The article discusses the search for the “perfect “swing” in golf. Even though sometimes people say that there is one swing that is ideal, it cannot be true because all people are different. There are individual differences, such as the physiological qualities of a person. These are their physical dimensions, fitness level and skill set that is used to play the game. The psychological factors depend on the mood and emotional make-up of a person. If someone is nervous or anxious this will in turn affect the game. The surrounding conditions are another part of the unique swings. The audience, surrounding climate and physical qualities of the world all make each swing different.
These are very significant points and facts that describe the reality of the game. It would be practically impossible to develop a technique or a swing that can be used by all players in the same way. The point that golf and other sports are entertaining to watch is due to the fact that everyone has their own original style and teqnique of playing the game. The best way to think of the swing is judging by the personal characteristics and abilities of the player. Coaches should not forget that there is no specific frame work that can be forced onto the player because some things will be impossible to simulate or repeat.
The application of individualized treatment in other instances in life is critical. Every individual has their specific character and must be treated accordingly. When raising children, it is clear that everyone has a unique personality and some reinforcement or punishment that works for one child will not be adequately attributable to another. Someone might be more responsive to a strict discipline where forbidding a certain action is most effective. In other cases, a detailed explanation and a session of question and answer will be most useful. To others, comfort and sensitivity are more important than everything else. Each personality must be adjusted to and this will lead to the best outcome.
The continent Europe is believed to have contributed a great deal to the formation and structuring of the contemporary sporting framework. Formerly, sports and sporting affairs were subjected to guidelines and parameters. However, in due course of time, sporting events developed a variety of competitive aspects which in turn dependent on market conditions during the 1980s. Competition resulted in the conversion of an administrative sports structure into a scheme largely dependent on the economic constraints of costs and labour engagements. This system was toughened in 1995 when community powers conveyed little apprehension in relation to sporting activities on account of a verdict pronounced by the European Court of Justice declaring that players could from then onwards engage in free movement from one squad to a different team. This implied that with the lack of stringent regulations, the framework in which European soccer was played progressed autonomously. Nevertheless, this lack of a proper regulatory framework is being brought under the scanner as a consequence of this arrangement’s incapability to warrant the perseverance of the system of European soccer. In light of such circumstances this paper discusses crucial economic factors such as salaries, contractual obligations and transfer mechanisms involving soccer players and appraises its financial viability in this context. Further, the paper delves into aspects which could perhaps enhance and ensure betterment of the contemporary system under which soccer is played. (Dobson 2006)
Background
The game of football was first played during the latter parts of the nineteenth century in England. During the early days the conventions and laws of games such as rugby and football were not unambiguously characterized. Both of these two sporting events were comparable in a lot of ways and subsequent to a great deal of modifications did the existing structure of soccer come into existence. Nevertheless, both football and rugby were perceived as sporting forms which attracted the attention of the mass. Sheffield United was the earliest official football club to be established and is referred to as the ‘Mecca of football’ by numerous sports enthusiasts. The level of recognition the game received matured rapidly not only in England and across Europe but also in places like South America, Africa and Asia. (Szymanski & Zibalist 2005)In its present form, the economics of European club football has attained unimaginable heights wherein wealth has gained a vast amount of significance. Financially formidable football clubs deal with huge sums of money and are capable of buying new players and form a team over night. The current year’s transfer period witnessed deals worth millions when Real Madrid bought ace player Kaka from AC Milan, Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, Raul Albiol from Valencia and Karim Benzema from Olympic Lyon. Altogether the club invested a staggering sum of 333 million dollars for buying only these four star footballers. Just to have an idea about the sumptuous earnings of ace football stars in Europe, one can note that they receive nearly 150,000 pounds each week after deducting taxes. (Michie & Oughton 2007) With the enormous sums of money being tossed around one may easily contemplate about the fact that football is being transformed from a beautiful sporting event into a means of procuring economic gains for a handful or people. Rather than forming teams constituted by youthful and able players, football clubs engage in a brutal bidding game to bring experienced but average talents into their teams. Winning games has apparently become financially advantageous to the extent that in recent times clubs have nearly relinquished the creative aspects of the game and have adopted a more aggressive, tactical, and reticent approach marking a dent on the spirit of the game.
Evaluation of Contracts and rates
At the outset, economic factors resulted in the instantiation of various soccer squads by reason of the prospective returns that administrators and sponsors expect to procure from the wide-ranging marketing strategies aimed at both live spectators and television audiences driven by the extensive competitive attitude. European football developed over time to accommodate itself into the peculiar framework of the competitive structure in sports. The deficiency of a proper regulatory structure gives rise to uncertainty which in turn induces an enhanced level of interest in the game that corresponds to a soccer event’s market value. However, of late this configuration appears to have miscarried with respect to the European soccer framework as a consequence of the double collapse in both economic and regulatory arrangements. This occurred for the reason that the soccer structure has played down the authoritarian role of regulations in the game and competition alone was unable to present the requisite policies to the labour market and combined team endeavours. It should be noted that there exists no system of coping with conflicting entities with varying financial potentials. (Gorman & Calhoun 1994)
In a normal soccer event, two squads confront each other. The quality of the event banks on the sense of balance existing amongst the forces engaged in the match. There eminent worth of the match is clearly evident when the strength of the clashing line-ups is comparable. This implies that the probability of winning is not more for a certain team as compared with the other. Idyllically, this would result in greater interest in the event and enhanced revenues from spectators which in turn are converted into favourable pay packages for the players. However, in the practical sense match quality is not always excellent particularly in a competitive environment. This is for the reason that financially established and formidable team owners decide on investing specifically so as to warrant their winning streak in the upcoming games by designating higher spending on players’ salaries and proposing a better pay package to famous and talented players in other squads. With such a situation, the balance inclines on the side of the financially stronger teams as better footballers have a propensity for transferring to a different team which offers better earning opportunities. The teams which loose their top contributors due to such incidents are expected to loose matches on a regular basis, which leads to a declining in level of team strength which in turn translates into poorer returns for the team and decreased wages for the players. Teams which are not quite resourceful are incapable of contending with more affluent and better-accomplished teams. This leads to deteriorating performance in match situations resulting in heavy losses in terms of revenues and ultimately leads to a complete collapse. (Hoehn & Szymanski 1999)
Even though this arrangement is advantageous to the more affluent teams, it cannot be considered to be as favorable for the overall sport since barely a small number of wealthy and powerful teams can exist in this structure. These teams would thus be dominating the sporting arena reducing the aspect of uncertainty and consequently the viewers’ interest. Rooted in the financial aspects of growing or declining revenues, resources remain focused on a certain teams or clubs which makes it tough for other new teams to enter the competitive environment. This fact is primarily attributable to the deficiency of a proper regulatory structure in European football. The unfettered configuration of European football leads to the cropping up of relevant aspects like salary caps, player movement issues, competition amongst various leagues, and the opportunity of reforms.
Discussion of the high salary structure
One of the most relevant issues occurring due to the unfettered regulatory structure of European football is player wages. Factors such as competition and unregulated labour movement initiate the determination of wages of the players with respect to the market elements. Unregulated sporting configuration implies that there exists no upper limit in case of the pay packages offered to footballers by clubs or team owners. The non-existence of concepts like salary caps can prove to be advantageous as well as disadvantageous in some cases for the team members, clubs or team owners, and sponsors in European soccer framework. For the players the non-existence of salary caps is beneficial for the reason that better performing footballers have the opportunity to maximize their earnings owing to the fierce competition between financial sponsors to induct the best performing footballers to strengthen their teams in order to warrant wins. On the other hand, this is detrimental for players in teams wherein their ace players get transferred to teams where they are paid better. Lineups with restricted resources are unable to race with the payment offers made by more affluent clubs. Loosing their best players to other wealthier teams, the team’s output declines rapidly. This leads to heavy financial losses for the clubs and lesser earning opportunities for players playing for such teams. (Haas 2003)
In case of the affluent clubs or teams and financial sponsors, not having salary caps enhances the team’s playing efficiency as they are competent enough to meet the expense of acquiring the best players. A brilliant performance implies enhanced revenues which translate into the capability to warrant winnings in future matches and better profit or returns. Nevertheless, as mentioned before, the domination of a sporting event only by a certain number of sides or even a particular team in the long run reduces the element of uncertainty which is crucial in a competitive environment to keep spectators interested. The income and productivity may not be considered to be sustainable. Clubs with narrow resource bases are likely to participate in lower stages which lead to financial losses. (Szymanski 2004)
Not implementing measures like salary caps can also be beneficial or an inconvenience as well for European soccer as a whole. With non-existent salary caps, club sides are allowed to bid freely for footballers permitting the entrance of various teams and clubs into the framework leading to the vitality in European soccer system. The free competitive atmosphere provides a favourable environment for anyone with possession of essential assets to build a team or engage in partnership dealings and venture into other business opportunities to endorse a team. Nevertheless, in due course European soccer will have to put up with the concentration of teams into a small number of groups endorsed by financial sponsors with the wherewithal to back the side. The cost and other consequences of competition have evolved into major obstructions to access the competitive structure in European soccer for prospective upcoming teams. It may also turn out to be extremely difficult for some normal or under par sides to continue competing with major sides. This has an effect on the overall sustainability of the system if not the vitality of European soccer. (Dobson 2006)
Results of evaluation
Earning opportunities i.e., player salary is the most significant issue that drives the movement of footballers from one team to the other. Without salary caps in place transfers become a frequent phenomenon due to the predisposition of team members to seek offers bidding the highest pay packages after the cessation of their contractual obligations to their former clubs. There may be two ways of contemplating the player transfer system in European football and understand the transfer fee in that context.
Firstly one may adhere to cost-based approach in analysis and understanding the phenomenon of player transfer. In such an approach the user worth of players computed either from the viewpoint of the club or the player is taken into consideration. From the point of view of the club, the transfer fee is determined founded on the labour value. Club owners invest in players and various team requirements in order that this comes with the authority to gain payment on the wages of the player in addition to the expected input of the player. One should note that this is the normal course taken provided the player is bound by an already existing contract. However, if a player not bound by any contractual commitment, the approach reflects on human capital and the player himself estimates a justifiable transfer fee derived from opportunity cost, costs of the player on improving the worth of human capital by means of training and has to be not more than the projected returns. Another means of understanding the transfer phenomenon is the talent-based approach. In this approach a similar value system is made use of wherein the calculation of the transfer fee is based on experience level of the player as a regular member of elite clubs, sporting achievements, playing position along with the age and nationality. Market elements influence the cited value and this is very much cost-effective in instances where pure market elements decide the worth of the transfer fee. However, in reality other aspects like the risk associated with signing and training a certain player and the charge of releasing the player are also considered in the process of evaluating the value of the player(s) in question. (Michie & Oughton 2007)
The unfettered movement or transfer of footballers from one team to the other implements the cost-based method where there is no predetermined upper limit placed on the transfer fee sum and it becomes a topic of arbitration and settlement. The unregulated structure also amplifies the price of inducting players into squads. This manifests as a risk factor in instances when the club may possibly have overestimated itself in terms of its projected revenues proportionate to the expense of obtaining rights to a new player.
Competitive balance is yet another key topic of contemplation in the European soccer context. Competitive balance is associated with the fiscal worth or economic quality of a certain sporting event. Four criteria may be listed for event to be characterized as a quality contest. These are legality of the game, Quality of the players, uncertainty about the result, and the implications of the contest. Legality is associated with fair play and the ease of accessibility allowed for the entrance of new entities to participate in the contest provided that they are competent enough. Quality of players denotes the capability to match the equivalent competencies of team members belonging to the two sides to enhance the element of uncertainty in the outcome of the contest. Uncertainty about the result of the contest symbolizes the veracity of the event due to the lack of obviousness on the part of the spectators. The outcome not being obvious subsequently generates interest amongst the viewers about the contest. Implications of the contest denote the by and large features of the event. Competitive balance is believed to be a major prerequisite for the perseverance of European soccer framework and its financial practicability. (Goddard 2003)
To realize satisfactory levels of competitive balance, quite a few policy implementations may permit the individuals implicated in the organizing process of sporting contests to get involved in several key aspects of the event. To accomplish desired goals, one such measure that can be implemented is introduction of constraints on the movement of players by means of policies like a reservation system. This may be considered to be a direct measure resulting in a direct outcome. Nevertheless, this has to be applied across all competitions, tournaments and teams in the European soccer. The negative response received on the part of the sponsors to adhere to the constraints or their persistence in the transfer process would conflict with the rationale underlying the action, which is to uphold strong levels of competitive balance by avoiding the concentration of talent only amongst a particular or a small number of clubs.
Another measure is the circuitous infliction of layer migration by controlling the inducements offered for transfer by enforcing salary caps. This may possibly be practicable step for the reason that it has been proved that uncapped wages and transfer fee amounts are having their toll on the economic potential of clubs and teams resulting in the categorization of a small number of teams among the elitist and rest of the teams fall down to the lower echelons with a little or practically no possibility of up gradation, which hampers competitive balance. Yet again, regardless of the numerous benefits of such as measure and its contribution to the perseverance of European soccer, the measure could possibly be exposed to overt opposition and criticism particularly from the members and sponsors of the premiere clubs and teams. With the lack of complete and unconditional support of all teams and clubs, the implementation of the step could be disastrous. (Michie & Oughton 2007)
A further step that indirectly has an effect on competitive balance is the rearrangement of revenue distribution processes so as to accomplish revenue parity by enforcing measures for instance, dividing gate revenues and the concentrated sale of media privileges. This is not easy to put into practice for the reason that this may not be perfectly cost-effective or even inequitable particularly to top-level or best performing teams or clubs. However, from the standpoint of warranting the practicability of the European soccer system overall this may be a achievable proposal as it guarantees the success of a large number of individual leagues and teams enhancing the vitality of sporting events and improving high competitive balance to procure higher income. (Goddard 2003)
Conclusion & Recommendations
In the end, a different alternative is to streamline or rearrange the tournament structures to make sure that the participants in the competition are comparable in terms of economic potential. This can be achieved either by stopping teams having a negligible economic existence or by not including them into the recently forged super leagues which are comprised of big market or top level clubs and teams from the various existing leagues. This is an additional means of guarantying effective levels of competitive balance. By grouping clubs with equivalent economic competencies under the same bracket, the element of uncertainty is increased and consequentially interest in the contest is also heightened. In this case too, support of the various individual leagues, teams and clubs are essential prerequisites in order to put such measures into practice successfully. (Michie & Oughton 2007)
The perseverance of the European soccer system largely relies on a number of issues but the most significant factor is the capability of the soccer teams and clubs to uphold an effective competitive balance to make sure that the viewer’s interest in the game is converted into revenue. At the moment, European soccer presents only a satisfactory level of competitive balance, which possibly will not be enough to maintain the games viewer bases. European soccer is in dire need of reforms given that the unregulated structure is not advantageous for the overall sport. There are numerous approaches to developing and upholding a sustainable competitive balance but the most significant are the imposition of salary caps and streamlining of the tournament structures. However, these measures necessitate wholehearted support of the individual teams and clubs. Thus, it comes down to the synchronization of the entities implicated in the European soccer systems on which its sustained subsistence depends.
Bibliography
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Late adulthood is usually associated with significant lifestyle changes, leading to a dramatic decrease in physical activity. Still, according to the textbook, an adequate level of exercise is a prerequisite for reducing vulnerability to various diseases and maintaining physical and mental health (Kraynok et al., 2017). Providing the optimum amount of activity for senior residents is a task faced by many community services. One of the solutions is an “Enhance Fitness” program, which includes free classes for older adults (Wethington, 2018). Being adapted to the needs of the senior citizens and their fitness levels, it creates a perfect opportunity for them to maintain their health without excessive physical stresses or unnecessary financial burden.
Violence in any form that is committed against a person or property is considered an offense that is punishable under the provisions of the law, whether it is on the playing field or off it, which implies that the sporting events are not exempted from being under the purview of the law. Sports have for long been an integral part of life in Australia, but there have been incidents of physical and verbal violence occurring in sporting events and recreational settings that have involved spectators, administration officials, and players. The sporting fraternity in Australia recognizes the need to control such incidents and initiatives have been taken in curbing the violence and managing the incidents effectively as and when they happen. Sporting events are certainly not absolved of the responsibilities to uphold, practice, and accept the norms of the state and communities.
Introduction
The issue of violence in sports has become a matter of immense concern in Australia. There have not been many attempts to systematically document the character and extent to which the violence occurs regarding the recreational and sporting culture in Australia. There is some evidence to suggest that the incidents in this regard have shown a downward trend over time in most of the important sporting team events such as rugby (Wenn, 1989). But there is a visible absence of methodical studies that consider the link between particular sporting events and the wider cultural circumstances which implies that the given data does not provide much evidence regarding the trend, pattern, and changes happening in the extent of violence during such events (Homel et al, 1993).
Main body
Additionally, the incidents that require the violence to be controlled regarding dealing, detection, and prevention of the problems when they occur are found to be of wider criminological relevance. It is also evident that the available evidence regarding research done on violence, suggests that these matters essentially intrude into the role of private and public law and the functioning of enforcement officials. The studies in this regard have also thrown light on the mechanism adopted in regulating violent behaviors under the circumstances. Such matters have been considered in the context of different subcultural types of sporting cultures such as the Bathurst motorcycle race (Cunneen et al, 1989). But there is a considerable need to analyze and explore the questions in the conventional fields of sporting cultures in Australia.
There is a lot of evidence emanating from countries such as the UK and the USA which is suggestive of incidents of violence amongst spectators and participants and which are quite usual in both societies. For instance, in the UK, spectator violence is quite widespread and is commonly witnessed in the context of lower social classes and social deficiencies in having sturdy cultural affinities with the local communities that stand for the major soccer teams in the UK. All such factors collectively generate conflict which surfaces while the game is being played as also while the teams are going to and coming from the venue of the event (Dunning et al, 1988). In the US most of the sporting violence emanates due to anger resulting due to violent incidents occurring on the field. Most of such incidents occur as a consequence of issues arising out of masculinity and class, but these elements are not exclusive mutually. Violence in sports is a matter of grave social concern in the USA but globally the causes for such violence cannot be always predicted specifically.
In the Australian context, violence in sporting events can be understood by examining different parameters. There may be a connection between the violent events that occur on the playing field and the resultant commotion amongst spectators. The occurrence of such violent incidents could also be a result of the pattern of violence prevailing over time due to wider cultural considerations. Associations can be drawn by using evidence obtained from different contemporary and historical resources regarding the events of violent actions that have happened about the games and other social aspects. These aspects have a bearing on the progress of the sports in being a professional concern for players and supporters. Evidence is available by way of case studies, analysis, and reports of violence that has occurred on or off the field and their effects on the sporting culture in terms of the wider social development over time. The available evidence has suggested that the incidence of violence as related to Australian rules amongst participants and spectators has reduced in recent times. But the nature of the occurrences has changed in the context of identifiable cultural developments that have impacted the development of the sport and the general nature of the spectatorship. Such alterations have had a considerable influence on the process of prevention and control of violent incidents related to leisure actions in recent times.
Some sporting organizations have set up arrangements for managing violent incidents that occur during events. Such arrangements primarily involve the officials and players who come to an understanding based on briefings made by coaches. Typical examples in this regard are the National Rugby Teams Tribunals and the Australian Football Tribunals which manage violence during sporting events. Community sporting organizations also adopt practices in managing and preventing violent incidents on the field by training their members in the procedures to effectively handle the situations. Many such organizations provide for the process in this regard to be clearly outlined in their respective by-laws and constitution. A very proactive role has been adopted by the sporting communities in Australia and they are vested with authority that is legally recognized by the government.
Most sporting organizations have in place well-established procedures to manage violent incidents and such procedures primarily relate to the style in which their officials handle the situation as also on how the players are briefed by their coaches. Certain issues in this regard need to be understood very well before a concrete analysis can be made of the issue of violence in sporting events. It is widely recognized throughout the world that some amount of violent behavior has to be viewed as being part of the game because spectators often become very emotional about the happenings in the game that they respond in the excitement by adopting some form of violence. Such behavior does at times result in a clash on or outside the field. At the same time, the sporting event is not immune from the law and violence has to be viewed as a criminal offense that is punishable under the law. Verbal abuse is also considered a violent act on the playing field since instances of abuse of spectators, administrative officials, and players often lead to the flaring up of emotions which further spark physical violence amongst different parties and groups.
Prevention strategies have to be adopted by different actors to ensure that fair play is promoted by spectators, administrative officials, coaches, and players. All perpetrators of violence must be punished appropriately so that others get dissuaded from indulging in such acts. A well-planned protocol has to be adopted in managing violent behaviors as related to the sporting event. The authorities can promote through the press and media the details about the social benefits and value of the sporting event. Although an understood code of ethics does exist amongst the sports fraternity in the context of violence in sporting events, the Australian government is in the process of developing and adopting a code of behavior in this regard. Appropriate training and accreditation have to be provided to volunteers, officials, and coaches in equipping them with skills to effectively manage such situations.
The period after 1982 is characterized by the development of the VFL interstate, firstly in Sydney and then on to Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane in becoming the Australian Football League (AFL). This period witnessed high levels of unemployment, especially amongst the youngsters and the working-class professions. There was a visible change in the fields of recreation and public entertainment and social spaces became the subject matter of strict regulations to protect the privacy and property-linked interests. Such a massive broadcast of sports events to homes by way of television soon became a widespread aspect of spectatorship in modern sports. The rules of Australian football changed significantly and VFL allocated interstate teams and expanded competition at the national level thus exercising its monopoly in developing the game throughout the country. This feature impacted the events by increasing local rivalries and also making it immensely popular with spectators due to the coverage provided by television. With the increase in professionalism, players began to demand more money which made organizers consider a wider range of fundraising activities that included corporate sponsorship, marketing, higher gate prices, and media rights. In big cities such as Melbourne, the options available to people have become much wider in terms of the vast number of programs available on television (Dennis Hemphill, 1998).
There is ample evidence to indicate that after the Australian football rules were framed, there has been a changing pattern in the violence amongst participants and spectators. However, the relationship between the two is gradually becoming lesser given the games becoming more and more professionalized in modern times. The incidents of violence have also been distanced from the former support centers in the Melbourne suburbs. Authorities have now become stricter against disorderly behavior by spectators and those who play mischief are liable to be scrutinized by government officers who have specific directions to prevent incidents of violence. The nature of the games has changed to a considerable extent and viewership on television has been gradually increasing. Violent incidents and breaches of rules are taken very seriously and offenders have to face larger public scrutiny and exposure given the larger and more technological broadcasting by the media. The earlier days incidents of fist fighting and open brawls are now almost over and are now restored by other ways of technical violence that need to be monitored closely. However, this does not imply that there is lesser violence now as compared to previously; it is only that the shape and variety of the violent incidents have changed.
How the games have developed over the years has ensured that the spectators do not get too many opportunities to indulge in a larger number of violent acts. Players also are now not in direct contact with spectators as was previously possible when the majority of the spectators were present at the field. More precedence is now given to concerns and issues that foster community ties. Given the changed identities as combined with the cordial family atmosphere while viewing sporting events at home there are limited opportunities for indulging in violence. According to Vamplew (1983), violence is considerably reduced in sporting events when money becomes a central characteristic of the sporting event. A characteristic observed in the Australian context pertains to the fact that violence amongst the sporting crowds has been observed amongst spectators who are not able to enter the sporting venues. Entries are impeded due to high costs of entry, difficulty in getting transport to the venue, or lack of punctuality. Violence normally occurs in different forms depending on the altered nature of controls in communities which directly impact the pattern of violence in society. Most of the forms of community recreation and sporting events have now started to become privatized and stricter controls imposed regarding the kind of spectators who will be allowed entry into such events. Undesired elements tend to be marginalized from these private sporting events and since the entry of people is screened there is a lesser likelihood of large-scale violence. Since there is police control over who will be allowed entry and who will be debarred, problems are presented by way of public control. However recent trends have indicated that there is now a greater propensity for people to pursue recreational pleasure in the precincts of home privacy (White et al, 1992). For people who are prone to violence even by watching the program at home or those that must be present during such games for different reasons, there is a need to implement controls by the state in contributing to the control of violence amongst the disadvantaged and marginalized class of people. All of this is although despite the historical patterns whereby such venues are to be culturally and legally open to the public at large.
The privatization of sporting events has entailed the exclusion of spectators from the sporting venues which has the potential to direct legitimate forms of social violence thus leading to violence in different forms in different areas which may be private such as homes and also into public places where violent behaviors may not be tolerated. People who are denied entry in attending important sporting venues are more prone to be policed and watched due to the inherent risks for the occurrence of violence. The state needs to devise new sporting venues and events so that there is the legitimacy for people to indulge in recreational activities. With the changing nature of violence on the field and the introduction of additional security measures and policing of such venues, there may be an increased tendency to indulge in violence by spectators who are denied entry. This is because of increased frustrations amongst players resulting from rules that become unworkable. The increasing involvement of the media in the regulation and dissemination of violent actions in sporting events has had far-reaching implications in framing social perceptions about the sport which then needs to be further assessed theoretically and empirically.
The available material in this regard indicates that the violence associated with Australian sporting events may not be necessarily increased or decreased. But the characteristics of the violence and confusion related to the specific sporting events are seen to be changing in terms of both participants and spectators. There are two unique characteristics of the sporting events in the UK and USA which have also been found to be influencing participant and spectator behavior in Australia and which also influence the question of violence in sport in the country. There is a lesser level of on-the-field violence in the UK, and soccer, the most important sport, is seen as having exhibited lower levels of violence on the field. Soccer is characterized by having a lot of spectatorship and the practice has been continuing despite the increasing professionalism in the sport. Recent trends have shown that the changing social structures have made the sport commonplace for violent incidents on a collective basis. The recurrent incidents of violence between the police and spectators are a heritage of the social conflicts that have pervaded society in a particularly male-dominated and working-class society. Despite such a pattern, the overall rate of violent crimes has remained low as per international benchmarks. The US is uniquely characteristic of a connection between masculinity and class as displayed in the sporting events. But there is a lesser incidence of large-scale collective incidents of violence at sporting events as compared to the high rate of violent street crimes and homicides which are the highest in the world. In this context, the high rate of collective violence is more largely associated with the legacy of class and race issues in being marginalized from the larger communities. For such marginalized groups, recreation entails not sporting events but indulging in drug abuse and other social malpractices which stay concealed from the majority in the society.
Conclusion
In recent times there has been considerable concern regarding the permissible levels of violence in sporting events and the given provisions have been challenged time and again. The relationship of violence with sport has been present since ancient times and so is the participation of the public in such violent incidents. The Romans are known to have organized violent contests between gladiators, and jousting was extremely popular during the medieval age. Just over a century ago boxing with bare knuckles was the prevailing practice. In modern times the recording of sporting events with the use of advanced video technology enables the detection of violence that is inflicted intentionally. Hence there is a need to frame a suitable legal framework to combat the challenges arising for sportsmen and authorities. According to Dr. Wray Vamplew, who is a leading authority in Australia on sports sociology, sport in the country is no longer more violent as compared to the past and it will eventually reduce. He indicates that society is now less inclined to tolerate violence in sports but there have been violent incidents that demand immediate remedial action by taking precautions and framing instructions and a code of conduct that will check the malpractices. All sporting authorities are required to refer all instances of criminal violence that occur on the playing field, to the law enforcement agencies for further prosecution from their end.
References
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Dennis Hemphill, Violence and Australian Sport, 1998, Walla Walla Press
Dunning, E Murphy, P and Williams, J. 1988, The Roots of Football Hooliganism, An Historical and Social Study, Routledge
Homel R, and Tomsen S, 1993, Hot Spots for Violence: The Environment of Pubs and Clubs, in Homicide: Patterns, Prevention and Control, Conference Proceeding No. 17, Australian Institute of Criminology
Vamplew W, 1983, Unsporting Behaviour: The Control of Football and Horse Racing Crowds in England 1857-1914, Goldstein, J.N., Sports Violence, Springer-Verlag, New York. Victorian Community Council Against Violence 1990, Inquiry Into Violence in and Around Licenced Premises, The Council, Melbourne.
Wenn, B. 1989, Violence in Sport: Violence Today Series, Monograph for the National Committeee on Violence
White, Katz, and Scarborough, 1992, The Impact of Professional Football Games Upon Violent Assaults on Women, Vol 7 Violence and Victims
Running long-distance, e.g., marathons and triathlon has always been quite a challenging endeavor for the athletes due to the need for a high level of physiological preparedness for the process, which could be achieved through constant practice. Hence, it is of crucial importance for a person to define the physiological aspects relevant to the case to realize how they should be handled. The researchers claim that one’s ability to manage physiological determinants is more important than having a natural aptitude for these endeavors, as the correlation between success and human physiological capabilities is not quite evident (Jones, 2004). The primary aim of the following paper is to define which physiological determinants are crucial for the athletes undertaking a 10,000 m track race or marathon.
To begin with, it is of paramount significance to outline the physiological peculiarities of breathing patterns, as the oxygen intake directly affects the quality of running and the overall process capability. According to the researchers, the breathing frequency during the track race should be performed at a set interval to preserve a maximum amount of oxygen intake (VO2 max) at the level of 80-95% (Jones, 2004). The so-called “sub-maximal” physiological peculiarities are highly dependent on the patterns of breathing, as the running economy factor, for example, is directly correlated with the athlete’s ability to preserve a normal oxygen cost in terms of the estimated distance and body weight. When speaking of the notion of stamina, crucial for successful long-distance running performance, the breathing patterns and control over the VO2 max play the most significant role in the context. They contribute to one’s ability to preserve a steady velocity throughout the endeavor instead of performing maximum speed at one point and feeling an absolute lack of oxygen later.
Another significant determinant for the performance is the level of body temperature and plasma volume. According to the researchers, the process of thermoregulation performed during the exercise leads to extensive sweating and dehydration, which becomes crucial in terms of long-distance running endeavors (Jones, 2004). The process of dehydration is characterized by a rapid shift in body temperature and heart rate increase. As a result, an athlete obtains a sense of severe exhaustion and lack of break, with a VO2 max rate unable to reach even 80% capacity, and he or she loses the ability to perform the running activity at a required rate. Thus, to address the following issue properly, an athlete needs to maintain normal body temperature and heart rates by adequate hydration throughout the effort.
Finally, one of the most crucial physiological determinants of long-distance running events is the work of muscles engaged in the process. According to Jones (2004), the capacity of muscles engaged in the running endeavor is highly dependent on the level of glycogen stored in them, as this ferment is responsible for the amount of energy stored. Once the glycogen rates experience depletion, athletes are at risk of experiencing rapid fatigue in muscles, significantly deteriorating the overall performance rate and even inability to finish the track race. Thus, to address the problem, researchers suggest enhancing the capability of the so-called “slow-twitch” muscle fibers (Jones, 2004). That is, the following fibers are responsible for muscle endurance during the marathon. Taking everything into consideration, it may be concluded that the process of running a 10,000 m track race is highly dependent upon such physiological factors as breathing interval and capacity, hydration rates, and muscle endurance.
People who passionately follow a team, a sportsperson, or a given sport are referred to as fans. They participate in repetitive and supportive individual acts that align with a team or a sport. This paper will analyze the major contributing factors that make people passionate about their teams, which include entertainment, perceived value, and fan identification. Theories of motivation and satisfaction for sports fans can offer an excellent insight into a sports fan’s behavior and help understand how they build a great connection with their teams.
Main body
The first factor is the involvement in the opportunities and entertainment values Oakley (2019) states that most teams offer some services to their fans to enhance fan involvement, including facility aesthetics. For example, the physical surroundings of a stadium can influence a fan’s desire to stay or return to it. Perceived value is another significant motivating factor. Oakley (2019) suggested that perceived values from different service areas, including facility accessibility, attractiveness, entertainment, and parking, can lead to sport spectator motivators. Thus, fans are so passionate about their teams because of the services and values that they receive from them.
Another motivating factor for fans to be obsessive about their teams is identity. More sports fans are more likely to be motivated to support a given sport by loyalty and identifying with the team instead of entertainment values (Settimi, 2020). This is a fan’s emotional involvement and personal commitment to a given sports team. They feel a sense of belonging to the team when they have high identification levels (Oakley, 2019). This factor makes these fans do whatever they can to support and be a part of the team’s fan base. Thus, a sense of identity with the team also makes a person very passionate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the contributing factors could range in terms of a given sport or activity or the fan’s socio-demographic status. In a landscape that has continued to grow and evolve, ways to change sports fans’ preferences must be met. Creating and nurturing a strong fan base is crucial for managing a leading sports team. Therefore, top brands should dedicate a lot of money, time, and effort to develop and promote their teams to continue attracting and maintaining more passionate fans.
References
Oakley, D. (2019). Why do people get so passionate and emotionally attached to sports teams and competitors? Medium. Web.
Settimi, C. America’s most passionate sports fans 2020. Forbes. Web.
Martial arts is a very thrilling sport and in that regard, it usually stimulates adrenaline whenever a player is getting into action. Nonetheless, in some cases, players have often suffered broken dreams because they wavered at the moment they were required to be fully in control of their actions and concentrate on the game. Developing anxiety is normal though the consequences if not handled properly can be very damaging as the player could commit an inexplicable error. Psychologists have over the years studied the way people behave in sports and have come to some very valuable conclusions that could affect performance. A martial artist who has ever been in any tough competition or had to fight in defense understands that to win, it needs input that is more than the good skills. There is no doubt that physical fitness and techniques are essential for superb performance. But competing in a very competitive environment is very tricky since it appears like a threatening environment. The ability to concentrate and control individual physiological arousal is very important and this will go a long way in helping the individual to be able to manage critical fears and self-doubts.
Taking Control
The martial artist has to begin by perfecting the skills. Mental factors become critical at this point in that during training, one has to ensure that he/she properly knows how to execute kicks, punches, submission, or takedowns (Burton & Raedeke, 2008, p. 291). These are to be achieved by the physical strength of the brain. Applying psychology in martial arts seems like a new undertaking but elite players are already practicing the essential skills and have done this for years now even when it was not clear to them that it was psychology(Chapman et al, 1997, 1273). Great examples include legend and martial arts expert Bruce Lee.
Winning Feeling
this means that the player should not tense, but try to calm down and feel ready not thinking about the strength of the opponent but dreaming of being determined flexible, aware, and alive(Burton & Raedeke, 2008, p. 291). The martial artist is encouraged to dream about the best game where he/she performed the topmost skills then recall all the details that create the feeling of winning. The most significant characteristics of a winning strategy will just come to mind. This can assist in having optimum competition as the mind is set to win. This is that ability to regulate anxiety and stay in control of the physiological arousal especially considering that there is a tough game coming up ahead. Being under pressure, the body is forced to respond in a way that should depict preparedness for optimal performance. Yet in reality, the reaction can vary (Burton & Raedeke, 2008, p. 292). The martial artist should be able to adapt to the best skill for them rather than copy what others do.
Centering
This is a unique strategy that entails concentrating individual thought on the center of the body just behind the navel. This technique is beneficial when there is a break in the course of the game (Weiser et al, 1995, p. 118). The action brings a calming effect on the player where he/she can gain control again and offers a simple but efficient way of counteracting the depressing outcome of anxiety. An individual stands up-right with the feet flat, hangs the arms loosely, and holds shoulders wide apart. Close the eyes and take a breath (Chapman et al, 1997, 1273). When one breathes in, the tension in the upper body goes up but on breathing out, the body attains a calming effect. With continued and even breathing, the body attains control and one reassumes calmness again if a feeling of anxiety was already being felt (Weiser et al, 1995, p. 118).
Believe in Self
Having faith in oneself is a very strong factor because this allows an individual to freely express oneself and therefore exercise real personality strengths. Successful performance depends on faith. This is because an individual can remember the moves learned, make combinations of various techniques, and also reveal the doubts in executing some difficult moves, especially when under attack (Chapman et al, 1997, 1275). When an artist is going to fight or be faced with a match ahead, some things destabilize personal confidence. Without confidence, it is very difficult to stick to the game plan and apply good techniques and be able to make excellent decisions (Weiser et al, 1995, p. 119). Psychologists term self-confidence as self-efficacy. This makes the cornerstone of decision-making for the body to make the motor movements.
Thought-Stop
There is an adage that says people become who they think they are. In this sense, martial artists are encouraged to stop the process of thinking in case they happen to be thinking about negative experiences before a fight air a match. Things like ‘he is the defending champion and five-time winner’ or that he was top of the class usually bring fear. The player should hold that thought for only a few seconds but then let it fade off with the images built in the mind(Weiser et al, 1995, p. 119). One can even follow the process with even more encouraging statements like ‘Am better off now than before’ or ‘this time round I have to win’. This helps in blocking the negative images and unwanted thoughts from escalating into some serious fears that can disrupt the performance of a martial artist (Chapman et al, 1997, 1275). This technique assists in the creation of a sharp change of concentration to keep the player absorbed in the game or fight at hand.
Psychologists affirm that the thoughts that individuals have are their causes and penalties of acts as well. In most cases what individuals tell themselves is what they think. This means the thinking is manipulated. At other times, negative thoughts can interfere. The perception that a person thinks what he/she is has been seen to be true for quite some time (Chapman et al, 1997, 1275). When a person is expected to perform complicated skills under tension, then eliminating thoughts that cause distraction is advised. Then encourage thoughts that support the task ahead and enhance performance like small self-talk.
Concentration
According to the martial arts legend, Lee states that failing to focus is also failing to succeed in this game. During the normal exercises, warming up is important since this helps to loosen the muscles and gets the brain to start thinking about the task ahead (Burton & Raedeke, 2008, p. 292). This way both body and mind get prepared for the game. Failing to do this can precipitate injuries like muscle pulls and lower concentration. During a training session or a fight, an individual is required to be in good condition and give maximum concentration. Failing to do this, grave injuries can take place (Chapman et al, 1997, 1277).
In combat situations or match competition, it is often very easy for an individual to be distracted. There are very many factors that face the individual at that moment, beginning with individual thoughts some of which could be very negative; the opponent on the other side, and probably the coach or fans who all impact on your concentration. It is important to note that the slightest loss of focus can bring out the difference between a win and a loss (Burton & Raedeke, 2008, p. 292. This is usually referred to by martial arts experts as the biggest cause of failure. Being able to direct the attention correctly is essential for artists and fighters and it’s required at the right time to achieve optimal performance.
Goal-oriented
People do not always beat their goals but are usually set for them to aim at. Goals offer a sense of direction for the players and fighters and it is often a cause for success (Weiser et al, 1995, p. 120). In the psychology of sports, it is very hard to meet the goals since there are a lot of challenges that need to be addressed. The goals are still achievable and this way they enhance performance considering that the fighter believes that she/he can make it easier. When the goals are set and the success is measurable, there is great motivation (Chapman et al, 1997, 1277). Goals should not entirely concentrate on results for instance achieving a win. Rather they should also base on performance and enhancing specific skills. This makes a great motivation that can suppress anxiety.
Conclusion
Anxiety is a means by which the body reacts to the threats by releasing adrenaline in preparation to fight or flee and also to express fright. Bodies tend to have an automatic response to these situations especially immediately the body interprets a situation that can cause harm. Considering that there is always a reaction when threatened, it is important to learn how to handle the situation. In martial arts, when the demands of matches and fights are exceedingly above individual capacity, anxiety is inevitable.
Reference List
Burton, S & Raedeke, T. (2008), ‘Sports Psychology for Coaches,’ International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, Vol 3, Issues 2 pp 291-293
Chapman, C., et al (1997), ‘Anxiety, Self-Confidence and Performance in Tae Kwon-Do, Percept Mot Skills, 85 (3 Pt 2):1275-8.
Weiser, M., et al (1995), ‘Psychotherapeutic Aspects of the Martial Arts,’ Am J Psychother, winter; 49 (1) Pp118-27
In modern world sports, football inter alia, is attracting millions of spectators and being an integral part of entertainment and media industries which involve an immense turn-over of capital. As a result commercialization of sport grows, increasing the risk of power abuse for the people who are involved in settling the mercantile part of it, therefore calling for proper regulation in terms of the rights and obligations of the parties involved. One of the burning issues in the modern football business is the relationship between football players and their agents, with the latter being prone to arrange profitable deals for themselves alongside with officially representing the player, and to keep back the information about the extra profit they get.
The aim of this essay is to review a legal case and to consider its impact on the modern business of football. The legal case selected is Imageview Management Ltd v Jack. This legal case is about the footballer’s agent making a secret deal with the club for himself in the course of negotiations on the behalf of his client (Conflict of interest in agent’s secret deal, 2009).
The issues analyzed would be: the concept of this action representing a breach deal or not; the destiny of paid fees depending on the result of considering a case; the obligations of the agent towards the football player; and the possible considerations of value of the work done (Conflict of interest in agent’s secret deal, 2009). The main participants of the legal case were the football player Kelvin Jack (defendant), and Imageview Management Ltd (claimant), represented by the agent Mr Berry, who agreed to act as Mr Jack’s agent and signed a two-year contract with him, where it was stated that Mr Jack undertook to pay Imageview 10% of his monthly salary if arrangements were successfully made by that company for him to sign with a UK club. Imageview, in its turn, undertook to advise and represent Mr Jack “in connection with any contract or renewal of contract which the Player might wish to enter into” and pledged to “use its reasonable endeavors to promote the Player and act in his best interests” (Imageview Management Ltd v Jack 2009, p. 2).
The negotiations with Dundee were successful and Mr Jack signed a two-year contract, without knowing that Imageback demanded a fee of £3,000 for getting Mr Jack a work permit. A year later, having played for Dundee and paid the 10% due under the agency contract with Imageview, Mr Jack found out about the side deal of Imageview’s and stopped the payments. As a result, Imageview claimed the unpaid agency fees from Mr Jack, and the latter defended that claim and himself claimed back the agency fees he had already paid. Moreover, the player also claimed the full £3,000 received by Imageview from Dundee.
Mr Jack’s claim was based on the statement that the undisclosed side deal constituted a breach of Imageview’s duty as an agent. In order to prove that case, several precedents were used, in which the agent’s duty of fidelity was clearly stipulated. Following the conventional notion, the agent bears a duty to represent his/her client’s interests to the fullest and to put them first to his own personal interests. According to Adams (2008, p. 216), “the agency relationship is fiduciary: the agent must account for any profits arising from his or her work for the principal and avoid any conflict of interests”. In order to avoid breaking his/her duty, the agent is expected to make full disclosure about any side-deals that may be involved in the arrangements.
In case of duty breach, it should not matter whether the agent is doing so consciously or not. Being a matter or morality, the agent’s duty should be to represent his/her principal honestly and thus only an honest agent has the right to claim any commission for his services. In case when the agent acts opposite to his principal’s interests, he is not entitled to any commission whatsoever. As stated by Scrutton (qtd. in Imageview Management Ltd v Jack 2009, p. 8),
“an agent must not take remuneration from the other side without both disclosure to and consent from his principal. If he does take such remuneration, he acts so adversely to this employer that he forfeits all remuneration from the employer, although the employer takes the benefit and has not suffered a loss by it”.
The way suggested by Lord Atkin (qtd. in Imageview Management Ltd v Jack 2009 p. 9) to settle the possible conflict concerning any side remunerations would be to disclose the matter to the principal and let the latter decide whether such additional payment is proper in a given case. As nothing of the kind had been done by Imageview, as represented by Mr Berry, a breach of the duty of fidelity can be claimed.
However, to the end of defining the propriety of the agent’s actions in similar cases, it is essential to estimate whether the arrangement made by the agent is collateral to the fiduciary duty to his/her principal. For this question to be answered properly, one must define whether there has been any conflict of interests in the case. While there could be instances of harmless collaterality, the Imageview Management Ltd v Jack case involved a clear conflict of interests; moreover, the profit was firstly greater than the work actually done, and secondly it was related to the very contract which was being negotiated for Mr Jack. Thus, there could be no question of collateral nature of Imageview’s actions.
The financial matters of the case under discussion were all settled on the grounds of established breach of fiduciary duty had been thus proved. The agency fees were assigned to Mr Jack in the full amount – both the volume of payment presupposed to be returned, but also the part of his money that pad already been paid to him. Likewise, as the side profit gained by Imageview was drawn contra legem, recovery by the principal is found possible. As for the issue of deduction from the secret profit to reflect the value of the work done to make it, the decision was that as the plaintiff had acted unlawfully and surreptitiously, there could be no discussion of any enrichment of his, which would otherwise be unjust.
In relation with the business of football, there are a number of points that can be reflected upon stemming from the case Imageview Management Ltd v Jack. Within the bounds of the present paper it appears worth discussing the ethical issue concerning the high standards of morality among the go-betweens who operate on modern sports arena. Striving for the highest financial remuneration, the agents are known to take the so-called bungs, or secret payments that may help to arrange football transfers easier; taking or giving one is against football rules but nevertheless they thrive under conditions of tough competition between football clubs. Nevertheless, in order to preserve high professional standards and moral values in football dealing, it is worth remembering the following notion of fiduciary duties as given by Millett: the actions of fiduciary have to be built on the principles of trust and confidence, loalty, he must “act in god faith”, “not make profit out of his trust” etc. (qtd. in O’Dell 2009). However, the main principle of actions of a fiduciary is to act without any considerations of personal benefit, which was violated in the case.
The greed of the agents operating on the football market violates the high standards of conduct and the instances of bunging constitute an alarm call for the society to focus on the moral criteria ruling the dealers’ behaviour. Therefore, the Court of Appeal applied the strictest rules to the plaintiff, which acted, following an apt expression from The Times (“Conflict of interest in agent’s secret deal” 2009), as a “real deterrent to betrayal” with the view to prevent similar misconduct and remind of the high duty of a fiduciary which must not be broken even there are personal interests involved.
All-in-all, the Imageview Management Ltd v Jack case constitutes an instructive example of the necessity for a firm position held with respect to ethical conduct of the parties involved in sports business, with all the legal consequences implied from the breaches of one’s obligations under the law.
References
Adams, A 2008, Law for business students, Pearson/Longman.
Numerous names of golfers were perpetrated in the history of golf. However, such dedication to this play as was revealed by Tiger Woods, made him the greatest golfer of all times. This outstanding person managed to greatly advance the image and respectability of golf thus acquiring the recognition of fans and awards from professionals. Owing to the fact that golf has become a major part of my life, Tiger Woods has become the core incentive for me to increase my own progress. He is one of those persons that inspired me for achieving greater results in sport and in other spheres of life.
Even those who are not keen on golf know the name of this golfer, as he became the youngest golfer winning four major tournaments of golf. At the age of fifteen, Woods won the U. S. Junior Amateur Title; three years later he captured the U. S. Amateur Championship. His strong will and exclusive talent showed that age and experience are of secondary importance in golf. For me, Tiger Woods has become a life buoy in difficult situations; he made me think about the purpose of my life. With the appearance of Tiger Wood in the golf arena, the sport witnessed considerable change. Hence, promoted the quality of the game and discovered the game for people of all nationalities and races. Woods founded the golf courses for children from low-income families thus providing them with high-quality equipment. Woods’ charity campaign showed his extreme love and devotedness to the sport being the key for a successful and qualified player.
. Woods showed the golf is an intellectual game that requires professionalism and creativity. Tiger Woods represents a model of an athlete I dream to become. Numerous wins and awards were deserved by him in an honest competition His hard work and effort taught me that one cannot surrender to destiny or just drift. Now I am convinced that all those frustrations and falls in my life were a lesson for me to stand up and keep on fighting for the things that I love most of all.
This greatest golfer considerably influenced my lifestyle and broadened my concept of the essence of sport. I consider that golf is not only the way for the development of physical health and strength; it has become a spiritual charge for my mind and soul. I learned from Woods that everything is possible if you believe in yourself. Looking at him, I was assured that magic exists so that even a mere boy can become the conqueror of the sports world. Being a pop icon for most golf fans, Woods introduced golf from the philosophical angle thus depriving it of a boring image. He taught me that sport is not a mere competition but a new concept of life.
Most people can say that there is always a limit for talents and possibilities but, despite that, Tiger is still eager to improve himself and his game policy; the amount of work he is capable of cranking out is amazing. Like Tiger, I am striving to prove my love for golf by reaching excellent results. This golfer showed me that if you love sport, you must reveal his gratefulness to it. It is not necessarily that you should win all the time, but express your effort directed at the prosperity and development of golf.
Introduction For decades, there have been many false impressions regarding weight training. The most common misconception linked to weight training is the damage of the growth plate as a result of exercising the body. However, it has been established that, damaged plate results from improper planning and is common in youths. To reduce such injuries, youths should be accompanied by their supervisors during training. However, there are many benefits of weight training. These include increased muscular strength, increased endurance, greater power, improved flexibility, improved body composition, improved self-esteem and mental well being, enhanced bone density (prevention of osteoporosis) as well as long term weight training programs teach commitment and dedication (Training methods, 2009). How to become stronger During exercises, a muscle is put in stress and forced to operate beyond its normal routine. This is achieved by gradual increase of weight through various weight training techniques such as repetitions with a particular weight. Methods of weight training There are several methods used allow your muscles to be in a stress while exercising. Such methods are supersets, forced reps, pyramid systems, and periodization. These four techniques are used to provide variety, increase resistance or maximize workout time in daily workouts. Furthermore, each of the mentioned techniques is effective and commonly used in weight training for muscle build-up and strength. The basic weight training methods are single-set routines and multiple sets routines. The super-sets, pyramid sets, forced reps work to improve on the basics (A Tour of Your Strength Training Journal, 2007). In the following paragraphs, a comparison and contrast between the four types of weight training will be discussed. Supersets A superset is when you do one exercise right after the other, with little or no rest until the second set is completed. These are usually done with opposing muscle groups, such as the biceps and triceps, or chest and back. For instance, one may do a bench press followed by a rowing exercise, followed by the remaining sets. Supersets can reduce workout time, or allow one to pack more exercises into a given training session. However, one must be in good shape and work into them slowly to avoid injury. Further supersets occur in two categories namely antagonistic supersets and synergistic supersets. In antagonistic supersets occurs when the antagonistic muscle such as the biceps/ triceps are excised during the second exercise. The antagonistic superset results in double effect in half the time and therefore a time saver. On the other hand, a synergistic superset is experienced when same muscle such as dumbbell curl/ biceps curl is exercised for the second time. This exercises the muscle fibres that were not exercised during the first exercise. Supersets are highly recommended to athletes whose muscles have stopped growing and require new stimulation to advance their performance (A Tour of Your Strength Training Journal, 2007).
There are three advantages of supersets. One is that, supersets saves time and guarantees equal or better results to pyramid training in a shorter period of time. Compared to forced reps, supersets are known to increase intensity. Thirdly, supersets prevent someone from injury. In superset the trainer can overload the muscle without necessarily going for heavier weights. Pyramid systems In this type of weight training, the trainer uses different sets of weights at different levels. In this type of training, one should start with high reps, low weight as warm ups and then decrease the reps as you add weight. Then the trainer works his way back down, taking off weight and adding reps. This is accomplished by scaling down or up, according to his ability. There are three types of pyramid systems namely; normal pyramid, truncated pyramid, and reversed truncated pyramid. In the normal pyramid, there is a high risk of injury may result due to repetition using maximal strength. The normal pyramid is used increase strength and not muscle mass. On the other hand, truncated pyramid increases the muscle by stimulating the fibres to swell up more than in the normal pyramids. For advanced athletes with long period of good training techniques, the truncated reversed technique is highly recommended as the intensity is higher compared to truncated pyramid. Pyramid training is perfect for sportspersons who want to combine the benefits of strength training with other set, building their strength as well as their muscles. The advantage with pyramid system is that, one can do any number of reps for the desired of sets as long as you follow the high/low weight progression to heavier weights and less reps. In addition, there is an increase in muscle strength and growth. However, pyramid training is time consuming since one has to deal with constant weight changing. Forced reps A forced rep is categorized as a high intensity training which creates a maximum muscle overload. They are used by hardcore and athletes. Forced reps should be used when the trainer is in a good shape and most preferably with an aid of an experienced partner or trainer. A partner helps you to do a few more reps when you can’t do any more alone. This is accomplished by giving you a slight amount of assistance, for instance, by helping you raise the bar bell in a bench press. Your partner must judge how much strength you have left and give you only enough help to get you through the toughest part of the lift. The aim is to help you do as much work as you can. After the last rep of the last rep, when you cannot complete a full rep, you may concentrate on doing half or quarter reps. For example, on a bench press; you lower the weight halfway or quarter way down and press upward. You continue with this until you can do no more. The technique is referred to as partial reps (Delavier, 2002).
With forced reps, a common disadvantage is experienced when the trainer offers too much support to the person training instead of leaving them use their energy reserves to perform on more repetition. In conventional, carrying out the last repetition on your own is more beneficial than being assisted to do it. It is therefore for the partner to provide only limited support to the trainer to make sure that the last repetition is completed with less aid (Deidre, Cane & Glickman, 2000). The main advantage of forced reps is that it increases the training intensity for experienced athletes. However, the exercise can only be done with another trainer. The other partner should know how to estimate the strength of the other during training. The training is also very demanding on the body recovery’s system. It also accompanied by risks such as overtraining and therefore it should not be done at very training session. Periodization Periodization is a system of training that is based on the premise that maximum strength gains are made possible by four different training cycles or periods. As shown below, the athlete starts with light weights and high repetitions, progresses to medium weight with medium repetitions, then to heavy weight with a few repetitions and takes one to two weeks of rest before starting the cycle again. The theory is based upon the discovery that constant heavy duty training does not lead to maximum progress. However, keeping up too high level of intensity without adequate rest often leads to diminished performance, burn-out or injury (Deidre, Cane & Glickman, 2000). Periodization allows the body to gradually adapt to the stress of exercise. Athletes have found that they can peak reach maximum performance level at a pre-designated time. The athletes goals are well-defined, the timetable is well established with specific work and rest time, there is variety of task to be performed resulting in less boredom. However, the body requires time to adapt and hence the performance peak is in accordance with the competition calendar (Technical Panel, 2006). Conclusion Weight training is the fastest, easiest way of improving ones shape. Running and swimming are better ways of exercising, and burning calories but they can’t compare weight training for developing a shapely body (Delavier, 2002). When you start weight training program, stick to it. The four types of weight training are ideal for different groups of people. Different body parts react differently when subjected to stress. Supersets are most effective at building muscles but less effect on strength. On the other hand, pyramiding is the best for strength gains.
References
Deidre, J., Cane, J., Glickman, J. (2000). The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Weight Training. Indianapolis: Alpha Books.
Delavier, F. (2002). Women’s Strength Training Anatomy. New York: Human Kinetics Publishers.
A Tour of Your Strength Training Journal. (2007). Web.
Technical Panel. (2006). Periodization Training Explained. Web.