chapter 12: aggression and violence in...

CHAPTER 12: AGGRESSION AND VIOLENCE IN SPORT

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Definition

Aggression is a behavior directed toward the goal

of harming or injuring another living being

4 criteria for considering aggression:

It must be actual behavior

Must involve harm or injury

Must be directed toward another living thing

Must involve intent




Types of Aggression

Hostile aggression

Aggression against another human being with

the intent to harm

The reinforcement or goal is to inflict pain and

suffering on the victim

Always accompanied by anger




Instrumental aggression

Aggression against another human being with

the intent to harm

The reinforcement is to obtain some external

goal, such as victory or prestige

No anger




Theory of Aggression

Instinct Theory

The theory that human aggression is an innate

biological drive that cannot be eliminated, but

must be controlled through catharsis for the good

human kind.




Theory of Moral Reasoning and Aggression

An individual capacity to understand and

embrace standards of moral behavior

Asserts that an individual’s willingness to engage

in aggression is related to her stage of moral

reasoning




Reformulated Frustration-Aggression Theory

Frustration-aggression theory – aggression is a

natural response to frustration, and that the

aggression act provides a catharsis, or purging,

of the anger associated with the frustration

Reformulated-frustration aggression theory –

frustration does not necessarily result in an

aggressive response but does result in a readiness

for aggression




Social Learning Theory

Relative to aggression

A theory that posits that aggression is a function

of learning and that biological drive and

frustration are inadequate explanations for

aggression

A behavior learned through observing others and

then having similar behavior reinforced




Special Considerations Relative to Aggression in Sport

Spectators and Aggression

Watching some violent contact sport usually

increases a spectator’s readiness to be aggressive

Aggression usually does not occur unless other

environmental or game related factors are

present




Coaches and players should maintain emotional

control on the field to ensure that they are not

triggers for fan aggression

Parents should also educate their children about

the purposes of sport and the inappropriateness

of witnessing aggressive acts as a source of

enjoyment




Game reasoning and Aggression

Athletes view some aggressive acts as inappropriate

in general but appropriate in the sport environment

This double standard is called game reasoning

(bracketed morality)

Sport professional must specifically define

appropriate behavior and make clear that any form of

aggression not sanctioned in society is also

inappropriate in sport




Athletic Injuries and Aggression

Aggression is related to increased athletic injuries

Athletic Performance and Aggression

Some coaches and athletes believe that

aggressiveness enhances athletic performance

More central issues are whether they value enhanced

performance at the cost of increased aggression or

whether they are more concerned about how sport

affects its participants




Team Moral Atmosphere and Aggression

Athlete aggressiveness is influenced by team

norms and aggressiveness perceptions as well as

coach support for such norms

Coaches and teammates play an essential role in

creating a team moral atmosphere that influence

aggression in athletes




Sport Specific Aggression Determinants

Athletes behave aggressively because:

Someone has committed aggression against them

The opposition has annoyed them

They are highly ego oriented and have low level of

moral development

They want to show how tough they are

They believe it is part of their role

They feel group pressures to be aggressive




Factors associated with the occurrence of aggression in sport-specific situation:

Environment temperature

Perception of victim’s intent

Fear of retaliation

Structure of the game

Point differential

Playing at home or away

Outcome of participation

League standing

Periods of play




Reducing Aggression in Sport

Reducing aggression and violence by athlete:

Young athletes must be provided with models of

nonaggressive but effective assertive behavior

Athletes who engage in aggressive acts must be

severely penalized

Coaches and referees should be encouraged to

attend in-service training workshops on dealing

with aggression on the part of players




External stimuli or cues capable of evoking hostile aggression on the field of play should be removed

Social interaction between members of opposing team should be encouraged by coaches and mangers during the day leading up to a contest

In addition to receiving punishment for acts of aggression, athletes should receive rewards and praises for showing restraint and patience in emotionally charged situation




Teach appropriate behavior

Once you know what constitutes aggression and

what is appropriate, intense, or assertive play,

you can use social learning strategies to teach

participants the appropriate behaviors

Explain why particular behaviors are appropriate

or inappropriate




Establish team norms

Involves talking to the athletes, and especially

team leaders about the difference between

aggression and assertive behavior

Having captains monitor team members’ actions

is also important so that athletes’ action can be

discussed at the first sign of aggression

Participant should know how to resolve conflicts

and disputes in a nonviolent fashion




Modify aggressive reactions

Teach athletes skill to control their emotions

and their reactions to frustration

Stress management training can help students

and athletes deal with frustrating situations




Reducing aggression and violence by fans:

Potential troublemakers should be closely

supervised

The sale, distribution, and use of alcoholic

beverages at sporting events should be limited

and controlled

Athletic event should be promoted and

encouraged as family affairs




The media should promote responsible behavior

on the part of the fans by not glamorizing acts of

aggression on the field and by not promoting a

sense of friction or dislike between the players

and fans of the two competing teams

Penalize spectators immediately for aggressive

acts. Stop aggression as soon as it starts and

inform other spectators that it will not be

tolerated




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