Changing Behaviour Aggression in Sport

Objectives 1.Understand what is meant by aggression in sport 2.Understand the different theories used to explain aggressive behaviour 3.Describe how coaches, officials, players might try to control aggressive behaviour

Aggression in sport??? Task: In groups discuss which sports use aggressive behavior. What are your top ten most aggressive sports?

Aggression In Sport Dictionary Definition: “An unprovoked attack, any offensive activity or practice, a hostile or destructive mental attitude or behaviour” AQA Definition: “Behaviour that harms another human being, that is intentional, that is outside the laws of the game or activity”

More Definitions Hostile Aggression – intention to harm outside the rules. Hostile Aggression – intention to harm outside the rules. Instrumental Aggression – intent to harm as a means to a goal (e.g. Hard tackle to frighten your opponent) Instrumental Aggression – intent to harm as a means to a goal (e.g. Hard tackle to frighten your opponent) Channelled Aggression – feelings of aggression that are diverted into useful, positive actions Channelled Aggression – feelings of aggression that are diverted into useful, positive actions Assertive behaviour – use of physical force that is within the rules or ethics of a sport Assertive behaviour – use of physical force that is within the rules or ethics of a sport

Theories of Aggression There are a number of theories tht try to explain aggression. Task The following slides explain the different theories. For each theory try to come up with a sporting example of how AND why aggression may manifest.

Instinct Theory -Defined by Freud, and Lorenz (1966) The theory suggests aggression is built up and needs to be released to maintain our well being.

Frustration-aggression Hypothesis Dollard et al (1939) A performer becomes aggressive when the goal is blocked and this leads to frustration in the performer and eventually aggression. They state that frustration will always lead to aggression and aggression is always caused by frustration.

Aggressive Cue Theory Theory proposed by Leonard Berkowitz that acts of aggression are influenced by the presence of socially learnt cues or environmental situations, which make committing aggression acceptable.

Social learning Theory This theory denotes that learning happens when an individual acquires the ability to perform a new behaviour by watching that particular behaviour in another person (the model). The observed behaviour is then copied. Therefore, behaviours can be acquired without having to perform them. Social learning can also be responsible for acquiring aggressive responses.

Deindividuation Theory Deindividuation occurs when a person gives up their own personal norms and responsibilities and takes on the normative behaviour of a group. Hogg and Vaughan (2008)

Which one?? There are a range of theories. But which one(s) should we use?? Some evidence suggest genetic make up does predispose some to aggressive behaviour Some evidence suggest genetic make up does predispose some to aggressive behaviour Obstacles to success can make us frustrated which can lead to aggressive behaviour Obstacles to success can make us frustrated which can lead to aggressive behaviour In a crowd, our loss os self-identity can lead us to follow the crowd In a crowd, our loss os self-identity can lead us to follow the crowd Socialisation probably has the largest effect. Gives the strength to act as an ind. Or to act against our beliefs when asked to do so. Socialisation probably has the largest effect. Gives the strength to act as an ind. Or to act against our beliefs when asked to do so.

Controlling Aggression How is aggression controlled in your sport? What do captains, managers, officials, governing bodies do to control aggression? Can you think of any high profile examples?

Controlling Aggression StrategyInd.’s ActionsCoach/Manager’ s Actions GB actions Punish aggressive behaviour Peers discourage agg behaviour Substitute/fine/tran sfer agg players Code of conduct Support referees Punish aggressive players Reinforce assertive Play Praise othersTalk about, praise, reward asseruve play in team talks, practices Show assertive role models Fair play awards Reduce/control level of arousal Use mental rehearsal and stress management techniques Channel aggression Be aware of cues Do not over-arouse pre match Focus on process as well as outcome Not “win at all costs” Understand ind. Aggression levels Educate referees Discuss with coaches Coach education Avoid aggressive situations Learn to walk away Mark another player Stagger derby matches Play at neutral grounds

Questions: 1. 1.What do we mean by the term “aggressive behaviour”. Give an example from sport to support your answer.(2) 2. 2.How might a coach help a player desist from engaging in aggressive behaviour? (2)

Theories of aggression belk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/theorie s-of-aggression-there-are-3- main_2798.html Theories of aggression belk.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/theorie s-of-aggression-there-are-3- main_2798.html