Deviance and Sport Notes

Deviance and Sport

Definitions

• Deviant behavior: Behavior beyond “normal,” either good or bad.
• Underconformity: Breaking rules, not adhering to norms.
• Overconformity: Internalizing rules to the extreme.

Rule Breaking in Sport

• Occurs accidentally and intentionally.
• Possibly less frequent now due to increased officiating and media coverage.
• Organizations promote good behavior with steeper penalties.
• Examples: Modifying equipment, intentional fouls, faking injuries, participating in brawls, often for strategic advantage.

Role of Excitement and Emotion

• Athletes: Experience stress and intense emotion, seeking optimal arousal levels.
• Fans: Increased excitement with tailgating and alcohol, leading to hooliganism.

Violence in Society

• Media exposure can create the perception that athletes are more violent.
• Sport mirrors societal violence.

On-Field Violence in Sport

• Driven by demands of collision sports and societal warrior mentality.
• Examples: Enforcer roles, specific incidents.

Off-Field Violence in Sport

• Link to on-field violence is unclear.
• Alcohol use escalates violence.
• Some sports attract individuals already prone to violence.
• Challenges to manhood off the field.

Violence Against Women

• Athletes disproportionately involved in sexual and domestic assaults.
  Consequences of On-Field Violent Behavior
• Shortened careers, pressure to return from injuries, concussions, negative publicity, poor behavior modeling.

Performance Enhancers

• Use of steroids and other drugs to enhance performance.
• Increased scandals and drug testing efforts.

Types of Drugs Used by Modern Athletes

• Prescription/OTC: Promote healing, mask pain (long-term risks).
• Stimulants: Increase arousal and energy levels.
• Anabolic steroids: Increase muscle size and strength.
• Others: HGH, doping, amino acids.

Potential Issues With Drug Use

• Rejection by fans, financial withdrawal, long-term health risks, emulation by youth, risks to pregnancies, genetic engineering.

Responding to Drug Use in Sport

• IOC and WADA efforts, government involvement, sport organizations' care, fair media coverage, educational programs.

Eating Disorders in Sport

• Up to 33% of female athletes affected.
• Includes anorexia, bulimia, disordered eating, compulsive exercise.
• Female athlete triad: disordered eating, amenorrhea, osteoporosis.

Hazing in Sport

• Mental or physical harm, demeaning behavior.
• 80% of college athletes hazed.
• Seen as a rite of passage.

Gambling in Sport

• Impacts integrity of games.
• Examples: Chicago “Black Sox,” Pete Rose, Tim Donaghy.

Gambling on Sport Fans

• Widespread availability increases risks.
• Illegal wagers involve significant sums and organized crime.
• Online betting is increasing.
• College students who gamble at risk for other behaviors.