Aggression

Question 1

Define aggression

Answer 1

• Intent to harm outside the rules: hostile behaviour.
• Reactive.
• Out of control.
• Deliberate

e.g. punching someone after a foul in rugby, verbal abuse etc.

Question 2

Define assertion

Answer 2

• Well motivated behaviour within the rules.
• Controlled.
• Goal- directed.
• No intent to harm.

e.g. a hard, fair tackle in rugby, assertive drive to basket to perform layup.

Question 3

The overlap between aggression and assertion

Answer 3

• Difficulty in placing sporting actions in the aggression or assertion categories.
• In boxing, it is within the rules to punch your opponent and there is also an intent to cause harm (aspects of aggression and assertion occur here).
• The middle ground area can occur when there is an aim or intent, but the action is within the rules.

Question 4

Example of aggression

Answer 4

• Two footed tackle in football.

Question 5

Example of assertion

Answer 5

• A very strong, quick bowl at the batter in rounders/ cricket.

Question 6

Example of the grey area

Answer 6

• When making a tackle in rugby, the defender may contact the ribs of the attacker.
• This is within the rules but there is also some intent to cause some pain, so the attacker drops the ball.

Question 7

What is catharsis?

Answer 7

• Cleansing the emotions; using sport as an outlet for aggression.
• ‘Letting off steam’.
• More aggression may occur if catharsis does not occur.

Question 8

What are some causes of aggression?

Answer 8

• Playing badly.
• Disagreement with officials decisions.
• Provocation by opponent/ crowd.
• Important game.
• Over-arousal.

Question 9

What strategies can the coach implement to control aggression?

Answer 9

• Punish aggressive acts/ drop or sub off the match.
• Remove them from the situation and change position.
• Set clear, focused goals.
• Positive reinforcement for assertive play.
• Use positive role models.

Question 10

What strategies can a player implement to control aggression?

Answer 10

Cognitive techniques:
- Mental rehearsal.
- Imagery.
- Visualisation.

Somatic techniques:
- Walk away from situation.
- Use stress management techniques.
- Biofeedback.
- Channel aggression.

Question 11

What strategies can an official implement to control aggression?

Answer 11

• Punish players by sending them off.
• Apply rules consistently.
• Talk to players to calm them down.
• Give immediate sanctions.