Abstract This paper will discuss Randy Roberts' book, "Papa Jack: Jack Johnson and the Era of White Hopes" and seek to understand this boxer in light of the research that Roberts has done him. By understanding the life of a black boxer in the early years of the sport, we can see how this creative work uncover sthe racism and attitude of the boxing world in the era of Papa Jack.
Abstract This seven-page undergraduate paper discusses sports psychology. Sports psychology uses science to study the psychological factors that involve the training and performance of athletes and the various techniques that can be used to enhance their performances. It helps athletes to set effective and easily achievable short-term goals at the right level. It also teaches athletes to build self-confidence through goal setting. Sports psychology uses imaging and simulation to enhance technique building in athletes. Flow and Focus are other sports psychology techniques used to bring about exemplary athletes.
Abstract Examines the purpose of performance improvement and high-quality performance. Examines differences in research motivation in relation to athletic performance. Considers the need achievement model, intrinsic motivation, and the goal theory model.
From the Paper "How can coaches motivate athletes to perform to the best of their ability? The review of literature presented here attempts to answer this question by examining salient research. All studies examined ..."
Abstract Jackie Robinson became the first black person to enter major league baseball in 1947 when he became a Brooklyn Dodger. This paper discusses Robinson's effect on major league baseball. The discussion covers the league before, during, and after his playing time. The essay also focuses on the effects that entering the league had on him and his life before, during, and after his playing time in the majors.
From the Paper "During the time that Robinson played in the league he was the target of racial slurs and threats against his life. (Prince 1997) Historians have asserted that his teammates always presented a united front in public, although there was a great deal of racial tension behind the scenes. (Prince 1997) During the time that Robinson was in the leagues there were also other blacks added to the rosters of other major league teams. (Prince 1997)"
Abstract This paper examines the sociological and anthropological implications inherent in the commonplace ritual of a youth football match. Particularly, the paper describes a recent match involving two teams that coincidentally happened to have certain ethnic majorities on their roster. The paper examines why winning this match was so important to the parents and families of the children, and the paper also looks at the social organization, cultural economy, language, and semiotics of the soccer match ritual with an eye towards determining the greater truths and significances it holds.
From the Paper "It is often said that to truly understand cultures (and human beings more generally) it is necessary to review the rituals in which they participate. The following paper will focus upon one such ritual - namely, the ritual of the local soccer or "football" game which so often takes place at the near-by park or recreational center. In so doing, the paper will explore the social organization, cultural economy, language and semiotics of the ritual with the hope that the reader will be left with a better understanding of the deeper significances and structures which turn the every-day soccer or "football" match into a rich harvest for cultural anthropologists."
Abstract This paper discusses the controversy surrounding the African American boxer who was falsely accused, convicted, and imprisoned in reference to the Bob Dylan song. . The author examines the movie "Hurricane" and how it portrayed the racism in America that condemned a successful black man in the worst way.
From the Paper "Rubin "Hurricane" Carter was born on May 15, 1937 in New Jersey . He was a rough street kid from a lower-class family in the inner city. After having run-ins with the law at an early age, he joined the Army and later became one of the greatest boxers of all time. He should have been the middle weight boxing champion of the world, but instead spent almost 20 years in a New Jersey prison for a triple homicide that he was falsely accused of in 1976."
Abstract This paper studies the essay written by Norman Cousins in 1962 about who was responsible for the death of then famous boxer, Benny Paret. It looks at the dangers of boxing as a blood sport and questions whether wider social circles were to blame for his death.
From the Paper "In his 1962 essay "Who Killed Benny Paret?", Norman Cousins makes a strong argument against the propriety - and the morality - of professional boxing. He backs up his statement with quotes from an interview he did nearly three decades before he wrote this essay as well as facts from the then-recent death of boxer Benny Paret. Although the essay is a compelling argument about the physical dangers of boxing to participants and the moral dangers of boxing to those who watch the sport, the essay would be even more effective if it were not quite so repetitive and if the events that he is writing about were better known to today's readers."
Abstract The paper studies risk factors for developing coronary heart disease such as heredity, smoking and poor diet and the effect each has on the heart. It then goes on to examine how the use of moderate exercise can drastically reduce these risks and assesses several kinds of exercises.
From the Paper "Jogging has become very popular, especially with the onset of spring. Jogging, along with aerobics, dancercise, jazzercise, swimming, cycling, using treadmills and stair masters are forms of aerobics exercise. They are also called endurance exercises. Aerobics exercises help build endurance, keep the heart at a steady and elevated rates boosting HDL ("good" cholesterol), strengthen the bones in the spine, help maintain normal weight and improve one's sense of well being. Another form of exercise is isometric training-weight training. Isometric exercise builds muscle strength, helps maintain bone density, improves digestion, and some research indicates, lowers LDL ("bad" cholesterol). ""
Abstract The paper discusses the pros and cons of sports gambling, the problems with the betting - such as players receiving gifts from betting agents and the demoralization of the players and the game. The paper also studies the effect of sports betting on the economy.
From the Paper "Gambling and betting on sports can be traced back to the Greeks and Roman days, if not before. Risk is the essence of sports, and so is gambling. So it isn?t surprising to find the two hand in hand. But there are loud cries from politicians to pass bills against sport betting. The motivation for the bill can be traced to the Conservative Right and you can trace their thinking all the way back to the colonial period and the Puritans who tried to forbid gambling in New England. "The arguments we"re hearing in 2001 are exactly what moral leaders argued about in 1700? "
This paper reviews the book "Training the Body for China" by Brownell, which presents the practices, objects and activities of Chinese sports and material arts.
Abstract This paper discusses that, unlike Western sports, Chinese sports and martial art are developed based on religious beliefs; in China, sports are based on two native religions, Taoism and Confucianism. The author reviews Susan Brownell's "Training the Body for China" in which she shares her studies of Chinese Olympic sports and martial arts. For example, the author point out that, in sport, Chinese culture employs self-disciplinary actions to deal with misbehavior to sustain order, a value of Confucianism.
From the Paper "One of the beliefs Confucianism values is the importance of family; this notion is also the linkage between Confucianism and the practices Chinese sports. One of ethical lessons Confucianism teaches is Hsiao, which signifies love within family; this notion is also apparent in Chinese sports. According to Brownell, there has been a phenomenon of developing family-funded sports clubs and village-based associations among Chinese. Having family-funded sport clubs consisting family members as players clearly indicates how Confucianism value has become a part of Chinese life and sports."
From the Paper "The International Olympic Committee banned the use of anabolic steroids in 1976, and the American College of Sports Medicine produced a study in 1984 that examined the use of anabolic steroids. The study found that anabolic steroids contributed to increased body weight and could increase muscular strength in some athletes under proper conditions. The American college of Sports Medicine condemned the use of these drugs. Anabolic steroid use is associated with a variety of toxic effects, from adverse effects on the liver to effects on the male reproductive system (Dyment & Goldberg, 1989, 127).
"However, professional athletes and young athletes in high school and college are still using anabolic steroids as well. The scope of the problem is considerable. It is estimated that over one million Americans, half of them adolescents, use ..."
From the Paper "The drug, caffeine (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine), is consumed worldwide. It is found in tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Caffeine is also a common ingredient in headache medications and appetite suppressants. The drug's primary physiologic effects involve the central nervous system: Caffeine is a stimulant. In addition, over the past several decades, the compound's influence on sports-related performance has also been investigated. Various studies indicate that caffeine may improve endurance performance during long-term, low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise. It is thought that this effect may result from an increase in metabolic efficiency. Some investigators believe that caffeine enhances the utilization of blood borne free fatty acids. Unfortunately though, such factors as a lack of..."
Athletics as big business, role of TV, illegal payments, examples of scandals & punishments, pressure to turn pro, academic issues, reforms, sanctions, legalizing athletes' pay.
2,475 words (approx. 9.9 pages), 12 sources, 1996, $ 87.95
From the Paper "College sports are big business. A college or university with a successful football or basketball team can leverage its sports success to increase its donations from alumni, and television revenue from televised football and basketball games can significantly contribute to a school's operating budget. Because of this, recruiting efforts can be intense as schools seek to attract the most promising high school and community college players, and the motivation to violate rules set down by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) can be high. This research examines the economic impact of sports, particularly football, on colleges and universities, recent scandals involving players and coaches which have rocked the NCAA, and considers whether or not players at the collegiate level should be paid for ..."
Abstract Background
Basketball superstar Michael Jordan is the most "powerful"celebrity on the planet," according to a ranking by Forbes magazine on March 22, 1998. Those making the Forbes Celebrity 100 list were awarded
From the Paper "THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF MICHAEL JORDAN
Background
Basketball superstar Michael Jordan is the most "powerful"celebrity on the planet," according to a ranking by Forbes magazine on March 22, 1998. Those making the Forbes Celebrity 100 list were awarded a "power ranking" that measures 1998 income and media buzz - a blend of prominence on the Internet, magazine covers, on television and radio and in newspaper clips - that can also be a measure of future earnings power (Celebrity power..., 1998, 104). Thus, while comedian Jerry Seinfeld made the most money last year ($267 million) and teen heartthrob actor Leonardo DiCaprio appeared on the most magazine covers (14), it was Jordan who cashed in big time on his name ..."
From the Paper "Numerous incidents of violence at sporting events in Europe and the United States have increased concerns that the act of watching certain sporting events, especially those involving violence such as Ice Hockey, Rugby, or Football, creates in some spectators the impetus for violent behavior at or immediately following the event. Fans trying to support their team and challenge supporters of the opposing team sometimes get carried away and commit violence on those opposing fans. In some cases, supporters of the winning or losing team carry their feelings out into the street and commit acts of vandalism and violence in the immediate area. The issue this raises is how it can be controlled, and theorists are considering what practical psychological strategies can be developed and implemented to curb spectator violence for these sporting events."
