AGGRESSION and VIOLENCE

Aggression Aggression- any behavior directed toward intentionally harming or injuring another living being Physical or verbal Can cause mental or physical harm 4 criteria 1-behavior 2-directed towards a living organism 3-Involves harm or injury(intent to inflict harm) 4-Involves intent (did it on purpose) “Good” aggression=assertiveness

Hostile vs Instrumental Hostile Aggression- primary goal is to inflict injury or psychological harm to someone else Instrumental Aggression- occurs only b/c you want to conquer a non- aggressive goal Both involve the intent to injure and harm

AGGRESSION Get a partner, pick a sport and come up with an example for hostile, instrumental, assertive and non-aggressive behavior

What causes aggression 4 Theories: 1-Instinct Theory People have an innate instinct to be aggressive that builds up until it’s expressed Catharsis-aggression is released or blow off through socially acceptable means Corey had a bad day at school so he takes it out in hitting practice at football 2-Frustration-Aggression Theory Aggression is the direct result of a frustration that occurs b/c of failure Frustrated b/c you are losing a game, so you become over aggressive in a game

What causes aggression 3-Social –Learning Theory Says that aggression is learned through observing others who model particular behaviors followed by receiving reinforcement for exhibiting similar actions Ex-Everyone cheers at a fight at NHL, so Billy decides to start a fight in pee wee hockey Revised Frustration-Aggression Theory Frustration does not always lead to aggression but it increases the likelihood of aggression by increasing anger

Spectators/athletes Observing a sport does not lower the level of the spectators aggression Watching violent contact sports increases a spectator’s readiness to be aggressive Rivalries are associated with fan violence Fans Fight Athletes view aggressive acts as appropriate in the sport environment

What We Should Know Understand when aggression is likely to occur: Frustration, losing, perceived unfair officiating, embarrassed, physically in pain, playing below their capabilities Modify aggressive reactions Teach athletes to control emotions, remove from situation Teach appropriate behavior: what is right? What is wrong? Sports Violence - Sports Law

Controlling Spectators Develop alcohol policies Penalize spectators Strict officiating-officials must call ALL behavior issues Coach involvement Deter media displays of aggression USA Today