Sport in the Ancient World

Sports in the ancient world consisted of activities like discus, boxing, wrestling, and caged events involving animals or other human beings. These early sports considered winners to be similar to gods, therefore granting them fame, fortune, and an increased status in the community. The sports were an outlet for society’s urges, demonstrated in a ‘humane’ and ‘honorable’ manner. Though the events would be considered barbaric by modern standards, they were the embodiment of discipline and masculinity. Rewards were social, political, and financial. Men were the only participants in such games as women were forbidden to take part. In some cultures, winning could be the key to freedom and in others is was the ideal display of skill and strategy.

The Sport Ethic

As defined by Hughes and Coakley, sport ethic is defined as “the criteria defining what it means to be a real athlete”. They go on to outline the following elements that make up sport ethic:

1)     Making sacrifices for the sport

2)     Striving to be unique by increasing performance

3)     Playing through pain and excelling through known risk

4)     Ignoring accepted limits and pursuing excellence

Athletes form their lives around these criteria because through these achievements they believe they can attain greatness. These sacrifices manifest not only in the game and in the arena, but also in their lives as a whole. Where a non-athlete would spend their time socializing or living without this level of discipline, athletes go without such forms of recreation to ensure they are always exhibiting peak performance. I personally have dedicated to playing through pain or injury, such as concussions and broken bones so I could continue to participate in participate in snowboarding because the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment outweighed the consequences.

Sports, Society, & Me

My deepest connection to sport would be found in soccer. Not only is it enjoyable, but it also tests me physically and provides a sense of accomplishment, and encourages social relationships that I may not find elsewhere. Soccer is a social pastime and a way of life, especially in my life living in Europe. People play, watch, and establish communities by participating in soccer.  Growing up in Europe, soccer was not only encouraged by my parents but was also the central activity in school and social gatherings.

Sport plays a positive role in US society because it allows for healthy expenditure of energy and focus. Among others, US sport teaches the public that hard work and commitment to excellence has tangible rewards for thse dedicated enough to follow through. Sport also has the potential to positively impact an individual’s commitment to education and structure in their lives, redirecting focus from potentially damaging habits. For these reasons it is extremely important to and reflective of modern American culture. Athletes represent the potential if an individual were to focus on the achievement of a certain goal. Furthermore, they embody the benefits of teamwork and strategy. Athletes are definitely valued, though respect is based on more than simple athletic performance. For example, though Michael Vick is a talented quarterback, he has lost all respect due to his cruelty and foul behavior after fighting dogs.

Sport(s) in the USA

Baseball, football, basketball, and hockey are the most predominant sports in the United States. Each of these sports involves fierce competition, team strategy, and the commitment to creating a spectacle for the fans. Game days are typically defined by social activities limited by team affiliation, excessive celebration among fans, and a commitment to support not only by individuals but also corporations, news stations, and all social media. These traditions are upheld by consistent marketing, broadcasting, and simple social interactions to the point that even those disinterested by sports are aware of game day results. While success is largely defined by victory, it is also assessed and determined through in depth game analyses both on television and among dedicated fans. Furthermore, the players’ performance can enhance the level of success, simply by providing a pleasurable experience for the fans; a team may perform poorly as a whole, but an individual player’s success can boost opinions of fans and experts alike. Successful athletes are typically defined by salary, overall athletic ability, and the public’s like or dislike of the player overall. Sport in the USA is defined by public commitment, overall showmanship, and money. These elements are crucial to the longevity and popularity of a sport and the success of individual players.

Sociogenesis of Soccer

The origins of soccer are unknown, though England has been responsible for its development over time. Soccer, originally played by peasants without standardized rules, is now a strictly defined sport encompassing firm regulations, specialized positions, and a highly structured organization. The sport has been predominantly played in Europe and South America, though its popularity has been spreading. England is responsible for the standardized rules and regulations that were initially enforced in 1815. Rules defining the game have remained largely the same since the initial rules where established; however before the official rules were enforced, the game was violent and varied based on location.

Initial stages of the game incorporated pig bladders or heads of enemy-warriors as balls, which is a far cry from the regulation sized balls used today. Additionally, players did not adopt official uniforms until the English educational institutions solidified the official rules and regulations.

One of the most significant events for soccer in the last century has been the establishment of FIFA in 1904. This allowed different leagues across Europe to emerge and teams to engage in structured competition. Perhaps due to this merging of nation, soccer has faced issues with racism between footballers and fans alike. Due to a strict campaign however, soccer has monitored its decline in the last decade and hopes to completely eradicate racism from the sport.