Find an organized youth sporting event (must be a competitive game, meet, or match) to attend. The participants in this event should not yet be in junior high school…preferably younger than 12 years old. When dealing with youth sports from a sociological perspective, relationships become the primary focus of attention. As an outsider observing the event, you should take special notice of the topics we’ve covered in class (i.e. parent interaction, the emphasis on competition, etc.), and the following relationships:
• Player – Player (teammates, opponents, on the bench, etc.)
• Coach – Player
• Parents – Players
• Spectators – Players
• Spectators – Coaches
• Spectators – Spectators
• Referees – Players
• Referees – Coaches
• Referees – Spectators
• Coaches – Coaches
While observing, look for the following in the above relationships:
• How often do they interact?
• Who initiates the interaction?
• What is the content of the interaction?
• What is the impact of the interaction on those involved?
• How do players respond to or deal with adult control?
You might also think about the overall phenomenon of youth sports, by considering the following:
• What do players and spectators learn in connection with youth sports?
• Why are the games so important to many people?
• What ideas about masculinity and femininity are highlighted in connection with the sport?
• Do boys/girls attend? What do they do? What do boys/girls do who are not on the field/court? What do players do before, after, and between games?
• What do you think is being learned by the children who are playing? What about the other children in attendance?
• Are there any social dynamics related to social class or race and ethnicity during the event? Is it expensive to play this sport? How is the program and participation funded?
 
 
 
 
 
The post Youth Sport Observation Project appeared first on homework handlers.