Aggression in Sport

AGGRESSION IN SPORT

Abstract

What is aggression? As defined in Webster’s “Aggression is an unprovoked attack or warlike act”. This dialogue will provide a thorough brief on the increased aggression in sport (good and bad). Particularly, player, spectator, and parental aggression examples will be addressed in this analysis. Aggressive behavior at all levels of sporting events has risen dramatically in recent years. I chose this subject because after recently attending a Yankees/Red Sox game I witnessed a lot of negative behavior from fans…many of them parents too. My analysis will consist of reviewing news articles, studies, and books.

“Aggression is a negative personality trait that has been associated with sport participation” (Keeler). The frequency of aggression in sports on all levels has led to a great deal of academic research. Let’s begin with a review of three cases that are applicable to player, spectator, and parental aggression in sports.

In May of 1922, the infamous Babe Ruth was ejected from a game for throwing dirt in the eyes of an umpire. Once ejected Ruth chased a heckler through the stadium, and when the fan got out of Ruth’s reach in the stands, Ruth returned to the dugout where he challenged any fan in the stadium to fight him. I would classify Ruth’s case as frustration because he was obviously not happy with the umpire’s decision and he was intent on taking it out on him and some fans. A more recent example of aggression in sports is when hockey player Todd Bertuzzi blindsided Steve Moore with a punch to the head and a push to the ice. Moore suffered a career ending neck injury. This particular case is classic instinct application. Hockey players are naturally aggressive and once their anger builds up throughout a game they eventually are going to vent. In most cases of aggression in sport the victim is another living being. A prime case of parental...