such sports among women, and interest in women's athletics in society in general, it recommends that participation be permitted with the caveat that they can only compete with other female athletes in these contact sports.
Abstract This paper explores perceptions in gender and learning styles to attempt to determine whether learning styles are the primary factor in student accomplishment in the physical education classroom. The focus of the paper is on biological versus socio-cultural factors that determine outcome and predisposition within the physical education classroom for male and female students and teachers.
From the Paper "Gender has been demonstrated to play a role in how students approach learning and education (Penney, 2002; Rink, 2005). The extent to which this occurs is not fully recognized, as it appears difficult to quantify different approaches to learning through gender or through sociological factors that influence behavior for members of either sex. While male and female students both participate in extracurricular athletic abilities, observational data suggests that male students are more likely to openly participate in required physical activity classes than are female students (Dowling, 2001; Penney, 2002; Rink, 2005). Physical education teachers report that it is more difficult to motivate female students into physical activity during required class periods."
Abstract In, "The Last Season: A Team in Search of its Soul", legendary NBA head coach Phil Jackson chronicles the 2003-2004 season of the Los Angeles Lakers, beginning in training camp in Hawaii, on through the turbulent regular season and playoffs, until the day Lakers management told him the team was going to take a different direction. This paper reviews Jackson's book and concludes that Jackson's vast experience as a head coach, his unmatched knowledge of the game of basketball, and the volatile combination of personalities and egos on the 2004 Lakers roster provide for fascinating reading.
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of substance abuse in sports today. The paper points out that of all the controversial issues regarding contemporary sports, such as skyrocketing player salaries, unaffordable ticket prices, over expansion and ridiculously long playoff seasons, the most pressing of all is substance abuse. The paper further discusses how the lenient responses in the past to substance abuse by prominent professional athletes have sent the hypocritical and dangerous message to young athletes of high school age and even younger that substance abuse is not that big a deal and that it OK to use performance enhancing drugs.
Abstract Scholars researching the mass media have argued that the media is both the producer as well as the product of social inequality. As even the briefest review of the magazine rack of any bookstore in Canada would reveal, the dominant imagery in the mass media - or at least the print mass media - is that of young, beautiful females. Sport magazines (e.g., Sports Illustrated, Shape, Women's Fitness) are no exception to this rule. This paper argues the thesis that the representation of women and female athletes in our society reinforces sexism through a calculated representation of the aesthetics of the female body as the sole attribute of value of women in our culture.
Abstract The paper reveals that knee injuries are one of the most common human injuries, especially with regard to sports injuries. The paper discusses each type of knee injury, including a brief description of the injury and a basic description of the surgical procedure used to correct it. The paper also describes the rehabilitation expected, the time frame for recovery and the types of strengthening programs suggested. This includes ultrasounds, stem machines and ice and heat. The paper relates what kind of weight training can be done prior to surgery to improve the injury, or simply maintain the strength of the knee in preparation for surgery.
Outline:
Introduction
Types of Knee Injuries
Surgery
Recovery
From the Paper "Most ACL injuries occur during jumping which are commonly non-contact deceleration-valgus-external rotation injuries like those that occur while involved in gymnastics or while playing basketball. Cutting of the ACL ligaments also occurs when sports equipment like the cleats of other players or a ski breaks the bands that hold the ACL system together. More than 70% of all knee injuries include an ACL injury. Forced hyperextension and deceleration-internal rotation are less common but when they occur they can also involve the PCL, often occuring in women and young girls."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of steroids in professional sports. According to the paper, as sports get more competitive, more athletes are turning to steroid drugs to assist them in gaining and/or maintaining the edge. The paper reports that the most common type of steroid is anabolic or anabolic-androgenic which is created from the male hormone testosterone.
From the Paper "Women experience a "masculinization" due to the male hormones taken into the body (ESPN). Women also experience baldness problems along with breast reduction, deepened voice, and the growth of facial hair (NIDA).
Both sexes can experience a variety of other problems such as acne, weight gain, liver damage, increased change of heart problems, increased cholesterol and tendon damage (ESPN). Adolescence may experience even more difficult problems. Particularly, steroids can stop growth early which means that the growth spurt that comes in the late teens may be eliminated resulting in a shorter adult (NIDA). Additional physical problems may result from the way the drugs are taken. Since many are injected into the body, hepatitis and HIV can be passed through needles (ESPN)."
Abstract In this article, the writer explores the history of physical education, within the school systems as well as the views about the profession. The writer examines why children need physical education and debates the current duties of a physical education teacher compared to past duties. The writer presents a defense of the physical education teaching profession using solid research and current trends. The writer concludes that while there has been a perceptual issue in the past about the professionalism of a physical education teacher, that perception has changed in recent years. The writer maintains that today, physical education teachers are dedicated to not only teaching sports to their students, but also to the instilling a lifelong understanding of the importance of physical fitness and health.
Outline:
Introduction
What Has Changed
The PE Teacher Today
A Nation Divided
Why
Proof- It is a Work Profession
Obstacles
Conclusion
From the Paper "For many years physical education teachers were considered the "easy" teachers. They dragged out a dodge ball and watched the students play until the bell rang. More recently however the medical field has convinced society of the importance of physical exercise and maintaining physical fitness. When this happened the physical education teacher became much more important in the total picture of education. Today, physical education is a vital part of education. The physical education teacher provides a life long foundation for fitness and health that will allow the student to maintain the ability to pursue the career and personal interests that the other subjects train them for. Physical education teaching used to be considered a profession of leisure but today it is highly respected as its rightful profession of work."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the sport of soccer and how it has slowly been integrated into American society. The paper reports how soccer is still not considered to be a mainstream sport, but that more and more adults and youth are starting to to get caught up in the soccer "culture" that has been predominant in other countries worldwide.
From the Paper "As recently as twenty years ago soccer was seen by the vast majority of Americans as a foreign sport, as a sport that was only played in Europe and a sport that was totally useless. Since that time things have slowly changed and with the hosting of the 1994 World Cup in the United States, Americans were introduced to a sport that was as vibrant and colorful as some of the teams that played it in front of sold out crowds. The 1994 World Cup was one of the most profitable soccer tournaments ever held, and it had an immediate impact on the American soccer community, as well as American society in general.
The participation by crowds of Americans and foreigners interacting while observing the teams and players on the soccer pitches across America woke a 'sleeping giant'. Long before this event took place many in America's government knew that the world was to become modernized and with that modernization would also come a globalization. "
