Recent events have called attention to an examination of sportsmanship practices and the underlying assumptions regarding behavior in competitive situations. Generally, scholars (Abad, 2010; Goldstein & Iso-Ahola, 2006; Keating, 1978) have attempted to provide a portrait of sportsmanship in two distinct ways. First, the concept is described through words such as fairness, courage, and determination. Second, it is defined though actions such as treating others justly while respecting authority and opponents. Despite attempts at a consistent definition of sportsmanship, codes of behavior are largely subjective among communities of practice, sport tribes, and even the most ardent observers. Compounding this narrative are global structural changes and an accelerated technological age that Toffler (1970) suggested is overwhelming for people. In respect to technology, visual media images are a unique vehicle that captures a range of sociohistorical and cultural processes and ideals (Weber & Barker-Ruchti, 2012). In particular, visual media images influence behavioral choices that help to shape opinions, perceptions of value, and ultimately dispositions (Mayehauser, 2006; Renggli, 2007; Türk, 2010). The purpose of this study sought to examine aspiring coaches’ perceptions of sportsmanship using sport images as a focus for reflection.
Method:
Seventy three aspiring coaches completed an electronic open-ended survey that inquired about their sportsmanship practices and views on photographs displaying sportsmanlike behaviors. Content analysis of participant surveys assisted in the identification of themes from aspiring coaches.
Analysis/Results:
Analysis of the data indicated the following: 1) aspiring coaches’ views on sportsmanship reflected a human nature value orientation that equated following rules to acceptable behavior 2) aspiring coaches’ narratives showed inconsistencies with their definitions of sportsmanship and their reflections on sports photographs, and 3) aspiring coaches’ perceived sportsmanship as deficient outside of the confines of mainstream American sport.
Conclusions:
The results of this study suggest that sportsmanship is a contextual ideal that needs to be further deconstructed to develop meaning given the influence of visual media. Also, the analysis of sports photographs may assist future professionals in uncovering meanings of sportsmanship and work towards consistent application of the ideal in their practices.