Violence and Aggression in Sports

Vocabulary terms covering definitions, categories, causes, and impacts of violence and aggression in sports.

Violence

Using excessive physical force to cause harm (for example, punching an opponent).

Aggression

Behaviour intended to hurt or dominate someone (for example, pushing an opponent).

Intimidation

Using words or actions to frighten someone (for example, threatening another player).

Reactive violence

A sudden act of violence caused by an opponent's actions.

Intentional violence

A planned act of violence against an opponent.

Criminal violence in sports

Behaviour that breaks the law and can seriously injure or kill someone (for example, serious assaults in ice hockey).

Borderline violence

Breaking game rules through actions such as intentional fouls.

Brutal body contact

Physical contact that is accepted as part of certain sports, such as boxing and wrestling.

Causes of spectator violence

Factors including alcohol consumption, rivalry between teams, poor performance by a team, cheating by officials, large crowds and overcrowding, and celebrating by destroying property.

Violence and masculinity in sports

The relationship where some males use violence to prove their strength, toughness, and masculinity.

Situations leading to on-field violence

Actions between teams that can provoke fighting, such as intentional fouls, cheating, arguing with opponents, rough physical contact, and trash talk and insults.

Media's contribution to sports violence

Encouraging violence by showing aggressive actions repeatedly and making violence seem entertaining to viewers.

Trash talk

Insulting or boasting to upset opponents, which can trigger anger, arguments, and fights.