Social Impact of Sport

What Does This Mean? There is a widespread belief that sport (broadly defined) has the power to make ‘society’ more equal, socially cohesive and peaceful. The potential of sport is a tool for development and peace

The ‘Sport’ Side Health benefits, which prevent or reduce physical and mental health problems and save on health care costs.

Social Benefits of Sport Participation Sports participation improves pro-social behaviour and reduces crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly for young men. This includes evidence of lower levels, for sports participants compared with non-participants, of drunk driving, use of illegal drugs, crime and suspensions at school, property crime, shoplifting and juvenile crime.

Capital Impacts of Sport In terms of the social capital impacts from sport, there is evidence that sport is a type of 'social glue', i.e. contributing 'bonding' capital by increasing social connectedness and a sense of belonging. Positive outcomes in studies include reduced social and ethnic tensions, and more collective action and community involvement through sport, particularly volunteering.

School Improvements ?? There is considerable evidence of the positive impact of sport and exercise on educational outcomes, although much of this evidence is from the USA. Through psychological benefits such as enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence, and cognitive benefits such as concentration and thinking skills, sport has positive effects on a number of final outcomes, including educational behaviour and attainment.

Sport Participants vs Non-Sport Participants Youth sport stresses the positive effects of participation in learning the important life skills of goal setting and time management combined with enjoyment; the development of a strong sense of morality; and the development of an appreciation of diversity. Studies have shown that children and youth participating in sport, when compared to peers who do not play sport, exhibit the following:

Partner Activity Discuss and list your experiences as a member of a team. List all of the positive and negative aspects that you experienced. You can discuss any specific point you would like to headline. Part 2; Write a paragraph on whether sports have had a positive impact over you or a negative impact.

Continued……… Higher grades, expectations, and attainment Greater personal confidence and self-esteem Greater connections with school — that is, greater attachment and support from adults Stronger peer relationships

Continued……. More academically oriented friends Greater family attachment and more frequent interactions with parents More restraint in avoiding risky behavior Greater involvement in volunteer work

Summary of Outcomes These outcomes are thought to be related to the contribution of sport to learning values and skills associated with initiative, social cohesion, self-control, persistence, and responsibility. Theories of positive youth development stress the importance of sport in acquiring skills that are beneficial in other domains (e.g., school, family, work) that lead to better adaptive skills.

Activity Recall at any age that you played a specific sport (competitive, recreation, leisure) Write down what the sport was and the age you were. Write down 5 social benefits that you gained from that experience as well as 2 negatives that you experienced. Point form

Quotes to Think About “Sports do not build character. They reveal it.” - John Wooden, Legendary UCLA Basketball Coach “People who work together will win, whether it be against complex football defenses, or the problems of modern society.” - Vince Lombardi, American Football Coach

Environment and Leadership The benefits of sport do not necessarily always accrue. Positive outcomes are more likely to occur when a sport program emphasizes mastery, includes positive adult behaviors and supervision, and focuses on personal skills

Sport as an Agent for Social Change Studies Longitudinal studies, such as the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, have found that men at age 32 who played high school sport were paid 31 percent higher wages than men who had not played sport. The National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 found that men at age 31 who played high school sport were paid 12 percent higher wages than those who did not Of course, there could be other explanations for these findings. Suggest that higher- ability individuals or individuals with lower preferences for leisure are more likely to play sport. These same people are then also more likely to seek higher achievement in the workforce. Athletic competition might serve as an excellent training activity for individuals who are already highly motivated to succeed.

Sport as an Agent for Social Change Studies Research has shown that the longer youth play sport, the greater attachment they have to their community, according to a series of measures. Studies using data from the University of Maryland’s National Youth Survey of Civil Engagement show that sport participants, compared to those who do not participate in sport, are more likely to register to vote (66 percent versus 44 percent) and to follow the news (41 percent versus 27 percent)

Sport as an Agent for Social Change Studies Finally, Jamieson and Ross suggest that sport can even serve as a useful intervention in international peace- building activities. Organized sport efforts in the Middle East have provided youth with positive and constructive experiences, creating peaceful and productive relations with neighbors. “Youth and youth sport leaders play vital roles in transforming dangerous and violent conflict situations associated with terrorism across the world”

Negatives Exclusion Loss of Confidence Weakened Self-Esteem / Self Worth Embarrassment Hazing Harassment Arrogance Pressure

References Social Impacts of Culture and Sport http://benefitshub.ca/entry/social-impacts-of-culture-and-sport/ Quantifying the Social Impacts of Culture and Sport https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachmen t_data/file/304896/Quantifying_the_Social_Impacts_of_Culture_and_Sp ort.pdf The social impact of sport: diversities, complexities and contexts http://dare.uva.nl/document/2/78678 Psychological and Social Benefits of Playing True Sport http://truesport.org/resources/publications/reports/psychological-and- social-benefits-of-playing-true-sport/

Assignment Research 4 Professional athletes of your choice. Write half of a page (typed) on how participating in sports impacted their lives in a positive way. 4 athletes x ½ of a page each = 2 full pages Typed, 12 point font,1.5 spacing, Times New Roman This assignment is worth 3 points as opposed to 1 point. Reference websites used, no in-text citations

Assignment Develop a short story about a fictional character competing on a sports team. The story can span over 1 season, 1 month, 1 week, etc. Discuss the positives and the negatives that your character faces over the duration of the season/month/week Be sure to discuss interaction with peers, coaches, parents and overall experience. 1000 – 1200 words 12 point font, Times New Roman, Typed Include word count at the bottom Title Page with name and title of your short story Worth 3 points as opposed to be 1 point. No references, no in-text citations