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Organized sports are seen as an inspiring example of equality of
opportunity in action. In sports, people get an equal chance to
excel. For this reason, notes Sociologist Harry Edwards,
Americans view organized sports “as a laboratory in which young
men, regardless of social class, can learn the advantages and rewards
of a competitive system."
The idea of
competition is at the very heart of organized sports in the
United States. Learning how to win in sports is believed to
develop the habits necessary to compete successfully in later life.
This training, in turn, strengthens American society as a whole.
“It is commonly held," says one sports writer;
“that the competitive ethic taught in sports must be learned and
ingrained in youth for the future success of American business and
military efforts."
The competitive ethic in organized
sports contains some elements of hard work - often called
“hustle,” persistence, or
"never
quitting" - and of physical courage -
being
"tough"
or having
"guts".
Slogans are sometimes used to
drive home the competitive virtues for the young participants:
"Hustle
- you can't survive without it."
"A
quitter never wins; a winner never quits."
"It’s
easy to be ordinary, but it takes guts to excel." |
FALL
Represent Your
School In A Sport - Join A Team - Have Fun While Participating!
