Module 2: Athletes' behaviour

The Athlete's Lifestyle

1. Appropriate behaviour introduction
   1. Conduct during competition and training
   2. Equal opportunities
   3. Appropriate role models
   4. Enhancing the status of the sport
   5. Case Studies
2. Management and coping strategies
   1. Mentoring and coaching
   2. Group and one-to-one discussions
   3. Change of lifestyle and routines
   4. Anger Management
   5. Counselling
   6. Coping strategies
   7. Sports Psychologists
   8. Case studies

Case Studies

There have been many examples from sporting situations where elite/professional performers have fallen foul of the requirements top behave appropriately.

Here are some examples, you can use these within your assignment to help explain and analyse why behaviour is so important. Whilst looking at these, also complete the worksheet to help understand how the performer would be affected by their behaviour. You will need to do some additional research on issues such as bans received.

Consequences of Behaviour Worksheet

Mike Tyson, a boxer, was losing to Evander Holyfield and chose to bite Holyfield's ear off. It has been claimed that this was because he didn't know how to handle being beaten and so, according to promoter Frank Warren, looked for "...an honourable way out."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzOulLJvYdE

Eric Cantona, a footballer, was sent off from a game. On his way to the dressing room he was verbally insulted by a fan which led him to kung fu kick a fan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-WmfTIRUWY

John McEnroe, a tennis player, was renowned for losing his temper on court. There are many examples of this, including when he was defaulted (disqualified) from the Australian Open.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmJi_oc7t10&feature=related

Stephanie Rice, swimmer, a three time Olympic gold medallist, got in to trouble over a homophobic comment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqtKVlMWcKg&NR=1

Duncan Ferguson, a former footballer, ended up in prison as a result of an on field head butt.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/soccer-player-jailed-for-foul-play-1577101.html

Maria Sharapova, a tennis player, is one of a few players who have been warned regarding the type of clothing worn during competitions.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article679032.ece

Roy Keane, a former footballer, was accused by another player, Alfe Inge Haaland, of diving in the penalty area to try to win his team a penalty. In fact Keane had suffered a bad injury. Keane remembered this slur on his integrity and when playing against Haaland next, four years later, deliberately (as so confirmed in his autobiography) injured Haaland with a disgraceful tackle. Haalands career was ended as a result of his injury.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_st29mlQwU

Paulo Di Canio, a former footballer, was sent off in a game against Arsenal. He then pushed over the referee. He received a lengthy ban and was Wednesday's star player. Wednesday were relegated at the end of the season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AMnRO-v9kY

However, Di Canio also has won a FIFA Fair Play award for his sporting conduct, when he was confronted with an easy scoring opportunity he stopped play to allow the opponents injured goalkeeper to receive treatment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWdf5ZLbtYo&feature=related