Sexual relationships between coaches and athlete are something that often overlooked or simply not discussed, but it is a growing problem. 159 coaches have been fired in the past decade in Washington alone. What's worse is that although charged with cases of sexual misconduct 98 continue to coach. A coach is a person a young athlete looks up to with admiration and respect. They place a lot of trust in their coach to lead them to the next level. Many coaches even play the role as parent. This loving, trusting relationship can turn bad in an instant.
Unfortunately, some of the time school districts can become so caught up in statistics and wins, they overlook the big picture and hire someone who has been accused of sexual violations. An example of this arose in Yakima County with a girl's high school golf coach. Although accused in a nearby county of groping girls the school district decided his success record was to hard to pass by. I find this disturbing. How can the school officials allow girl's lives to be in danger for the benefit of a sports team. I do not believe high school sports are that important. Schools are meant to protect their students, not hire a coaching predator.
I feel an incoming coach needs to have his record thoroughly examined along with several letters of recommendation. I understand this will not eliminate the problem, but we can keep it from continuing. The first accusation of sexual misconduct, the coach needs to be thoroughly examined. If found true the coach needs to be fired immediately. No second chances should exist. I feel the response the school uses now is ineffective. Typically the agency closes a case without conducting an examination, if they do they take years to investigate a case. Also, even when serious wrong doing is found the resulting discipline is meek. This type of environment is unacceptable for the young athlete. One should feel safe under the supervision of their coach, not vandalized.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Athletics Role in College
Many people condemn the large role sports play in universities. They feel it undermines the educational values the college is there to provide. I strongly disagree with this notion. If anything I would argue the athletics programs enhances the school's purpose. What creates greater school pride than the whole student body coming together to cheer on the football team against their greatest rivals. When choosing schools many people look for schools with a strong student body relationship. Collegiate athletics is becoming as popular as professional ones. Alumni are able to cheer on their old teams and continue their school spirit after graduation. Big sports like basketball, baseball, and football draw in a large crowd. This large fan base brings in revenue. Many people question where this money goes. According to an article by Peter J. Schwartz there are four places money ends up:
1. The university itself, for "academic purposes"
2. The university athletic department.
3. The university's athletic conference.
4. Local communities with a vested interest in the team.
If money is going to the university and the community I would say it is definitely working towards welfare greater than the athletic department itself. The same however cannot be said for other student organizations such as band, choir, or theater.
Secondly, athletic events allow students much needed time to draw away from their studies to an otherwise healthy environment. Drugs and alcohol are forbidden at these events. Let's be honest, most other times college students spend away from studying involves alcohol. Therefore, sporting events provide a safe place for students to mingle. Some question the attitude the young athletes take on. They say it goes to their head and they feel as if they rule campus. As a kinesiology major, I am around many of these young great athletes and I have not heard one of them make an arrogant remark in class. I feel other's concerns with athletics large role in the university is silly. Athletics helps the university, creates stronger bonds among students, and brings in large amounts of revenue to be used among the university.
1. The university itself, for "academic purposes"
2. The university athletic department.
3. The university's athletic conference.
4. Local communities with a vested interest in the team.
If money is going to the university and the community I would say it is definitely working towards welfare greater than the athletic department itself. The same however cannot be said for other student organizations such as band, choir, or theater.
Secondly, athletic events allow students much needed time to draw away from their studies to an otherwise healthy environment. Drugs and alcohol are forbidden at these events. Let's be honest, most other times college students spend away from studying involves alcohol. Therefore, sporting events provide a safe place for students to mingle. Some question the attitude the young athletes take on. They say it goes to their head and they feel as if they rule campus. As a kinesiology major, I am around many of these young great athletes and I have not heard one of them make an arrogant remark in class. I feel other's concerns with athletics large role in the university is silly. Athletics helps the university, creates stronger bonds among students, and brings in large amounts of revenue to be used among the university.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Coaching Still Lacks Diversity
Although encouragement of hiring women there has not been a dramatic growth of either them in professional coaching. Title IX stimulated women's introduction and participation in sports, a small percentage is involved in coaching. With few women coaching women's sports, they are almost never seen coaching men's sports on the professional or college level.
There are a wide array of reasons the number of male coaches could significantly outnumber female ones. One reason offered is that males play a more dominate role in sports because the role the athlete's dad played in their childhood. Often dads are the more athletically driven one in parenthood, that drives their young child to participate in sport. They grow up coaching them, so when they arrive at the professional level the athlete is used to having the male figure play the coaching role in their life.
Many assume men are just overall better coaches than women. Women do not have the same great stats as some men have, but women have had less opportunity to prove their potential as coaches. Usually males are seen as fiercer, more competitive, and have a greater edge that makes them better coaches. I do not believe this is true. Women can be just as competitive and driven as their male equivalent.
Is it possible that fewer women are interested in becoming coaches and aren't drawn to the sidelines? This I see as a definite possibility. With few women in professional college positions, I could imagine few see this a career option. I can also imagine its hard to hold a professional coaching positions while being wife and mother. The coaching job is very demanding and requires a large time commitment. I believe fewer women are interested in making that sort of commitment. I feel we can do more to bring in women to the coaching world. Although t gender equality has grown significantly with the passage of Title IX there is still a long way to go.
There are a wide array of reasons the number of male coaches could significantly outnumber female ones. One reason offered is that males play a more dominate role in sports because the role the athlete's dad played in their childhood. Often dads are the more athletically driven one in parenthood, that drives their young child to participate in sport. They grow up coaching them, so when they arrive at the professional level the athlete is used to having the male figure play the coaching role in their life.
Many assume men are just overall better coaches than women. Women do not have the same great stats as some men have, but women have had less opportunity to prove their potential as coaches. Usually males are seen as fiercer, more competitive, and have a greater edge that makes them better coaches. I do not believe this is true. Women can be just as competitive and driven as their male equivalent.
Is it possible that fewer women are interested in becoming coaches and aren't drawn to the sidelines? This I see as a definite possibility. With few women in professional college positions, I could imagine few see this a career option. I can also imagine its hard to hold a professional coaching positions while being wife and mother. The coaching job is very demanding and requires a large time commitment. I believe fewer women are interested in making that sort of commitment. I feel we can do more to bring in women to the coaching world. Although t gender equality has grown significantly with the passage of Title IX there is still a long way to go.
Unfair Advantages
There is much debate in sports over creating equality of the playing field. Drug testing for steroids, gender testing, age groups all help even out competition in sports. Not much thought however, is given to disabled athletes. The few leagues that do exist are not given much credit. People that are born with physical disabilities, blind or death, or with mental disabilities have almost no hope of becoming athletic superstars.
At schools for the blind and deaf they have sporting events for their students to participate in. These sports are not given much attention by the public. Rarely do they lead to college university scholarships. I feel many of these students have a lot of potential. But since they are handicapped, they need more help. I feel if more attention is given to these athletes many could go somewhere. Just because they are disadvantaged does not mean they are incapable of being champions. Working in the sports field, I would want to work to provide these handicapped children more opportunities. It would bring me great pride to give a child, with lost hope of becoming professional athletes, that hope again.
Some organizations such as, the Special Olympics, work towards incorporating people with special needs into athletic events. They want to make dreams for these children possible. They create acceptance, grow courage, teach teamwork, and build pride in the young athlete. Not only do they build each child's self-esteem do they construct stronger communities. They involve a diverse group of people and individuals to volunteer and organize the events. Bringing together a multitude of people for a good cause creates lasting friendships and trust. I think this a great idea and could be modeled for other disciplines of the sporting world. The Special Olympics focus on the true values in sports. I hope this aspect will widen to more areas of sports because there are many other disabled and disadvantaged athletes who never get the same opportunity to experience these values and all sports have to offer. I want a broader range of athletes capable of participating in the sporting world.
At schools for the blind and deaf they have sporting events for their students to participate in. These sports are not given much attention by the public. Rarely do they lead to college university scholarships. I feel many of these students have a lot of potential. But since they are handicapped, they need more help. I feel if more attention is given to these athletes many could go somewhere. Just because they are disadvantaged does not mean they are incapable of being champions. Working in the sports field, I would want to work to provide these handicapped children more opportunities. It would bring me great pride to give a child, with lost hope of becoming professional athletes, that hope again.
Some organizations such as, the Special Olympics, work towards incorporating people with special needs into athletic events. They want to make dreams for these children possible. They create acceptance, grow courage, teach teamwork, and build pride in the young athlete. Not only do they build each child's self-esteem do they construct stronger communities. They involve a diverse group of people and individuals to volunteer and organize the events. Bringing together a multitude of people for a good cause creates lasting friendships and trust. I think this a great idea and could be modeled for other disciplines of the sporting world. The Special Olympics focus on the true values in sports. I hope this aspect will widen to more areas of sports because there are many other disabled and disadvantaged athletes who never get the same opportunity to experience these values and all sports have to offer. I want a broader range of athletes capable of participating in the sporting world.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Aggression in Football
Aggression in football is what makes the sport so likable. The combat draws in millions of fans. Its a sport for tough men. Athletes know it is an aggressive sport going into it. For this reason, very few girls desire to be apart of it. When young boys sign up for this sport in high school they are fully aware its physical. That being said I do not think it is right to compare the people who allow football to be played as equals to those who allow dog fighting.
Football players enjoy their sport. They have a great passion for it. Take away that passion and they will not be happy. The meaning of life is to live it to the fullest, not the longest. The football team brings great spirit to schools. Homecoming is centered around it. We can alter such a central American theme. Yes, football players may receive some long-lasting injuries. But this is the same case in all sports. There is always a risk for trouble. Cheerleaders, volleyball players, soccer players, anything physical can result injury. We can live our life in fear of what could be. Football players are glorifies. They enjoy their high role in American culture.
Football players enjoy their sport. They have a great passion for it. Take away that passion and they will not be happy. The meaning of life is to live it to the fullest, not the longest. The football team brings great spirit to schools. Homecoming is centered around it. We can alter such a central American theme. Yes, football players may receive some long-lasting injuries. But this is the same case in all sports. There is always a risk for trouble. Cheerleaders, volleyball players, soccer players, anything physical can result injury. We can live our life in fear of what could be. Football players are glorifies. They enjoy their high role in American culture.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Athletic Scholarships
I just finished reading John R. Gerdy's article "For True Reform Athletic Scholarships Must Go." I found it very interesting and really got me thinking. I had never before attributed the negative consequences of sports to something as simple as athletic scholarship. The points Gerdy makes, are very clear and make sense, but I think it goes further than athletic scholarship. I feel the real route to the problems in sports are money. By problems I mean doping; fighting among parents, referees, and coaches; lying and cheating.
From the time a child can walk parents can now have them participate in sports. They want them to grow up and be the next athletic superstar. Parents will not hesitate at the chance to pull their child out of school so they can focus solely on their athletic pursuit. According to http://usa.usembassy.de/sports-youth.htm, in 2003, 58% of boys and 51% of girls in high school played sports. This is an outstanding number. Not all of these student athletes can go on to be professionals, but I am sure almost all of them have dreams of being the best. This has caused the "win at all costs motto" children abide by. This dreams of stardom leads to the crazy parents on the sidelines screaming at their kids and starting fights with rules officials. Is this what sports should be about? Absolutely not!
I firmly believe sports are great for kids. Its an easy outlet for their built-up energy, builds cognitive skills like problem solving, and teaches dedication. Sports should also be about (which at current times I feel they aren't) honesty and learning to work together as a team. If every athlete is in it for himself, to win and accept nothing less, they lose these essential values. Setting goals and achieving them builds confidence. Winning is not the problem. Its that poor idea stuck in the kid's mind that if they lose all hell breaks lose that is wrong.
From the points presented above, I think too much emphasis is placed on the money aspect of sports. Eliminating athletic scholarships in favor of need-based financial aide is a radical, awesome idea. I feel one of the biggest critics of this idea is that little money will be given to minorities who use sports as an outlet to escape the poor conditions they grow up in. This is where people are wrong. If it is still need-based, the poorer students (many who are of minority status) will still be given financial assistance. The only difference will be academics must come first. If athletes are held to the same standards as the rest of the student body they will grow up knowing they must work hard in high school to go on to play collegiate sports. These student-athletes who succeed will be more well-rounded because they know how to handle schoolwork and sports.
The athletic scholarship requires a player to play, be the best no matter the circumstances. Players can miss time on the athletic field or their scholarship could be dropped. This leads to players playing when they are injured and would be better off resting. The athlete believes they are at the school only to play ball and quite frankly when athletic scholarships are given that is their sole purpose. The stereotypes around jocks assume they have no expectation to make good grades are even have more than minimal intelligence at that. If colleges switch over to need-based financial aid, athletes will feel they have other options at the school. If they do not like the college coaching tactics, they do not have to play and their financial assistance will not be revoked. I understand this is hard concept for Americans to accept, but I believe the sporting world is in need of a desperate makeover.
From the time a child can walk parents can now have them participate in sports. They want them to grow up and be the next athletic superstar. Parents will not hesitate at the chance to pull their child out of school so they can focus solely on their athletic pursuit. According to http://usa.usembassy.de/sports-youth.htm, in 2003, 58% of boys and 51% of girls in high school played sports. This is an outstanding number. Not all of these student athletes can go on to be professionals, but I am sure almost all of them have dreams of being the best. This has caused the "win at all costs motto" children abide by. This dreams of stardom leads to the crazy parents on the sidelines screaming at their kids and starting fights with rules officials. Is this what sports should be about? Absolutely not!
I firmly believe sports are great for kids. Its an easy outlet for their built-up energy, builds cognitive skills like problem solving, and teaches dedication. Sports should also be about (which at current times I feel they aren't) honesty and learning to work together as a team. If every athlete is in it for himself, to win and accept nothing less, they lose these essential values. Setting goals and achieving them builds confidence. Winning is not the problem. Its that poor idea stuck in the kid's mind that if they lose all hell breaks lose that is wrong.
From the points presented above, I think too much emphasis is placed on the money aspect of sports. Eliminating athletic scholarships in favor of need-based financial aide is a radical, awesome idea. I feel one of the biggest critics of this idea is that little money will be given to minorities who use sports as an outlet to escape the poor conditions they grow up in. This is where people are wrong. If it is still need-based, the poorer students (many who are of minority status) will still be given financial assistance. The only difference will be academics must come first. If athletes are held to the same standards as the rest of the student body they will grow up knowing they must work hard in high school to go on to play collegiate sports. These student-athletes who succeed will be more well-rounded because they know how to handle schoolwork and sports.
The athletic scholarship requires a player to play, be the best no matter the circumstances. Players can miss time on the athletic field or their scholarship could be dropped. This leads to players playing when they are injured and would be better off resting. The athlete believes they are at the school only to play ball and quite frankly when athletic scholarships are given that is their sole purpose. The stereotypes around jocks assume they have no expectation to make good grades are even have more than minimal intelligence at that. If colleges switch over to need-based financial aid, athletes will feel they have other options at the school. If they do not like the college coaching tactics, they do not have to play and their financial assistance will not be revoked. I understand this is hard concept for Americans to accept, but I believe the sporting world is in need of a desperate makeover.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The Sports Hero
Our discussion this week in class about Joe Louis made me give a lot og thought to what we consider a sport's hero. Is it their dominence on the field or in the arena? Is it what they do for scoiety outside of athletism? I find it hard to admire a person who is not a good person. Recent scandal with Tiger Woods has created much debate in the athletic world. He is a world-class golfer. He has won numerous majors more than anyone else. He is a golfing legend. Now debate has errupted over him cheating on his wife with many women. He just had a baby girl too. I do not considerate this right. As a golfer, before this incident I had a lot of respect for Tiger Woods but now I can't say that I do.
Another athlete under scrutiny is Lance Armstrong. He has done so much good for the world in terms of cancer research. He has raised millions of dollars and proved that a cancer survivor can accomplish anything. He is a great role model. However, many people our questioning his success because accusations of gene doping. Even if he has I still respect as a person. In my eyes he is a hero.
Another athlete under scrutiny is Lance Armstrong. He has done so much good for the world in terms of cancer research. He has raised millions of dollars and proved that a cancer survivor can accomplish anything. He is a great role model. However, many people our questioning his success because accusations of gene doping. Even if he has I still respect as a person. In my eyes he is a hero.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Race in Sports
The movie Salute presented a very interesting narrative in the lives of three runners. Two were African American and one was white. I was impressed by the way they came together to stand up for equal rights for all. Equality is a difficult dimension to create in sport. Everyone has a different idea of what is fair. For example doping, gender rights, and racial issues all fall under this category.
Is it fair for one athlete to take a drug to enhance his performance while his competitors do not? Of course not. One of the toughest parts of ensuring equality in sport is determining where to draw the line. How much substance is too much? Daily vitamins and prescriptions are not illegal, but even just take these simple things can enhance one's performance. Mentioned before is the concept of gene doping. If in the future we have the ability to create children before they are even born with ideal genes there will be trouble when it comes time to compete with children who are not made in laboratories.
Equality also touches on sexual and gender issues. It is an accepted belief that boys are better suited for sports than girls and that is why they compete in different divisions. It is clearly evident boys are stronger than girls, have more muscle, and are faster. What about the people who change genders. I feel that if a man has a sex change to a woman he should have to compete in the field with the men, even though he calls himself a women. Women who have sex changes, however I feel should compete with the men after a sex change. They have been taking testosterone and therefore will have different body types than the normal women. Last class, we talked of gender testing. I do not believe that is something we need to do until at least the elite level of sport is hit. I remember on my youth soccer team there was a girl with short hair. One game the opposing coach demanded to see her soccer card to prove she was a girl. My poor 8-year old teammate was humiliated and hurt.
Race also plays an interesting role in equality. I believe African Americans are better than whites in numerous sports such as distance running and basketball. That being said I still believe we should compete on the same field. In my eyes they are fortunate to have that added ability and should no way be taken away from them. It is the same idea of a tall versus short basketball player. We do not need to create two different leagues in basketball: one for the player over 5'6 and one for the players under it. That is getting ridiculous.
What makes sports exciting is to see fair competition. Drawing the line for fair competition though is getting harder and harder. If regulations try to divide up sports into more equal playing fields based on every different category lines just get messy and there is difficulty determining a true champion. Lets keep the fields as open as possible and if someone is born with a natural gift so be it. What I do not want to see though, is someone after the fact taking a drug or getting a sex change to better themselves in sports.
Is it fair for one athlete to take a drug to enhance his performance while his competitors do not? Of course not. One of the toughest parts of ensuring equality in sport is determining where to draw the line. How much substance is too much? Daily vitamins and prescriptions are not illegal, but even just take these simple things can enhance one's performance. Mentioned before is the concept of gene doping. If in the future we have the ability to create children before they are even born with ideal genes there will be trouble when it comes time to compete with children who are not made in laboratories.
Equality also touches on sexual and gender issues. It is an accepted belief that boys are better suited for sports than girls and that is why they compete in different divisions. It is clearly evident boys are stronger than girls, have more muscle, and are faster. What about the people who change genders. I feel that if a man has a sex change to a woman he should have to compete in the field with the men, even though he calls himself a women. Women who have sex changes, however I feel should compete with the men after a sex change. They have been taking testosterone and therefore will have different body types than the normal women. Last class, we talked of gender testing. I do not believe that is something we need to do until at least the elite level of sport is hit. I remember on my youth soccer team there was a girl with short hair. One game the opposing coach demanded to see her soccer card to prove she was a girl. My poor 8-year old teammate was humiliated and hurt.
Race also plays an interesting role in equality. I believe African Americans are better than whites in numerous sports such as distance running and basketball. That being said I still believe we should compete on the same field. In my eyes they are fortunate to have that added ability and should no way be taken away from them. It is the same idea of a tall versus short basketball player. We do not need to create two different leagues in basketball: one for the player over 5'6 and one for the players under it. That is getting ridiculous.
What makes sports exciting is to see fair competition. Drawing the line for fair competition though is getting harder and harder. If regulations try to divide up sports into more equal playing fields based on every different category lines just get messy and there is difficulty determining a true champion. Lets keep the fields as open as possible and if someone is born with a natural gift so be it. What I do not want to see though, is someone after the fact taking a drug or getting a sex change to better themselves in sports.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Promoting Women's Sports with Sexual Appeal
Its a shared belief by many that men are just plain better at sports. Although I am a female I will not argue this. I would much rather go watch the skillful of a men's professional basketball team than a females. Popularity of women's sports has grown in recent years, although it still lacks far behind men. In order to raise popularity, I feel sports have been sexualizing female sports. Skimpier uniforms and hot shots of models on sports magazines are a common occurrence. Now young girls are able to cheer on the new, hot soccer player they idealize. And men of course, are attracted to the toned bodies of elite athletes.
Is this wrong though? These females work hard for their bodies. I don't find it wrong when Brandi Chastain ripped off her shirt in celebration after scoring the winning goal. If the females are comfortable showing their bodies to the public then I feel its fine. Its the 21st century. Pornography is oh so popular nowadays, so the athlete promoting their bodies in sexy shots is not nearly as scandalous.
Is this wrong though? These females work hard for their bodies. I don't find it wrong when Brandi Chastain ripped off her shirt in celebration after scoring the winning goal. If the females are comfortable showing their bodies to the public then I feel its fine. Its the 21st century. Pornography is oh so popular nowadays, so the athlete promoting their bodies in sexy shots is not nearly as scandalous.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
McDonalds is Guilty??
I have seen the movie Supersize Me before and am not a big fan of it. The movie I feel wants to place blame of the obesity epidemic on McDonalds. McDonalds is just another business trying to bring in as much money as possible. Some people try to say its McDonalds fault they are fat and unhealthy. But McDonalds just like every other big business is swayed by demand. If people demanded healthier foods they would provide it. They offer salads and fresh-fit meals, but the hamburger and fries are still more popular. Put simply, people just do not want to take responsibility for their own actions.
Americans can eat out and be healthy. They can also stay at home, and eat a more fattening, calorie-dense meal than if they were to go out. It is all what a person contentiously decides to put in his mouth. Nowadays, we are educated from a young age that fast food is not good for us. Therefore, when we overindulge in greasy, fried foods we cannot blame the company that made it. It is the same as if one began smoking, got lung cancer and blamed the poor farmers growing tobacco. He knew the consequences when he smoked those thousands of cigarettes. The farmers are just trying to make ends meet by providing what society demands. Also note that he would have to smoke thousands of cigarettes before reeking the consequences of tobacco. It is the same for fast food. One hamburger is not going to make you fat, but eating them day in and out will. My point being, you are contentiously deciding time after time again to make the unhealthy choice. You have plenty of opportunity along the way to change your habits.
I wish Americans could take responsibility for their actions and for the good of themselves to eat right. It seems as if it is in our culture its easy to point fingers. Hopefully, the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle will catch on. When citizens begin demanding nutritious foods the fast food joints in response will offer healthier options.
Americans can eat out and be healthy. They can also stay at home, and eat a more fattening, calorie-dense meal than if they were to go out. It is all what a person contentiously decides to put in his mouth. Nowadays, we are educated from a young age that fast food is not good for us. Therefore, when we overindulge in greasy, fried foods we cannot blame the company that made it. It is the same as if one began smoking, got lung cancer and blamed the poor farmers growing tobacco. He knew the consequences when he smoked those thousands of cigarettes. The farmers are just trying to make ends meet by providing what society demands. Also note that he would have to smoke thousands of cigarettes before reeking the consequences of tobacco. It is the same for fast food. One hamburger is not going to make you fat, but eating them day in and out will. My point being, you are contentiously deciding time after time again to make the unhealthy choice. You have plenty of opportunity along the way to change your habits.
I wish Americans could take responsibility for their actions and for the good of themselves to eat right. It seems as if it is in our culture its easy to point fingers. Hopefully, the consequences of an unhealthy lifestyle will catch on. When citizens begin demanding nutritious foods the fast food joints in response will offer healthier options.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Different Fields of Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a broad field. It is defined as the science of movement. Many people connotate kinesiology with health promotion and physical fitness. However, I believe there are two different world within Kinesiology. One that is beneficial to the good of all. This is the one I mentioned above, helping individuals do be more active and live healthier, more quality lives. The other side I am not as supportive of. I feel there is a side in Kinesiology that focuses on self-interest. This is a new concept that was revolutionized in the 20th century.
Greed has become a large part of sport nowadays, and in turn has become part of kinesiology. Americas are paying a person millions of dollars to run around a base. In this quest for publicity, we have been sexualizing sport. Girls and boys alike are idolized for their bodies and not even necessarily their talent. Many of these athletes are on steroids and drugs to make themselves more appealing. What kind of example is this setting for society? I want to be a nation about more than looks and statistics. In this sense, sports have lost the values of teamwork, perseverance, and hardwork.
Additionally, the greed comes out in the sport business now capitalizing our market. I consider the major of sport management less respectable than other majors. People involved in this aspect of sporting world are not interested in helping society. They are in it to make money, or to create power for themselves. I dislike this world within Kinesiology, and wish rather we could have a greater focus on helping an individual and thus improving society. I do not want to be the field that brings the world into a greater focus on consumerism and commercialism. I feel we need retract a bit to where Kinesiology started: the study of movement not amplifying greed.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
New Emphasis on Money
We discussed in class the new themes emerging in sports. Originally, intended as a display of power and strength, sports have come a long way in our society. Their popularity has grown dramatically. Physical education is now a requirement in school, and it is the accepted norm to try a range of sports in your youth because everyone it seems has some "natural talent".
Media has capitalized on this increased popularity. As Janice Todd noted, the 2010 Superbowl drew in more spectators than has any other television event. With over a hundred million people watching one sporting event how can we overlook the influence of sports to our lives, particularly in America. Everyone knows how expensive commercials during the superbowl are. I feel association to a team or successful athlete is important. Clothing apparel, car decals, cups, posters, all highlighting sports exist. There exists an increased demand for sporting objects. Companies are capitalizing on this. Athletes are one of the highest paid people than America. Successful ones easily make more than doctors, lawyers, or actors. Tiger Woods became the first athlete a few years ago to earn over a billion dollars. That is a tremendous amount of money.
New technologies are always being created to better enhance the athlete in whatever the sport. I would argue every 3 months a new line of golf clubs emerges claiming to drop one's golf score by 5 strokes. Having the best available equipment is fundamental to the athlete. Research and development must be creating a large share of money. The modern sporting world is definitely a capital business. Revenue is a characteristic of the sporting world.
Media has capitalized on this increased popularity. As Janice Todd noted, the 2010 Superbowl drew in more spectators than has any other television event. With over a hundred million people watching one sporting event how can we overlook the influence of sports to our lives, particularly in America. Everyone knows how expensive commercials during the superbowl are. I feel association to a team or successful athlete is important. Clothing apparel, car decals, cups, posters, all highlighting sports exist. There exists an increased demand for sporting objects. Companies are capitalizing on this. Athletes are one of the highest paid people than America. Successful ones easily make more than doctors, lawyers, or actors. Tiger Woods became the first athlete a few years ago to earn over a billion dollars. That is a tremendous amount of money.
New technologies are always being created to better enhance the athlete in whatever the sport. I would argue every 3 months a new line of golf clubs emerges claiming to drop one's golf score by 5 strokes. Having the best available equipment is fundamental to the athlete. Research and development must be creating a large share of money. The modern sporting world is definitely a capital business. Revenue is a characteristic of the sporting world.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Steroids in Sporting Events
Prior to taking this class, I must admit I was a little niiave to the steroid use in sports. First off, I did not realize to what extent steroids were in use to enhance performance and additionally, to what a wide-range athletic enhancing drugs had spread. There is no clear distinction between steroids and numerous other drugs such as the Human-growth hormone, cocaine, or beta-blockers. After watching the video today in class, my stance on steroids has changed. I initially condemned them, as short-cuts, ways to avoid hard-work. But I now feel those athletes who use steroids are the ones most dedicated.
I would not go so far as to say steroids should be legalized in all sporting events. I still feel it undermines the core aspects of sporting events. But times are changing. The things our "founding fathers" anticipate never end up the way they plan anyway. For instance that is why we created the Constitution. The Articles of Confederation did not allow for change in America, which we now see is so clearly needed. Why then should the same concept not be applied to sports? I think people need to be able to reason with the idea of steroid use in sports. However, I think regulation of these steroids must increase. If governmental regulation is not increased, I feel people are more likely to get hurt by the effects of steroid use.
A large number of people take steroids. These range from professional athletes to local gym enthusiasts; from both old to young. One would think since steroids are illegal people would have trouble getting their hands on them, but that is not true. High-school students even are getting them. And with all the pressure from coaches and parents to get stronger and bigger faster, they see steroids as a quick turn to. I mean its your football season junior year, one of the last opportunities your going to have to make yourself known to college coaches. Why not injects some steroids, bulk yourself up to stand out against everyone else. For many people, I feel the problem of steroids is the worry of health problems. This is valid concern. Yet, most of the results show steroid has more short-term effects than long-term, and these short-term consequences are reversible if someone stops taking the steroids. Others may say, injecting yourself with drugs is cheating. The whole concept of sports is competition and creating an advantage against you and your opponent. Steroids are not alternatives to hard-work and practice. They may actually help an athlete to work harder because they allow them to see the effects more rapidly.
In conclusion, I am not necessarily saying yes let us legalize steroids in sports. I am now much more open to the idea, and I think others should at least view the argument from both sides. It is so easy to take the route saying steroids are drugs and drugs are cheating. However, I think the steroid world needs to be viewed from two different angles. If it was greatly regulated I feel any potential long-term consequences of the drugs would be realized and we could exclude that product from the steroid. Now doing it all illegally and behind closed doors, humans are more likely to hurt themselves.
I would not go so far as to say steroids should be legalized in all sporting events. I still feel it undermines the core aspects of sporting events. But times are changing. The things our "founding fathers" anticipate never end up the way they plan anyway. For instance that is why we created the Constitution. The Articles of Confederation did not allow for change in America, which we now see is so clearly needed. Why then should the same concept not be applied to sports? I think people need to be able to reason with the idea of steroid use in sports. However, I think regulation of these steroids must increase. If governmental regulation is not increased, I feel people are more likely to get hurt by the effects of steroid use.
A large number of people take steroids. These range from professional athletes to local gym enthusiasts; from both old to young. One would think since steroids are illegal people would have trouble getting their hands on them, but that is not true. High-school students even are getting them. And with all the pressure from coaches and parents to get stronger and bigger faster, they see steroids as a quick turn to. I mean its your football season junior year, one of the last opportunities your going to have to make yourself known to college coaches. Why not injects some steroids, bulk yourself up to stand out against everyone else. For many people, I feel the problem of steroids is the worry of health problems. This is valid concern. Yet, most of the results show steroid has more short-term effects than long-term, and these short-term consequences are reversible if someone stops taking the steroids. Others may say, injecting yourself with drugs is cheating. The whole concept of sports is competition and creating an advantage against you and your opponent. Steroids are not alternatives to hard-work and practice. They may actually help an athlete to work harder because they allow them to see the effects more rapidly.
In conclusion, I am not necessarily saying yes let us legalize steroids in sports. I am now much more open to the idea, and I think others should at least view the argument from both sides. It is so easy to take the route saying steroids are drugs and drugs are cheating. However, I think the steroid world needs to be viewed from two different angles. If it was greatly regulated I feel any potential long-term consequences of the drugs would be realized and we could exclude that product from the steroid. Now doing it all illegally and behind closed doors, humans are more likely to hurt themselves.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Doping Allowed in Sports?
There was talk today in class of making two worlds for sports. One for the athletes who take drugs and steroids, and one for those who chose not to. I do not like this option. To be a top athlete one is acting as a role-model. Taking drugs does not depict a good image for youth. How can others admire an athlete for their superiority if those desired qualities are not even natural?
If two different federations were made to govern every sport I am fully confident the federation allowing doping will be lost and overlooked. As mentioned above, spectators cannot lookup to a "fake" athlete. As our knowledge of medicine expands more and more drugs will be developed enhancing athlete performance. I refuse to believe any of these enhancements actually help the human body, and as more are created it will just serve to hinder health. So by creating two worlds of sports humans will just be supporting this unnatural, harmful lifestyle.
Also, even if two worlds were created there would be tension between the two divisions. I believe the athletes on dope would be envious of the "natural" athlete. The "natural" athlete would become a sport champion the old fashion way: through hard-work and dedication. That diligence is what makes athletes so admired. Few would admire anyone taking the short-cut to get to the top. Therefore, creating two worlds for sports would only further progress the issues surrounding doping.
If two different federations were made to govern every sport I am fully confident the federation allowing doping will be lost and overlooked. As mentioned above, spectators cannot lookup to a "fake" athlete. As our knowledge of medicine expands more and more drugs will be developed enhancing athlete performance. I refuse to believe any of these enhancements actually help the human body, and as more are created it will just serve to hinder health. So by creating two worlds of sports humans will just be supporting this unnatural, harmful lifestyle.
Also, even if two worlds were created there would be tension between the two divisions. I believe the athletes on dope would be envious of the "natural" athlete. The "natural" athlete would become a sport champion the old fashion way: through hard-work and dedication. That diligence is what makes athletes so admired. Few would admire anyone taking the short-cut to get to the top. Therefore, creating two worlds for sports would only further progress the issues surrounding doping.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Reflections on Paul Brown
I was very disapointed in the classes reaction to the Paul Brown story. A coach cut old footballs in half and attached them to his players shirts, in order to confuse the other team so no one knew who had the ball. I find this incredibly wrong. It undermines the entire spirutuality of the game. He clearly intended to decieve the other team. That is in no way right ethically or morally.
I realize winning is important and I have just as much desire to be the champion as everyone else, but if you so blatently cheat, how can you call that winning? Its the same story from third grade: You and the other dude in class decide to sprint across the playground to decide who's fastest. You start the countdown.. 1-2- and he sprints off before ever hitting 3. I assume a similar story has probably happened to about everyone. When has anyone ever gone up to the other guy and been like great job you are totally beat me!? The kid who took off before the go totally cheated.
It is the exact same situation for the Paul Brown story. It would be one thing if Mr. Brown was trying to prove a point, but he simply did it to win. Not only are his values revolting but what kind of example is he setting for the student he is coaching? They are at a critical age. High school students are so easily swayed by the people around them, especially those with authority they are taught to respect. He is teaching them sports is about winning at whatever the cost. These same students would be the ones to go out take steriods and drugs to enhance their performance. Also, this mindset could be reflected in the classroom. It is better to cheat on the test, rather than fail the class. Avoid failing and neglect whatever morals and principles are in the way. It is a never ending, health-degrading cycle.
I realize winning is important and I have just as much desire to be the champion as everyone else, but if you so blatently cheat, how can you call that winning? Its the same story from third grade: You and the other dude in class decide to sprint across the playground to decide who's fastest. You start the countdown.. 1-2- and he sprints off before ever hitting 3. I assume a similar story has probably happened to about everyone. When has anyone ever gone up to the other guy and been like great job you are totally beat me!? The kid who took off before the go totally cheated.
It is the exact same situation for the Paul Brown story. It would be one thing if Mr. Brown was trying to prove a point, but he simply did it to win. Not only are his values revolting but what kind of example is he setting for the student he is coaching? They are at a critical age. High school students are so easily swayed by the people around them, especially those with authority they are taught to respect. He is teaching them sports is about winning at whatever the cost. These same students would be the ones to go out take steriods and drugs to enhance their performance. Also, this mindset could be reflected in the classroom. It is better to cheat on the test, rather than fail the class. Avoid failing and neglect whatever morals and principles are in the way. It is a never ending, health-degrading cycle.
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