Aggression and Violence in Sport

Violence in sports parallels the reality of violence in a society as a whole We see examples of societal violence every time we watch the evening news

Definitions Violence = extreme aggression There are three distinct components of aggressive behaviour: Hostile Aggression Instrumental Aggression Assertive Behaviour

Instrumental Aggression Hostile Aggression Instrumental Aggression The intent is to cause harm The goal is to cause suffering The goal is to achieve some external award Anger is usually involved No anger is involved Performed outside the rules of the game Performed within the rules of the game

Instrumental Aggression Hostile Aggression Instrumental Aggression The intent is to cause harm The goal is to cause suffering The goal is to achieve some external award Anger is usually involved No anger is involved Performed outside the rules of the game Performed within the rules of the game e.g. fist-fighting in hockey e.g. aggressive checking meant to hurt the opponent

Assertive Behaviour Often confused with aggression Increased effort and energy expenditure No intent to harm No anger involved May result in harm, but any resultant harm is incidental to the game E.g. Assertive checking meant to slow down the opponent

Physical Contact Sports with a lot of physical contact result in more aggression If player believes that the opponent is trying to hurt him/her there is an increased likelihood that aggression will occur Recommendations: Encouraging athletes to increase effort vs. aggressive acts Victory (vs. harm) = the ultimate way to get back at an opponent Others?

Issues in Crowd Behaviour What is the difference between ‘violence’ and‘disorder’ How are these terms defined by various interest groups - Fans? Police? Media? Policymakers? What are the influencing factors? The sport and its history and culture National context Emotion and Identity

Fan violence – no cathartic effects found Spectator Aggression Fan violence – no cathartic effects found - various triggers (or combinations of them) associated with fan violence: - watching player be aggressive - younger males - crowded conditions - influence of alcohol - rivalries V 2

Control of Aggression Aggression occurs when: - losing - perceive unfair officiating - embarrassed - injured or in pain - playing below capacity

Control of Aggressive Behavior Close observation of participants (by those in charge) Proactive measures