NCJ Number
121604
Date Published
1989
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Although the level of violence in Australian sport is not comparable with that experienced in Europe and South America, the problem is sufficient to warrant preventive strategies.
Abstract
Some of the causes of fan and player sports violence encompass societal, economic, and cultural factors. The stress of deteriorating economic conditions, body contact in the sport, racial and social tensions in the larger society, the excessive consumption of alcohol, and media coverage impact the level of violence in sports. Australian courts have issued both criminal and civil sanctions against sports players who have inflicted violence on other players, thus providing a legal deterrent. The New South Wales Minister of Sport has issued a number of directives designed to reduce sports violence. Measures include sports arena signs warning that violent misbehavior carries penalties from $1,000 to 10 years in jail, restriction on the sale of alcohol at sporting events, the creation of alcohol-free family areas, and the establishment of a program similar to neighborhood watch to spot and eject troublemakers. The Sport and Recreation Ministers' Council has endorsed a number of strategies to counter sports violence. This includes the development and publicizing of codes of behavior for various participants in sports events, including officials, administrators, parents, spectators, coaches, teachers, players, and the media. 6 references.