Causes and implications of violence

Question 1

What are the causes of player violence? (4 things)

Answer 1

1. Provoked (Eric Cantona Kung fu kick) / retaliation (Myles Garret helmet fight); by opponent, by teammates, crowd abuse, racism, violence on pitch copied
2. Nature of game; contact sports (rugby, football, american football), rules encourage violence (Ice hockey)
3. Dehumanising Weapons and kit; dehumanising protective gear (helmets), equipment which could be used as weapon (hockey sticks)
4. Drugs; testosterone, ‘roid rage’ from steroids

Question 2

What are the cause of spectator violence? (5 things)

Answer 2

1. Alcohol / social drugs; people lose their inhibitions, become more brave
2. Poor spectator provision; overcrowding (Hillsborough), poor stewarding, poor policing
3. Hooligans; organised violence, looking for a fight, used as an outlet of energy
4. Deindividuation; lose sense of individual identity in a crow, and diminished responsibility can cause violence when you usually wouldn’t be violent (lack of accountability)
   Imitating violence on the pitch

Question 3

What are the cause of player and spectator violence? (2 things)

Answer 3

1. Frustration; with referee decisions, score, performance

2. Importance of game / result; monetary reward (Wimbledon), cup match, league position decider, rivalry, derby

Question 4

Implications of violence IN sport (5 things)

Answer 4

1. Sport should mirror society
2. So tackling violent behaviour in society should help tackle violent behaviour in sport
3. Some spectators expect violence as part of the game (ice hockey)
4. Therefore violent actions on the field should be dealt with the same way as off the field
5. Increase in domestic violence during 2010 football world cup

Question 5

Implications of violence on society (5 things)

Answer 5

1. Sports performers are role models, s violence may be copied in society
2. Put parents off letting their children participate
3. Can lead to violence amongst spectators
   Sport is reflection of society, so if there is violence in sport it may be because society has violence in it
4. Violence in sport could indicate other social issues in wider society

Question 6

Implications of violence ON sport (6 things)

Answer 6

1. Can initiate changes in laws and rules of a sport to make violence less likely
2. Sport receives a bad name / profile / reputation
3. Can reduce participation
4. Loss of sponsors
5. Loss of public interest / support
6. Can make the sport more entertaining for media and spectators

Question 7

Implications on performer (4 things)

Answer 7

1. Punishment; disciplinary action and even legal action
2. Injury and even death in some cases
3. Loss of sponsors
4. Become a negative role model / detrimental to career