Friday, January 24, 2014

Sport Ethic


Sport ethic can be referred to as an unofficial, yet extremely necessary conformity that athletes must adhere to globally in order to be considered a “real athlete”. There are many positives to sport ethic, as well as negatives. I think ‘globally’ is a key word here, as we have examined sports in the United States, but have yet to mention them on a global scale.

According to the text, there are four main dimensions of sport ethic. The first dimension surrounds sacrifice to the game. Sacrifice to the game may look many different ways. It can refer to putting in extra time in practice all season long, as well as the pain and strain gained by such an enormous load of physical activity.

The second dimension looks into seeking distinction. In sports, many are looking to find distinction within the sport that pertains to them. When you examine Kevin Durant, an Oklahoma City Thunder basketball player in the NBA, he is seeking distinction by “no longer wanting to be second”. (http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/22122480/kevin-durant-im-tired-of-being-second--im-done-with-it). In the article you can find that he is done being in second (place), and wants to win at all costs. Breaking records, winning competitions and championships, and becoming the best are all distinctions that most athletes wish to obtain.

The third dimension in sport is taking risks and playing through pain. Rather it is the game winning shot, or playing with a torn Achilles tendon (such as Kobe Bryant in the NBA last year), the third dimension should not be feared, but rather embraced. Lastly, the fourth dimension refers to athletes refusing to accept limits in the pursuit of possibilities. It is vital for an athlete to chase their goal regardless of limits set on them by their opposition, community, or even themselves. With these four dimensions we are better able to look at ethic in sports. It is quite evident that in order to play sports and pursue the natural instinct to win, definite sacrifices must be made, through mind, spirit, as well as the body.

No comments:

Post a Comment