| Papers [151-160] of 994 :: [Page 16 of 100] | | Go to page : <— 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 —> | |
|
|
Competitive High School Sports, 2005.
This paper argues extensively that competitive sports, as they currently exist in American high schools, are unhealthy for students.
3,275 words (approx. 13.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 93.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that scientific data indicates that high school competitive athletes were more likely to be popular but lack in maturity, to be trouble-makers, to use drugs and alcohol and to engage in promiscuous sex. The author believes that sports promote violence and plays a significant role in preserving and creating sexual and racial inequality. The author points out that, on the other hand, there are advantages to the students, such as pride in their successes, social acceptance, healthy activity in terms of physical exertion and muscle training and a bonding ritual that brings schools and communities together. The paper concludes that it would be far better for students to participate in physical activity and sports in a fun and less-competitive atmosphere in which all students who wanted to participate could join the teams and having fun remained the central goal of the event.
From the Paper
"Before this point can be proven, it is worth taking a moment to define the terms of this argument: competitive should not be taken to refer to the rules of the game, but rather to the focus of the game. A game which is competitive, in that the players compete with one another and the game rules requires winners and losers is not necessarily unhealthy for children. Children naturally compete to some degree in their games. However, in modern schools, games are not merely competitive by nature of their rules -- they are competitive by nature of their social ramifications and structure. Students not only compete while playing, but they also compete intensely for the mere privilege of playing, and continue to compete intensely not merely against their immediate opposition on the playing field but against all other teams in all other schools and even against their own teammates for recognition and possible promotion to the "Pros" or for college scholarships."
| |
|
Psychology of Sports, 2006.
A paper on the psychological aspects of sports training.
4,452 words (approx. 17.8 pages), 15 sources, MLA, $ 116.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper deals with psychology in sports training. The author asserts that performance in sports is significantly influenced by a variety of psychological factors, such as poor associations with memories of failure or self-confidence. As a result, the paper explains, many sports trainers now employ a variety of psychological aspects of sports training, such as visualizations, relaxation techniques, motivational strategies, and substance abuse management. The paper discusses at length the idea of self-talk and visualization and how these techniques can help athletes achieve better results in their given sport.
From the Paper
"Mental imagery has to be practiced by individuals in their own way and depends on individual preferences and the circumstances under which it is adopted. The imagery can be practiced either on or off the field. These can be for a short duration, or a long duration; while sitting up or lying down; in complete silence or with a background of music; and with the eyes closed or open. It is the choice of the individual. For games like tennis which go on for some time, this may be done by the player even while the game is on but the ball is not in play. The player can visualize where he or she wanted to hit the ball, or even practice it, without the ball. When a player is in a quiet room before an important game, he should engage himself or herself in an exercise of visualization for the game ahead. To be able to do this, the players should be relaxed and receptive as that will also help the images to penetrate deep inside their minds. It is important that visualization is repeated - about two or three times a week. (The Effects of Mental Imagery on Athletic Performance)"
| |
|
Sports Counseling and Ethics, 2006.
An overview of the code of ethics put together to guide coaches and counsellors regarding the treatment of sports players.
3,450 words (approx. 13.8 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 97.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
In counseling or coaching injured athletes, far more than their physical condition must be taken into account. Coaches and other counselors are charged, as well, with attending to the psychological, mental and even spiritual needs of the athlete. Because of this, there are ethical issues inherent in the coaching or counseling relationship. The paper explains that for such reasons, the American Counseling Association and the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology have both put into place codes of ethics that can be used to help prevent abusive counseling/coaching relationships with injured athletes. The paper assesses how coaches and counselors can best assist injured athletes and avoid conflict of interest or other unethical considerations, by looking at the requirements of each code.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Ethics and Standards
American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice
Ethical Principles and Standards of the Association for the Advancement of Applied Sport Psychology
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"While one researcher noted that coaches were prone to act unethically in sending injured players back to the game too soon, it appears more likely that any ethical dilemmas facing athletes and coaches/counselors revolve around coaches failing to understand fully the injuries they might have to deal with regularly, and also failing to exercise the compassion the students in the Sherman study and other expressed a need for. The fact that coaches were seen, in one study, as distant makes it all the more important that we change our minds about what constitutes ethical dilemmas."
| |
|
Extreme Sports, 2003.
A discussion on and definition of extreme sports.
924 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper gives an etymological definition of extreme sports, expressing its French and Latin roots. Through example, the author puts extreme sports into context with regard to society and acceptance.
From the Paper
"Extreme sports are outside of the realm of mainstream experience and as a result, they lead to the creation of subcultures. Subculture is therefore one of the hallmarks of extreme sports, exemplifying the essence of the root meaning for "extreme." That which is extreme is outside of the ordinary. Therefore, an extreme sport, even if dangerous, cannot be part of mainstream culture. For example, most people in the United States do not play football, but football is certainly not considered to be an extreme sport. Football is for sure a dangerous sport, but it is also a mainstream sport, broadcasted live on national television networks, a sport that has become commonplace even to those who do not play. Skateboarding, on the other hand, is technically less dangerous than football but still carries with it a stigma of fringe culture and subculture. People who skateboard are labeled "extreme" because they are outside of ordinary mainstream culture. Therefore, extreme sports necessarily create subcultures around them that define them as being external to mainstream reality."
| |
|
NASCAR, 2006.
A history of NASCAR, currently one of the most popular spectator sports in the world.
2,964 words (approx. 11.9 pages), 8 sources, APA, $ 87.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper reports on the origins and history of NASCAR, detailing the influence that returning WWII soldiers, the prohibition, the depression and bootlegging had on its development. The paper also takes a look at NASCAR's attempt to move away from its image as a sport that traces its roots to "Good Ol' Boys" running moonshine throughout the southern states.
From the Paper
"Prohibition, together with the Depression, gave many poor farmers and sawmill operators an opportunity to make money by bootlegging (Wilson pp). One of the pioneers in the bootlegging business was Junior Johnson, who went on to become one of the most successful NASCAR drivers of his time (Wilson pp). When the Depression hit, Junior's father, a sawmill operator, turned to bootlegging and is said to have run more moonshine stills in the High Country than anyone else (Wilson pp). Junior began running moonshine when he was fourteen years old, and quickly made a name for himself, running liquor through the back roads at night to places such as Winston-Salem, Boone, and Avery to name a few, and during all his travels, he was never apprehended (Wilson pp)."
| |
|
High School Sports Recruitment, 2006.
Describes some of the negative aspects associated with the recruitment of high school athletes.
1,751 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explains that, while the recruitment of high school students for sports remains one of the most promising means for young people to develop their innate athletic skills, if it is not done in a way that bolsters the importance of ancillary skill development as well as emotional and psychological maturity, the recruitment process can end up causing students serious psychological and physical damage.
From the Paper
"The official process by which the NCAA recruits young athletes begins when a "booster" or representative visits high schools in search of prospective recruits. Even before the ninth grade, colleges may choose to sponsor junior varsity athletes in the hopes that they will develop. The NCAA representatives work in collaboration with school coaches and with parents and the NCAA remains solidly committed to promoting the athlete's scholastic achievements and offering funding and scholarships. In all cases, the NCAA approaches the student, and not the other way around. The NCAA recruitment model is admirable, sound, and balanced. Their emphasis on remaining amateur, that is, not getting any financial reward, prevents many of the psychological problems that can develop when students are recruited too young. Greed and parental pressure are in fact one of the main causes for concern regarding the recruitment of high school students. Recently, the National Basketball Association (NBA) has been in the spotlight for recruiting high school students. With other sports such as hockey or football, students fresh out of high school are generally unable to meet the rigorous standards of their respective sports. The young stars of the NBA bring attention to the disadvantages of high school students being propelled into professional sports before they are psychologically prepared for the pressures such a lifestyle entails."
| |
|
Steroids, 2005.
Argues that the main reason for the use of steroids in college sports is the desire for better performances by players, but in the long run the health of the players are affected.
1,715 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper examines when the use of steroids was first brought to the attention of the sports world. It then examines how and why steroids are being used by players. The paper looks at examples of players found guilty of using steroids and concludes with the health risks associated with steroid use.
From the Paper
"The problems arise as the players use very large quantities of these chemicals and that is the danger of their use. When individuals receive testosterone injections for medical purposes, they receive a dose that amounts to about 15 mg a day through Dianabol. On the other hand, the players consume even 300 mg a day. This poses great dangers as these put on a super physiological level on the body causing the blueprints of the genetic make up to be changed."
| |
|
Women, Sports and Equality, 2006.
This paper examines the lack of equality between the sexes that exists not only in the workforce, but in various areas of sports and athletics as well.
1,706 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 55.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
This paper explores the normally male dominated field of sports and athletics and the lack of equality between the sexes in this area. The writer of this paper contends that in most instances, equality of opportunity between the genders is mandated by U.S. law. This paper examines the Equal Employment Opportunity Act which is the major legislation mandating equality in employment as well as Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments that mandates a move toward equality in college sports. This paper focuses on the career of jockey Julie Krone who was inducted into the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in 2000. The writer discusses Krone's battle with prejudice in a male-dominated field, that had at one time gotten her so depressed she had contemplated suicide. This paper details the various laws and achievements of exceptional women have struggled to bring about true equality in the field of sports. This paper also contains the text of two published articles regarding women and sports, that were used in researching this paper.
Outline:
Sports Equality at the College Level
Equality in Sports Professions
Conclusion
Works Cited
From the Paper
"Krone made it in a man's sport and profession; it would be logical that other women would have followed in her footsteps. If one were to gauge the possibilities on the basis of a 1985 National Geographic production, The Ballad of the Irish Horse, one might think of equine sports and professions as the perfect place for women to break into a man's world. The father of a junior rider who competes in pony races, with betting and purses and all, said he didn't particularly like his teenaged daughter exposed to the dangers, but she loved it so much and was so good at it, he didn't have the heart to stop her. In the same production, there is also a women veterinarian at the Irish National Stud, breeder of many of the world's great race horses, and a segment on Lady Anne Hemphill, founder of Pony Club in Ireland, an organization to which many equine professionals once belonged."
| |
|
Steroids in Baseball, 2005.
Examines the illegal use of steroids in the U.S. sport of baseball.
950 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
Baseball is America's official past-time, and as such it is far more than a sport. It is an integral part of they country's culture, and in many ways represents the heart and soul of America itself. Baseball is about healthy competition, sportsmanship, teamwork and family entertainment. The paper shows that unfortunately, in recent years, the heroic legacy of Major League Baseball (MLB), and the sacred idol-status of MLB players has been compromised. Unlike the great eras of baseball history, the recent era is not named after joyous baseball events, but rather after an illegal drug. The 'Roid Era, named after steroid drug use, saw its height between 1998-2003 when home run numbers skyrocketed. The paper argues that steroid use in Major League Baseball is unacceptable, and all records which have been set by players using steroids should be stricken from the record books.
From the Paper
"There remains a minority of Americans that believe records of the 'Roid Era should remain intact in baseball history. One defense made in favor of allowing these records to remain is that there have always been "flaws" in baseball, and throughout history the public has turned a blind eye. An example of this includes that Ty Cobb (a legendary baseball player who is in the Hall of Fame) was a racist and murderer; if a murderer can remain in the Hall of Fame, why not steroid users? However, this is a ridiculous defense, because murdering a Black man did not give Cobb an unfair advantage in the game, nor was his racism the reason that he was able to achieve such incredible physical feats."
| |
|
Women in Traditionally Male-Oriented Sports: A Possibility, 2005.
A research paper that explores the possibility of women participating in male-oriented sports.
1,937 words (approx. 7.7 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 61.95
»
Click here to show/hide summary
Abstract
The purpose of this research paper is to determine whether or not women participating in traditionally male-oriented sports are likely to experience the same respect from both the media and the general public as women participating in other events. Specifically this study examines whether women have the potential to be treated equally when participating in male-oriented sports and whether they are as likely to succeed in men in the same venues. The researcher determines the extent to which women are portrayed as athletes in the news media. The paper explores the following questions: (1) Do women have the same opportunities as men in traditionally male-oriented sports, (2) Are women perceived in the same manner as men when participating in these sports and (3) Do these portrayals influence women's participation in sports. A comprehensive literature review is conducted to discuss these ideas further.
Paper Outline:
Purpose
Research
History of Women in Sports
Women in Sports Today
Status of Women in Male Dominated Sports
Discussion
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"Wiley, Shaw & Havitz (1999) suggest that women are more likely than men to emphasize pleasure and enjoyment with regard to sports, whereas men are more likely to focus on the competitive aspects of a sport. However women also face higher levels of constraints, thus are only willing to participate when they remain highly motivated. Self expression is also discussed as an important aspect of sports participation, and the authors suggest that women participating in male dominated sports might have an increased sense of self and need to express themselves in an outward and competitive manner than other people (Wiley, Shaw & Havitz, 1999). This pattern was found in men and women alike."
|
|
|