Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

Summary

This paper tried to explain why people love sports.

The research design used in this paper is descriptive research method wherein data and information gathered were used to answer the research question posed. The research findings are the following:

1.    A lot of people are addicted to sports.

2.    Most people play sports because of the benefits it gives to their health.

3.    The people who enter sports develop body discipline.

4.    Most people are getting injured because of physical matters of the game.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions are drawn:

1.    Sports have been played since ancient era.

2.    Sports evolved as time goes by depending on what people want to see and do.

3.    People love sports because we all have the child-spirit within us. Watching games make us feel alive, youthful and energetic.

4.    Most people are into sports because of the inspiration athletes give whenever they attain a certain goal. It makes them feel like they can do it also.

5.    Parents and friends are big factors on being in love with sports. Having someone to share your interest make you love it more.

Recommendation

1.    College Students of Human Kinetics and Physical Education should know how sports affect them and other people physically and mentally. They should also be aware of the reasons why people love sports until now.

2.    Teachers and Professors of Human Kinetics and Physical Education should teach their students the essential knowledge about sports. They should know why the students of their faculty study in the degree they belong to and cope up with other sports enthusiasts.

3.    Athletes should be aware of the reasons why they join a certain sport. They should do it in their own will and not because someone force them to.

4.    Sports Enthusiasts should know how to tolerate their addiction and do the right thing on being a fan. They should also know how sports give advantage to them and how it affects their life.

5.    Future Researchers should know that sport is not just a physical activity but a culture of inspirational aspects for other people. Sport is so interesting for everybody. They should also know that sport has psychological effects to others that is good for research topic and purposes.

References

Electronic Media

Treacy Colbert (2013, June 28) The Mental Health Benefits of Sports retrieved April 2, 2014 (http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/mental-health-benefits-sports).

Austin Schindel (2011, October 25) The 40 Craziest Freak Accidents in Sports retrieved April 2, 2014 (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/905573-the-40-craziest-freak-accidents-in-sports/page/1).

B D Analyst (2008, July 1) Open Mic: The Definition of Sports retrieved April 9, 2014 (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/34201-open-mic-the-definition-of-sports).

Mary Bellis (2014, January 11) History of Sports: The inventors behind the games and the history of sports equipment retrieved April 8, 2014 (http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/tp/History-Of-Sports.htm)

PJ Edelman (2008, August 17) The Great Debate: What defines an Athlete? retrieved April 9, 2014 (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/48497-the-great-debate-what-defines-the-athlete).

Jason OConnor (2012, September 25) Why We Watch Sports - And It's Not What You Think retrieved April 9, 2014 (http://www.mentalgamecoaching.com/IMGCAArticles/SportsAndSociety/WhyWeWatchSports.html).

Red Shannon (2008, August 9) Why we love sports? retrieved April 9, 2014 (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/45904-why-we-love-sports).

Thomas Van Schaik (2014, March 25) The Psychology Of Social Sports Fans: What Makes Them So Crazy? retrieved April 9, 2014 (http://www.sportsnetworker.com/2012/02/15/the-psychology-of-sports-fans-what-makes-them-so-crazy/).

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Discussion

A.      Definition and History of Sports

What is a sport? When do you begin considering a physical activity a sport? Various dictionaries gave different meaning for sports. Some say that sports are physical activity involving strategic responses and cardio-vascular coordination.  Others define it as an activity involving sportsmanship and international league. But how do sports enthusiasts describe sports professionally?

According to the article entitled “Open Mic: The definition of Sports” by B D Analyst that I found in a site called bleachreporter.com. B D analyst stated that a sport is "an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc." but he defined it better than that. He said that people should not be bound on the definition dictionary gives because sports have essential factors that make it interesting. He gave 3 factors that make up sport. First is Physical action with skills which involves skill in every move you make. Second is mental action where you need to think of strategically wise moves in order to win the opponent. Lastly is the Head-to-Head Action. This is where you need to interact and encounter your opponent and do the offensive and defensive.

B D Analyst also stated that “All in all, the definition of sports is not a mutation or an amorous dalliance, but is physical action involving skill, mental action, and head to head action.” (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/34201-open-mic-the-definition-of-sports).

But defining what sport is is not enough. Sport didn’t begin in a blink of an eye. People created this competitive side of our world not just for rivalry alone but also for Health Benefits and entertainment.

Where do people begin in explaining how sports began? People always find it hard to do.  But as always, historians always begin in Greece. Greece pioneered the introduction of formal sports. It involved throwing spears and riding the chariot.

According to an article entitled “History of Sports: The inventors behind the games and the history of sports equipment.” By Mary Bellis that I found in the site called inventors.about.com . Bellis stated the different histories of various sports like basketball, football and volleyball. He said that Greece started formal sports competition. Other sports originated other sports from the Olympics that Greeks started.

Bellis also stated that “Ancient Greece introduced formal sports, with the first Olympic Games in 776 BC, that included sports such as human and chariot races, wrestling, jumping, disk and javelin throwing, and more.” (http://inventors.about.com/od/sstartinventions/tp/History-Of-Sports.htm).

But sports didn’t stop from what Greece only made. People invented other sports that people enjoys until now. The modern era even gave chances for people to participate even though they don’t belong on American or European countries unlike the time of Greece.

B.      Definition of Athletes

What do we call people who play sports? Athletes. Normally, people who are into sports and execute time for sports are called athletes. They are the people who engage themselves in various training to enhance their physical and mental abilities. But how do we really define them? Is being physically involved in sports enough?

According to an article entitled “The Great Debate: What Defines The Athlete?” by PJ Edelman that I found in the website bleacherreport.com stated that different meaning have been defined by dictionaries on what an athlete really is. As time went by, people altered the meaning of what an athlete is. A lot of sports enthusiasts debated on this for a very long time. He said that the real definition of athlete depends on how people see them. Just like the saying “The beauty is in the eye of the beholder” sports has “Athletes are in the eye of the debaters.” He stated different athletes that have been debated to be the best.

Edelman also said that "A superior athlete is one who has above average physical skills (strength, agility, and endurance) and is thus more suited for physical competition.” (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/48497-the-great-debate-what-defines-the-athlete).

Being an athlete doesn’t depend on having the biggest body, toughest cardio-vasculature system, and mental ability. It depends on how people see your passion and effort on a certain sports field you join. The effort you will give will bear fruit as you push it through.

C.      Factors that are involved on addiction of people to sports

Here comes the climax. Why are people so into sports? Why are sports so famous until now? Even without an explanation, people will still be into it. No reasons at all. But some people would love to know why people love sports and why they support the industry.

C.1. The Children in us

The truth is, people think like kids. Even though they mature as they age, people still act like children. They don’t want people thinking that they are too old for other stuff. They have the tendency to love what younger people like because we all became kids and we still are until now.

According to an article entitled, “Why We Watch Sports - And It's Not What You Think” by Jason OConnor that I found in the site called mentalgamecoaching.com explained that We just hide our real thoughts and feeling that we still want to go back to our youthful and energetic age. Even if we are not yet old, we feel bounded by the society and watching sport makes as feel energetic and it makes us want to move around and play. Sports play a part on making us feel young at heart.  The thrill on waiting who will win and lose enjoys us. It’s like we are watching a film without scripts for the actors.

OConnor also stated that, “A sports game is a sort of story. There is a beginning and an end. There is a protagonist (your team) and an antagonist (the other team). There is a scene and setting, the stadium at noon, and there is a plot, which is the action. Only after the games ends, and depending on if your team won or not, is it decided to be called a fairy tale ending or a tragedy.” (http://www.mentalgamecoaching.com/IMGCAArticles/SportsAndSociety/WhyWeWatchSports.html).

Like how teenagers love watching dramas, sports enthusiasts have goosies when they watch games especially live. Watching athletes play makes them feel young and active again.

C.2. Sports inspires us

Everyone needs inspiration to do something. Even simple jobs like writing a story or composing a song needs motivation from other works and people. We can do better when someone or something inspires us.

According to the article entitled “Why We Love Sports” by Red Shannon that I found on the site called bleacherreporter.com  said that despite the bad issues and controversies that surrounds athletes, they still inspire us to reach for our dreams. Basketball stars like Derrick Rose who suffered from different injuries and controversies still stood straight and became the youngest MVP last 2010 and 2011. Athletes like him make us do what we want despite different borders waiting for us.

Shannon also stated that “Their world is populated with people who strive for excellence. Being in the presence of such people - directly, as fellow athletes, or indirectly as observers makes us lift our sights a little higher...encourages us to loftier standards in our everyday lives.” (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/45904-why-we-love-sports).

Like me, Derrick Rose inspires me to do well in basketball. It’s the same to other people. They begin to love sports when they find someone to inspire them.

C.3 Influence of shared experience

Have someone to share your love for sports? Well, most of us love to have one. Finding a friend who is also into sports make us feel on fire. We can also play together and watch together.

According to the article entitled “The Psychology Of Social Sports Fans: What Makes Them So Crazy?” by Thomas Van Schaik that I found in the site called sportsnetworker.com where he stated a lot reasons the psychology behind fans addiction to sports. He said a lot of reasons but the experience we share to other people is the main idea. When we have someone to play with and train with, we become inspire to do sports and support sports. The favor of introducing sports to others is pleasurable for us. Also, parents play a big part on being in love with sports. When you grow up on a family that always watches football game and basketball leagues, you will grow up with it. You will have the future to become an athlete someday because you always watch games and you become inspired.

Van Schaik also said that “Its fantastic to share experiences with your kids and most parents feel they’re doing their kids a big favour by introducing them to sports; ‘the school of life’. Sports are perfectly suited to focus on results, enjoy the essence of teamwork, learn that practice makes perfect, how to play by the rules and respect authority, win with grace and loose with dignity.”

Having parents that support you on what you do and love will make you do whatever. Most of us will be inspired to do it.

In the end, being addicted to sports all depends on your surroundings. The way you live is a big factor. Why people love sports will always be depending on a generation we live upon.

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Introduction

A.      Background of Study

A lot of people are addicted to sports. Nowadays, sport is not just for past time purposes in fact, they have also been used for competition around the world.  Since ancient times, sports are used to settle arguments in different regions. In Greece, where Olympic Games originated, sports are used to settle what city or province is the strongest and most influential. But sport is not just for people who play, it is also for people who love entertainment. Sport has been a form of entertainment since its origin and people are willing to waste their time watching other people compete with each other.

Most people play sports because of the benefits it gives to our health. From simple physically related things like running and jogging to extreme sports like basketball and football, makes our body physically fit and healthy. Also, it gives big positive contributions in out mental health. Also, doctors around the world recommend sports as a recreational activity for everyone.

According to an article entitled “The Mental Health Benefit of Sports” by Treacy Colbert that I found in the website thehealthline.com said that Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that regular physical activities sharpen mental behavior as people age. The author also reported that doing 30 minutes aerobic and muscle stretching exercises can make your body fit. Sports team also gives us the concept of thinking what we should prioritize.

The author also said, “When you are physically active, your mind is distracted from daily stressors, freeing you to think more creatively. Exercise reduces the levels of stress hormones in your body, such as adrenaline and cortisol. At the same time, it stimulates production of endorphins, which are natural mood lifters that can help lower your stress levels. Endorphins may even leave you feeling more relaxed and optimistic after a hard workout on the sports field.”( http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/mental-health-benefits-sports#1).

With that being said, sports really play a big role in our mental and physical stability. It helps us boost not only are physical capabilities but also the sharpness of our thinking and deciding skills. Also, it gives people the passion to do something and thinks quickly. Sport is not just a waste of time and energy. It boosts people in different aspects.

                The people who enter sports develop body discipline. Players of different sports begin to have a daily work-out or exercise that can boost their body in all aspects. For example for Basketball players they do lay-ups before they proceed in a game while for boxers they do cardio-vascular related exercises every day. Players tend to do this in order to discipline their body in the strict rules they will be facing in every game they face.

                But despite the discipline, most people are getting injured because of physical matters of the game. Because of some accidents during the games, some players tend to be hurt. But people already know that these accidents will happen if they become careless in their moves. In fact, people see these accidents as somehow funny. They even take note of every accidents happening in sports competition.

According to an article entitled “The 40 craziest Freak accidents in Sports” by Austin Schindel that I found in the website of bleacherreport.com ranked different sports accident that happened in the entire era of sports. He also narrated what happened during the time those accidents happen. Some of them are mild injuries from wrong moves and accidents but most of them are bizarre injuries that even caused them months and years from stopping them to play.

The author also said, “From cutting yourself while sleepwalking to sneezing too hard, these people, who are supposed to be the best competitors in the world, get hurt just like you and me, the common folk.When reading this list, you will laugh, you will fact-check and most probably, your jaw will drop—and I guarantee you will be entertained.” (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/905573-the-40-craziest-freak-accidents-in-sports/page/1).

These accidents somehow made the players famous by gaining sympathy and respect from sports fans. These injuries didn’t make them look weak but it made them look like passionate individuals who will do anything just to win every competition they join.

However, despite all these injuries, people still join and involves themselves in sports. In spite of all the accidents they encounter they still prefer playing sports than staying comfy in their houses. Therefore, having background information about sports will give the people reasons why they engage themselves in playing sports.

Instead of dealing with people who are famous in the field of sports, this paper will focus in explaining the reasons why people are addicted to sports.

B.      Statement of the problem

This study aims to answer this question:

1.       Why are people addicted to sports?

C.      Significance of the study

College Students of Human Kinetics and Physical Education. Students of Human Kinetics and Physical Education will surely benefit in this paper in terms of knowledge related to sports and the advantages and disadvantages it gives. This can also give preparation on their studies as it goes by.

Teachers and Professors of Human Kinetics and Physical Education. This paper will give a brief yet brief explanation on the reason behind the addiction and obsession of people in sports. Also, the researcher hopes to give idea on what activities they can give and lesson plans they can prepares for their students.

Athletes. This study can give tips and information on how to take care of your body physically and how can people somehow prevent accidents in competitions. Moreover, this paper will give explanation behind the addiction of every athlete in  their chosen field.

Sports Enthusiasts. Knowledge regarding sports will be given to enthusiasts in terms of explanation regarding their interest. It is also given that enthusiasts will be eager to know the reason behind their interest in this study will answer that question in their minds.

Future researchers. This paper can give ideas to people who are determined to know more about this topic. The researcher also hopes to help researchers know more about sports in order to clear misconceptions and stereotypical views regarding sports.

D.      Scopes and Limitations

This study will be focusing on explaining why people still involve themselves in sports regardless the misfortunes and accidents waiting for them. Reasons behind the obsession and addiction of people in sport will also be included.

History and different types of sports will no longer be discussed because they will not be adding new information and data for readers. This paper will also give weight on why people became addicted to sports. The researcher also believes that there is a certain explanation regarding the long time popularity of sports.

E.       Materials and Methods

This paper will be getting information, data and news in the internet. Blogs, online researches and forum for statistical views will be accepted in order to answer the thesis statement.  Concepts in blogs will give a clear answer in answering the reasons on addiction of people in sports.

Data and information will be analyzed carefully depending on their strength and applicability. Relevant various sources such as online articles specializing in sports will be the first choice in every information included in this paper.

F.       Definition of terms

Athlete. A person who is trained in or good at sports, games, or exercises that require ohysical skill and strength.

Competition. Act of trying to get or win something that someone else is also trying to get or win.

Sport. A physical activity (such as basketball, volleyball, swimming, etc.) that is done for enjoyment.

Blogpost #8 : Chlorine in swimming pools can cause asthma to swimmers

Every summer, my family would likely to go in a resort with many pools, unlike others who much prefer swimming in a beach. I feel good when I sink in a pool, specially it the water is cold. My friends and I sometimes go in a resort for us to enjoy ourselves swimming in a swimming pool. I noticed that most pools have different colors when it comes to water. I now recognized the coloring substance that they mix is the chlorine. 

                  

Chlorine is a substance or chemical that is said to clean water. However there is also an effect to our health that we do not know. According to the article entitled "Chlorinated Swimming Pools Can Cause Asthma In Swimmers" by Allan Finney in a site called "swimming.about.com" that chlorine in swimming pools can cause many different breathing problems such as asthma and many more. During the Olympic games held in Australia, it  is reported that more than one quarter of the American team suffered a degree of asthma.

Allan stated "The problem is not the chlorine but what chlorine turns into when combined into organics". Maybe chlorine does really helps in cleaning the water but when the chlorine is  mixed with any other substance it can be dangerous to our health . Some of us does not mind the chlorine at all but maybe some other time, they might be able to see the symptoms.

I have read an article entitled "Avoid swimming pools if you have allergies or asthma" by Joseph Mercola in a site called "mercola" that chlorine in a pool is very dangerous to our health because of the way our body absorbs chlorine and many chemicals mixed in the pool aside from chlorine. 

Joseph stated that "Most public pools are overloaded with chlorine, as the well-intentioned people who maintain public pools overly shock them with chlorine to make sure bacteria and other organisms get snuffed out quickly". Joseph is right, there are some people who over pour chlorine thinking that it will clean the pool faster. The more chlorine you put, the more lives of people you put on danger.

Blogpost #7 : Too much sports is bad

I do play basketball most of the time because it is fun specially when I face stronger opponents. I love basketball so much that I spend my time watching video tutorials in the internet in order to improve my style of play. Whenever I see an empty gym, I lace up my shoes and start dribbling, the only opponent I need to beat is myself and I need to get better and better everytime I play baskeball. With that kind of attitude I could say that I'am a sporty guy. I do really love to spend my time playing rather than sitting in front of my computer. What I do not know is, too much sports could be bad for myself. I thought that the more you play sports the more you can get healthy.
                                                                       

According to the article entitled "Too Much Sport For Teenagers May Be as Bad as too Little" by Laurie Barclay in a site called "medscape" that sport practice can be widely encourage, both in guidelines and clinically practice because of its broad range of positive effects on health. However, the sport duration and the elements remains unknown, researchers are searching to determine sport durations that were associated with poor well-being. Higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines have been reported in very high and chronic sport practice which will result to a negative impact on physical and mental health.

Laurie stated "these results highlights the importance for physicians, caring for adolescents, to follow-up their level of sport practice and concurrently inquire about their well being" For me, playing and practicing hard in sports depends on how you treat your body into it. If you exceeded your limitations there might be some negative things that could happen to you, otherwise, there is also some positive things because of the fact that you have exceeded your limitations and brought you to a whole new level.

I have read an article entitled "Too much sports may be bad for teens health" by Honor Whiteman in a site called "medicalnewstoday" that physical activity has been associated with positive emotional well-being, reduced depressive anxiety and stress disorders, and improved self esteem and cognitive functioning in children and adolescents. They found that sports practice apparently ceased to be a protective factor and became an independent risk factor for poor well-being when practicing more than twice the 7 recommended hours per week.

Honor said that "regardless of their decision to pursue their level of practice, these adolescents probably need a supportive and closer follow up of their health and well-being". Honor is right, it depends on us on how long can we play or practice the sport we love. If you think you can still go then go, if you feel you cannot continue then rest until you are fully recovered. However, if you don't know how to handle yourself then you may need a guide or a trainer to schedule and limit you according to your abilities.

Blogpost #6 : Soccer header can be dangerous

                                                                            

When we are watching football, we are being amazed when a player scored a goal by using his head rather his foot. Professional football players are able to manipulate the ball using their heads. They can balance the ball and bounce it according to their will. We find it amazing and sometimes we try it out in our home. When I tried it, the ball seems to be heavy and it feels like my brain is shaken everytime it bounce. I ended up feeling dizzy and my head seems to ache a little bit. After desperately trying to imitate those athletes, I ended up asking myself, Why are they capable of doing it continously without being dizzy, and without experiencing pain? I searched many different football articles and i found out that frequent headers can be dangerous.
                                       
                                         

According to the article entitled "Frequent soccer headers may leave lasting brain damage" by Michelle Castillo in a site called "cbsnews" that research are shown that players hit the ball with their heads are more likely to have brain abnormalities similar to people who are known to had concussions. They studied the sport of soccer because it is one of the famous sport in the world. Researchers and doctors found out that an athlete who executes header had more chances of brain damage. Some athletes who retired playing soccer are experiencing long-term brain damage because of the header.

Michelle said that "Soccer players who frequently do headers may be setting themselves up for brain injuries". I agree with Michelle, players who does header may not know the consequences of doing it. Maybe after some long time, the symptoms of the brain damage will be quite visible. Still, many players are still doing this move in order to perform and contribute for the team without knowing what further risks this move can give.

 
I have read an article entitled "Repetitive soccer ball 'heading' could lead to brain injury" by Loren Grush in a site called "foxnews" that most athletes who experience similar types of brain abnormalities are the soccer players. By utilizing advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, researchers from the Albert Einstein College of medicine in New York City found that numerous repetitions of the soccer move called "heading", are associated with adverse brain changes comparable to those found in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Loren stated that "we need to do research and confirm what the risk are, and if they are confirmed, develop ways to address them". We people should know the risk of the sport before the moment we play it. We need to make sure that the moves we make are safe for us to execute in order to play safe and healthy. I agree with Loren, the moment that a problem has been seen, we need to think fast in order to solve it and find a way to share it. Therefore, many people could be cautious about the things that they are doing. It is better to be safe rather than sorry.

Blogpost #5 : A Brain Training Game That Improves Your Vision

Playing computer games, watching television, surfing the net, uploading photos, downloading torrents, and chatting. Those are the hobbies of the new generation teenagers including myself. I do really love to spend more time in surfing the internet because of the fact that it will provide me many useful information. I love to watch videos in Youtube mostly tutorials, specially when it comes to basketball moves in order to improve my basketball skills. Eating in front of a computer is also my habit. I enjoy eating while watching those latest anime episodes from the internet. However, all of this habits are damaging the most important part of our senses, our eyes. Due to long exposure to the monitor which may lead to many eye problems like near- sightedness (myopia), astigmatism and many more.

According to the article entitiled "Brain training game improves vision and success of baseball players" by Honor Whiteman in a sight called "medicalnewstoday" that a video-game vision training could improve a baseball player's vision and also skills. Scientist and researchers now conducted several test and training to baseball athletes. According to the Snellen eye-chart  20/20 is classed as normal vision. However after the players complete the video game training, the researchers  found that some players saw their vision improve to 20/7.5. That means that an average person can read at a distance of 7.5 feet and those players who undergone training are able to read at a distance of 20 feet. It is really helpful for people who had eye problems like me.

 Honor Whiteman said "This type of vision training can help improve not only sports performance, but many of these activities in non-athletes as well". I'am really happy for what Honor had said. It could really be a big help for us who have many different eye problems. I hope that this kind of training will be reachable to people who like to undergo this kind of training. It could lessen the money being spent for eye operations and lessens worry for people who does not have enough money. I have read an article entitled "Training your brain to improve your vision" by James Hamblin in a site called "theatlantic" that there is a fun and rewarding game called "Ultimeyes" that could improve vision and also reverse the effects of aging eyes.

 "We suggest that this approach has great potential to aid many individuals that rely on vision" said James. This app is available on itunes and I hope that I could see it in the playstore. Due to this modern era, many people now are experiencing problems in the eyes. This research will be a big thing in helping to recover people in their eye problems not only physically but also mentally. The eye is one of the most important senses, therefore we need to take care of our eyes and learn how to adjust in today's modern world.