Conclusion

I am very thankful I enrolled in this course. It has not only given me a better insight to how sports and athletes are affected on a global scheme, but also on cultural and ethical issues globally in sport.

I have learned so much about what is globalization, the most popular sports and athletes in the world,
and also peaked an interest in Olympic sports.

I didn't really ever consider soccer as the most global sport, but that proved to be my small-minded US (Ohio) raising. I believe the blogging was very beneficial to the course. I would recommend getting all of the class to participate in blogging because it enhances the course discussion and understanding of personal perspectives.

Having guest speakers also enhanced the course because of international, and experience based topics. Getting to see where those involved in sport have come from, what their cultural practices and beliefs within sport are and how we, as Americans can definitely benefit from studying sports globally.

Sport & Sexuality

After our recent study of sport and sexuality, I knew I had to comment on my blog of the topic. The Gender Trap highlighted subdued issues that arise in sport when it comes to intersex and transgender athletes.

It was new to me to hear of Renee Richards (Richard Raskind). I missed the story on ESPN, and am looking into finding the movie. I was really surprised in the time frame of the story. Renee Richards came out in a time where LGBT was unheard of, and when it was known was outraged and ostracized.

I admire her ability to come to grips with herself, and the courage to be open in the world at a time where not only was it very uncommon and disgraced, but also competitively in tennis.

I had heard if the Stockholm Consensus, but never took into account all of the harsh testing and guidelines transgendered athletes had to succumb to. I can't imagine the disgrace and shame a transgender female feels when being prodded and judged like cattle. But the question of why did the consensus address intersex?

Even as unaddressed intersex is, I have a hard time believing it is that uncommon globally. But the biggest thing I am interested in is researching further, how does such a large governing body, such as the Olympics gauge cross-culturally what is accepted and should be allowed as females and males in competition? It definitely would make a difference for strength, speed, etc. But when does ethics come into play? Where can a distinct line be drawn? I believe that the regulations will have to often change and adapt to a more/less welcoming society, and gender practices in sport.

Is Tiger back on the prowl?

After multiple class discussions on Tiger Woods this semester, he has been creeping through the fall season with a result the world has been waiting for. After 2 years of speculation, Tiger finally brings home a win from the Chevron Challenge in California. Back to back birdies in old school Tiger fashion pushed him narrowly to the top.

But this win still has fans aching and wondering will he be consistently dominant again? I believe Tiger will never regain the dominance, and success he had earlier in his career. I don't think that he is going to continue the two year struggle though. He has endured a world of hardships, mainly on his own account.

When someone lives through something so traumatic, and comes back into the spotlight to compete for his fans, his sponsors, and most of all himself- that goes to say that Tiger isn't finished yet. This win will definitely regain some of his faithful followers, but does the world still have room for Tiger's return? He's definitely got to do some damage to up and coming majors, still in chase for the record. I'll still be a fan of Tiger, and hope for his success- but I don't think the world will ever forget who he was for a awhile.  

Archived Post: Sorry for the delay!

This is a recovered post, from back when my blog was inaccessible. Sorry for the drought- back to the juicy blogging!

Dr. Cho made a visit to our classroom last week to tell us his story of growing up in South Korea, Last Thursday, Dr. Cho came to class and told his story about growing up in South Korea and the impact sports had on his life.  His presentation really opened my eyes about how I (and Americans) view other cultures and often stereotype people from different nations without even thinking about it.  I thought it was very interesting how Dr. Cho started by differentiating Koreans with other nationalities from Asia.  As Americans, we often combine Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, etc. into one culture and way of life.  However, he made me realize that they are all infact distinct cultures and dont have as much in common as we thought.  In addition, he talked about the night/social life of Koreans and it made me realize that they are human and just as fun as Americans.

Also, Dr. Cho talked about his interest in watching and playing American football as a kid growing up in South Korea.  This interest was developed due to an American Forces Network, which was shown on TV in Soul because of the U.S. Military stationed there during that time.  I was totally unaware that the public was able to get American Military Base TV stations showing the NFL, and even more unaware that football leagues/games were even played in the Asian areas.  I believe my "un-awareness" is due to the typical stereotype that American Football is only enjoyed here in the states, and especially not in Asia. 

The third thing I want to point out from Dr. Cho's presentation is the video he showed from the World Cup that was held in South Korea.  I thought it was amazing to see that many people lined up in the streets so passionate about 1 event/sport/game.  Many Americans may believe that we are the most sports oriented country, however, this video shows us that sport fans can come together in any country and be just as passionate.  In fact, I believe Dr. Cho said that there was an estimated 3 million fans that lined the streets for the watch party during that specific world cup game.  I dont think  I have ever heard of such an event in the United States.  Bottom line that I took away from Dr. Cho's presentation is that it opened my eyes and made me realize that passionate sport fans exist around the world.

Disabled athletes: Olympic broadcasting fair?

After personally knowing a handful of disabled athletes, and our class discussion on the Paralympics, I find myself wondering, if even to the extent current media coverage is at for the games, is it fair?
We were asked how many had seen some type of Paralympic games on tv, heard on the radio, or even seen footage on Sportscenter. Very few classmates had.

I understand that viewership for 'sitting volleball' or wheelchair racing would reach numbers that standard volleyball or foot races would get, but it is a question of ethics. Is it right that these sporting events don't get airtime? Awareness of the Paralympics will never grow, if it doesn't get the opportunity to.

I also wonder if the Paralympics and Olympics are held synonymously, instead of one after another in the same host city, and share global media coverage.... would awareness increase? I believe disabled athletes are just as important, and considered athletes as able bodied players. So it seems as if international Olympic and Paralympic committees should be working together to make the world see and respect sport as a whole, even when the play is slightly different. 

Call it Controversy

Marion Jones was one of the most well know athletes at the turn of the century. A former WNBA player (2010), and world champion track and field star, she has set the bar for many aspiring female athletes.

Jones won an outstanding 5 medals at the Sydney summer games of 2000. But later forfeited all medals from 2000 to 2007, after pleading guilty to investigative charges of using illegal substances.

Marion Jones lied to the grand jury about abusing performance-enhancing drugs. This scandal wasn't the first though for Jones. As a UNC Chapel Hill student, she began dating her track coach, who later had to resign from the position, per UNC student/employee conduct policies. (Professors/coaches/administrators, etc. were not permitted to have relations with university students.) A year later, Jones and the coach, CJ Hunter were married.

Jones began preparing for the 2000 Olympics with head coach Trevor Graham, while her husband also trained for Olympic shot put competition. Closer to competition time, Hunter withdrew from the Olympic contest due to a knee injury, but stuck on as a coach and supporter of his wife. It was later revealed, Hunter failed 4(+) pre-competition screening tests for drug use. He was removed of all credentials to attend the Sydney games. Jones and Hunter divorced in 2002.

A year later, Jones missed out on the world championships due to pregnancy, with her then boyfriends child. He was also an Olympic sprinter, but did not qualify for the games and was sought out as a suspect in the BALCO doping scandal. Jones' former coach, Trevor Graham was also accused and tried in the same doping scandal investigations. Bringing Marion Jones' practices into question.

As early as high school athletics, Jones was in the hot seat for using performance enhancing drugs. Protesting her squeaky-clean image, and never a recorded failed drug test, she seemed to hold to her name. But, within the BALCO investigation, the laboratory founder admitted that he had personally supplied Jones with illicit drugs on numerous occasions, before, throughout the 2000 Olympics, and after for years.

However, the early testing for performance enhancing drugs, found no detectable drug usage by Marion Jones. It wasn't until a 2006 investigation, when Jones tested positive for performance enhancing drugs. However, after legal representation deemed her second testing negative, she was waived of these new allegations.

Just one year later, Jones finally came clean about her illegal drug use, and faced sentencing. Marion Jones held a press conference admitting her guilt in two court trials, to her coaches, teammates, fans, and the IOC.  At the end of trial, Jones was given 6 months jail time, 200 hrs. community service and two years probation.  The US Olympic Committee revoked all of her medals, and she was banned by the IOC.

This is one of many cases brought to light with the BALCO doping scandal. Another prominent name would be the great Barry Bonds. This type of scandal begs the question what is ethical practices in sport? How far should governing committees go to test athletes, both professional or Olympic prior to, and during competition?

Marion Jones definitely tarnished her own glory, and it is hard to say she would have accomplished all of her feats without the aid of performance enhancing drugs.

Want to host the Olympics? 'Ya gotta be pretty, and rich"

After our class discussion on the Olympic bidding process, I had a conversation with a friend about all of the information that is taken into account: the years, money, and planning on even asking to be a host city. She said to me "well, I guess ya gotta be pretty, and rich or you ain't gettin" and she went on to speak of the commercialization our world has moved to, and the manifestation of money/power in athletics. I found it really hard to believe, as she is a younger, less educated student- especially in sports (she's an education major).

But after discussing this information with her, I was even more interested in the concept of planning for an entire Olympic event. A lot of different factors have to be considered some of those are climate, culture, location, finance, touristic appeal, and costs. It's a huge decision for a nation to consider, and especially actually attempt to host the Olympics, because it costs so much money and takes so much time. For this reason, it makes sense that some cities have hosted the games multiple times. Some of these include London, Lake Placid, Paris and Athens.

 I think I would enjoy working for the IOC, because I really enjoy and thrive at sports planning. However, I would also have a lot of anxiety because of the distance in time between each games. I don't know if I can wait that long in seeing the results of my work. Definitely want to attend an Olympic game, preferably summer- but want to experience both at some point! London 2012 would be amazing!!

My Ontology

According to class notes, ontology means one's 'world view.'
So to reflect upon this, I would like to present my ontology.

Growing up an Ohio native, I was lucky enough to experience some means of travel in my younger years. I played various sports competitively on travel teams, and this lead to my extended visits to multiple U.S. states. These include Kansas, Florida, Indiana, and Maryland. All of which I competed in fast pitch world series events. However, even with being able to view more of my home country, I wasn't very aware that too much of the world existed outside of the states, specifically Ohio. Everywhere I visited was very different to what I called home, this includes some of the sporting events I participated in. Some styles of play varied, 'type' of players, and also size of players.
I vividly remember at time we competed against the ICE, a fast pitch team from central Canada.
They were HUGE. Being in an international competition, it was very stressed to keep a positive and social atmosphere around the games. So speaking with our rival team, we learned they all had grown up playing hockey. Which explained their stature at a mere 14 years old, compared to our lacking physical presence. 

This is my biggest wake up call to my somewhat lacking world views in previous years. I didn't believe that girls played hockey. The proof was there, because I am pretty sure they run-ruled us in the bottom of the 5th inning 8-0.

I have very much opened my eyes to the big bad world around me since my younger years. From diversity in looks, beliefs, sports, and identities, I have a very open mind and heart to the differences of the world. I would like to though, travel outside of the U.S. and experience a European country and culture, and also an Asian culture. There are very many students I have met from both backgrounds, and I would greatly benefit from seeing the vast differences of the world. I especially would like to see a sports setting in another country. As we have discussed rugby in South Africa, cricket in New Zealand- I feel as if I am missing out until I experience this!

Tiger, Tiger Woods Ya'll

Reflecting on our discussion of famed and idolized athlete Tiger Woods, I find myself still rooting for him. Dr. Spencer, you had mention you felt a bit of tension in fans, particularly males and females perspectives.

I personally have always been a Tiger fan, I knew few other professionals in the game until my high school years when I took up golf as a hobby. Then I actually started to follow golf and learned a lot more names of the game. Tiger was the easiest to relate to, being only a few years older than myself when he won his first championships and generally the face of golf.

He was poised, and truly the 'ideal' professional athlete when it came to PR work. He very much kept his game face separate from his home and family life. Woods was a man of few words, and even with his enthusiasm and character on the  golf course, he never seemed to even tiptoe the line of negativity, as many professional athletes seem to do.

Following the rapid fire spread of his 'escapade in the escalade' scandal, I did lose a lot of respect for Tiger as a person, and a professional athlete. I don't necessarily relate it to being a female, but more of being a sports fan, particularly a golf fan. I followed Tiger's story, idolized his passion for the game, his poise in the limelight, and also his demeanor as a person.

Tiger very much let his fans, his family, and the golf world down. However, after some time to come to grips with his mistake, which by all means he is only human, Tiger admitted to his infidelity and apologized. He knew how big he messed up his career, his family, and his status as a role model.

Now that time has passed, Tiger has seemed to still struggle- his image forever tarnished and what seems to have also hindered his game. Will Tiger ever win again? Well, he has already lost a lot- on and off the course. Do I hate him for his mistakes? No, especially not because I despise him for being ta man making the mistakes. Because let's be honest, infidelity does not only happen with one gender.

As unfortunate as it is, the sports world has lost a titan of the golf game. I am not sure if Tiger will ever return to the role he so long maintained, but I am still in his corner. I don't believe he is the same man he was before, and is not the idol most thought he was. BUT, he is still the athlete who was first noticed as an up and coming phenom at the age of 2. Some respect has been lost for his personal actions, but respect definitely still remains for his contributions to the game of golf.

Cricket? Not just a noise in a midsummer night....

 11 players per team, an oval field, bat & ball, and a wicket?

I had heard of cricket before our class discussion, but I had never really listened when it was brought up before. The objective of the game is to score more runs than the other team. To score a run, the batsman (striker) swings at the pitch hitting in any direction- to give himself and his partner time to cross the crease with the bat or body before the ball is returned. Initially, he must hit the ball to protect the wicket behind him from being struck. The wicket is 3 wooden stumps, which is a target for bowling. For the striker to be 'safe' he must run the length of the pitching area to the wicket which is 22 yards.

 


Okay, as I am reviewing this it all seems confusing once again. It seems very similar to multiple games I am familiar with- but not as simple as what I am used to. I wish Bowling Green Intramurals, or club sports would consider introducing cricket to the campus. I don't think they have before because it isn't popular or even well known in the US. As Dr. Spencer had discussed it is 'the thing' in Australia, New Zeland. I would love to travel there, even just for vacation- but also to experience international sports. Even when Dr. Cho spoke of international sports in Korea, I hadn't really thought how interesting it would be. Cricket in New Zeland, Rugby in South Africa.... really makes me feel like the US is lacking with just the big three: football, basketball, and baseball.

In case you missed it: the Dugan Smith Story!

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7093994

Meet the baseball player with the backward leg

Dugan Smith was any average 10 year old boy, going to school, playing baseball and pickup basketball games in the driveway, with big dreams of being a major league pitcher when he grew up.
On a class field trip to the local DQ, Dugan was being pushed in a wheelchair (impaired with a foot cast from a previous sports injury) by a classmate who, as most 10 year old kids would, test the speed of the wheelchair. An uneven sidewalk halted the wheelchair and sent Smith flying into an even bigger injury: a broken leg.
As unfortunate as Dugan's injuries piling up seemed to be, the battle back to being a healthy 10 year old had only begun. When doctors began X-Rays and MRI's to fix the damage to his leg, they discovered a malignant tumor the size of a softball near his femur. As only a fourth grader, diagnosed with bone cancer (osteosarcoma) Dugan's parents had many questions on treatments, recovery etc. Dugan had only one question: If my leg has to be amputated from above the knee, how will I be able to keep playing baseball?
Because of the proximity and severeness of the tumor, doctors at the Ohio State University Medical Center (Smith a big Buckeye fan) and parents opted for a rare, radical procedure to save Dugan's opportunity to continue playing sports. Van Nes roationplasty was established in the 1950s, but only few are performed each year in the U.S.
Rotationplasty procedures are a type of autograft, where a portion of a limb is removed, while remaining portion of limb is rotated and reattached. In Dugan's case, the upper portion of the leg doused with cancer was removed, and the lower portion was rotated and reattached. This means, the ankle joint, becomes the knee joint. This allows the patient, after rigorous therapy and rehabilitation, to have a fully functioning knee- making running and jumping possible.

 Just 2 hours after the grueling 21-hour surgery, Dugan could move his toes. With follow up surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation treatments, he missed nearly all of his 5th grade year at school. Now, 13 years old Dugan is back in school, 2-years and counting cancer-free, and rotating between time on the mound and 1st base for his junior high baseball team.

An unbelievable story, but not fiction. I grew up knowing Dugan (his father was my 8th grade history teacher). His story is nothing less than inspiring. He has come so far and leaves me with a quote to live by "Never give up, because 90% of it is in your mind."

Dugan will be featured TONIGHT on ESPN at 8pm on  the program E60.  Be sure to check it out!
 If I can find a clip/link later I will be sure to share!

Woman runs marathon while 39 weeks pregnant?

http://espn.go.com/chicago/olympics/story/_/id/7084374/oh-baby-woman-runs-chicago-marathon-gives-birth

It is a short summary of the article I found, be sure to check it out.

This story seems to me to bring rise to a bit of controversy. Should a woman 39 weeks pregnant be running a marathon? For those of you who aren't aware, a marathon is 26.2 miles.

Amber Miller, a seasoned marathon participant claimed to start feeling contractions shortly after crossing the finish line. Nearly 39 weeks pregnant, Miller was cleared by her doctor to half run-half walk the race. She brought in a time  of 6 hours and 25 minutes, baby and all. When finished she noticed contractions became regular, stopped for a sandiwch and headed to the hospital. Baby girl June, was born around 10:30 pm weighing 7pounds and 13 ounces. Amber Miller was happy but said Sunday was "the longest day of my life."

How do you feel about this situation? Should expecting mothers be "allowed" to participate in such a gruelling athletic competition so close to delivery time?

Funny as it seems, this wasn't even Baby June's first marathon. Amber competed in Wisconsin while 4 months pregnant with her, and once before with her older brother (now 19 months) while he was 4 months in the womb also. Despite the extra weight, Amber finished the race just 3 hours off of her personal best.

According to Miller, the race was the easiest part of her day.

Dr. Spencer!

I fixed it! But my latest post got lost in translation! I will have to re-write this evening after work!
Woohooo!

BGSU Club Softball

Club Softball is an extracurricular activity here at Bowling Green State University. The club is comprised of sixteen women, and one academic advisor. The club is ran by an elected set of leaders: the president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, trip leader, and safety officer.

Each year this team participates as a National Club Softball Association (NCSA) member. BG competes within the league, as well as non-league teams in both the Fall and Spring. Each game day consists of triple or double-header games. Travel is a big part of the league. Within our division teams from Grand Valley State, Central Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana-South Bend, University of Michigan, and also BG compete for a bid to Nationals. Some non-league teams are also year to year competition including Ohio State, Miami University, Eastern Kentucky University, and more. These non-league games are double-headers.

Nationals are held each Spring, around mid-March in either Florida or Georgia. National tournaments such as this are all ran by a bid process. A season win (in league comp.) denotes a point value, which stems to a ranking within the NCSA. This ranking is used to determine competition levels at national tournaments.

BGSU women's club has not been to Nationals in about 3 years. Nor a national tournament. Unfortunately, the club does not have the full backing of the University when it come to financing a season. It is very tough in this economy to make ends meet, and especially for voluntary endeavors. We are currently fund raising as much as possible. If anyone has any fundraising suggestions, or questions about BG Club Softball, feel free to leave a comment!

BG kicks off their Fall season Sunday, Sept. 18th vs. Grand Valley State.
'Home' games are held at Fostoria High School, 1001 Park Avenue, Fostoria OH.
Game time is 11am, 1 & 3pm.

Shawn & I, assessing the World Baseball Classic

1. In the Klein (2008) article, he talks about "growing the game." What does that mean? How effectively has the WBC enabled baseball to "grow the game?" How would you assess the effectiveness of the WBC compared to FIFA's growth of soccer?

We understand "growing the game" to be an attempt at raising awareness of the sport, gaining popularity and viewership. Also we assume it to be a concept of increasing revenue within the sport.

The WBC is still in the early stages of its venture. So compared to FIFA, who has been years into it's project, the WBC has not been effective. However, we do not speculate about it happening in the future. The WBC has only attempted (2) classics, while FIFA has held numerous competitions. 


2. At the end of the article, Klein outlines a way that could you could have global competition in baseball. How well do you think that would work? What would be pros and cons of implementing international play?

We believe, that although in theory it is brilliant, this venture will not work. Travel schedules, costs of travel, etc. would be impractical and ineffective. But there are some pros vs cons to consider. Some of the positives international competition brings would be having international competition. This global market could potentially spike interest in the sport and allow baseball to play on a ''world stage." A few cons to consider are the heavy weight of travel costs, time zone differences (for both play and broadcasting), and the varying styles of play. We also don't believe in the sport, there is a uniform level of talent to make games competitive. 

3. Based upon other sports' efforts at globalization, what suggestions would you make to help baseball grow in the global marketplace?

We suggest that WBC leaders should look into expanding withing the European market. Aside from the Netherlands and Italy, baseball isn't popular or even an 'open market.' This could aide the venture in expanding to a global scale, while also creating a market for the sport. 

(Repectfully submitted per Stephanie Loomis & Shawn Weimer)

 

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

Stephanie, a sports management major here at Bowling Green State University. This is my third year here at BGSU. I am an avid hiker, biker, photographer and I will play almost any sport. But I most enjoy softball, which I am president of the club team for BGSU. I also am the current Youth Sports coordinator for the Geary Family YMCA of Fostoria. Check us out! http://www.gearyfamilyymca.org/

As I mentioned before this is a blog kept to fulfill course requirements for SM3950. Our first meeting we also did an introduction and talked about our athletic like/dislikes and what global sporting event we would want to be involved with. So I will brief you on those.

I enjoy being involved in all types of sports from solo events like golf to team sports like basketball. My personal favorite sport to participate in is softball. I have played for about 18 years now competitively and also coached for 4. I have played in 5 USSSA World Series events from 12u-18u. I have also played basketball, soccer, golf, track, and cross-country competitively.

If I could attend any global sporting event it would be either a Super Bowl, or the Olympics. I do not have a preference on the Olympic event, since they have removed Softball. I would like to experience both a team sport and individual competition though.

I look forward to many more interesting topics and discussions in this course, and I hope you comment along the way!

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_38/b3900011_mz001.htm

new. new. new.

This is my first blog entry, not ever, but on this new blog.

Welcome.
I hope you enjoy yourself while reading, contemplating, and (hopefully) commenting on my thoughts.
The intent of this blog is to fufill the requirements as set forth by Ms. Nancy Spencer, respectively, for

the course SM3950 (Fall Semester, 2011).

Check back in this week, 'Assignment 1' post coming soon!