Aggression: Intent to harm OUTSIDE the rules of the sport event.
The term aggression is used widely in sport but it is important to distinguish between aggression that is desirable and that which is unacceptable.
Baron (1977) defined aggression as: Aggression is any form of behaviour directed towards the goal of harming/injuring another living being who is motivated to avoid such treatment.
Most definitions agree that it is: The intent to harm which makes an action aggressive.
In sport it is often difficult to distinguish between what is aggressive behaviour and what isn't.
Aggressive behaviour that is controlled within the laws of the game is seen as ASSERTION rather than aggression.
Assertion: Forceful behaviour within the laws of the game.
A player who is aggressive may:
underacheive
injure themselves
be removed from the game
VIOLENCE is an EXTREME form of aggression.
However, in some sports, aggression is part of the game and it is known as assertion. For example:
In boxing you can punch above the waist.
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Aggression and Assertion
AGGRESSION:
Prime motive is to harm
Inflict injury
Violate rules of game
Reckless actions are dysfunctional in sport
Often an aggressive player will disrupt the teams performance
Aggression needs to be eliminated from sport
ASSERTION:
Channelled aggression
Assertive behaviour doesn't attempt to harm and in within the rules of the game
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