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.