Energy Transfer From Food for Exercise and Physical Activity

An athlete requires energy to fuel all physical actions and movements. This energy is supplied from the macronutrients and micronutrients consumed, and from the oxygen acquired through respiration. In their raw form, the food that provides the macronutrients and micronutrients, and the air that athletes breathe to acquire oxygen, cannot be used in their original state. These raw, unchanged fuel sources are called potential energy. There must be a change that occurs to convert the potential energy, into energy that can be used by the body (McArdle, Katch, & Katch, 2016).

The converted energy, which can be used by the body to fuel physical movement, is called kinetic energy. This process is collectively known as energy transfer. Through a variety of chemical actions and reactions, the body metabolizes the potential energy into kinetic energy, through two primary metabolic energy pathways. These two metabolic energy pathways are the aerobic system, which uses oxygen, and the anaerobic system, which does not use oxygen. This process of energy changing forms is described in the first law of thermodynamics. (McArdle et al., 2016).

The first law of thermodynamics refers to energy changing forms. Energy exists and does not disappear. It simply changes form, so that it can be utilized by different biological functions. In the case of human movement, energy transforms from chemical energy, to mechanical energy, ending with heat energy. This is also known as the conservation of energy. These complex chemical changes, concerning the energy’s form in the body, are known as biosynthesis (Kim & Roberts, 2015).

The body has a process which it uses to release energy and to store energy. The exergonic process releases energy to its surroundings, while the endergonic process stores energy. The energy that is released is known as free energy, and is available to be used in biological functions. These two processes often work together in a very complicated chemical state, to regulate and optimize the availability and use of free energy. Energy itself does not increase or decrease. However, the forms of energy that are available do change, as a result of many different chemical reactions (Kim & Roberts, 2015).

Unfortunately, for the athlete, these changes almost always lead to less kinetic energy available for physical activity. This concept is known as entropy, and it ties directly into the second law of thermodynamics. The second law of thermodynamics refers to the eventual degradation of potential energy, into kinetic or heat energy. This degradation decreases the capacity to perform physical activity (Kim & Roberts, 2015).

Fortunately, when one form of energy decreases, other forms increase. This cycle is continual in nature. The energy doesn’t disappear; it continues to change its form. At any given time, an athlete’s body is performing three types of biological work. These three types of work include mechanical, chemical, and transport. These types of work tie into energy transfer and the metabolic energy pathways. During physical activity and exercise, duration and intensity determine how and where, energy is being transferred and utilized. The aerobic and anaerobic energy pathways have specific functions, in relation to exercise (Chamari & Padulo, 2015).

The anaerobic energy pathway is utilized during short duration, high intensity events such as sprinting, powerlifting, and Olympic weightlifting. The anaerobic system actually has two main subsystems or pathways. The first is the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and phosphocreatine (CrP) pathway or ATP-CP. This pathway provides the energy for approximately ten seconds. After ten seconds, the second pathway activates. This second pathway is known as the glycolytic pathway. This pathway provides energy for approximately ninety seconds. This is the approximate time window where the anaerobic pathway is thought to end (Chamari & Padulo, 2015).

After ninety seconds, the aerobic or oxidative phosphorylation pathway takes over. This pathway continues providing energy for long duration activities such as distance and endurance events. Within the first two minutes of exercise or physical exertion, the athlete has activated three different energy pathways, belonging to the anaerobic and aerobic systems. Also the three biological forms of work are all functioning to assist with the demands on the body. There are ongoing debates amongst researchers, concerning the exact timings and roles of the energy pathways (Chamari & Padulo, 2015).

Proper nutrition for an athlete is absolutely critical, in order to meet the high energy demands of athletic training. The correct caloric intake, combined with a proper macronutrient ratio is essential for an athlete to meet their needs and goals. The body uses carbohydrates for the bulk of its energy demands. Glucose and glycogen play crucial roles in energy transfer during anaerobic and aerobic metabolism (Liesa & Shirihai, 2013).

Fats come into play during longer duration aerobic events. When muscle and liver glycogen levels, and corresponding glucose levels decrease, more fats are used to sustain energy transfer. Fats transfer energy slower, and can only generate about half as much energy production as carbohydrates, in the same amount of time. When the activity reaches a long duration such as the end of a triathlon or marathon, the remaining macronutrient is called up. The last in line for energy transfer are proteins (Liesa & Shirihai, 2013).

When energy demands are very high, glycogen levels are very low, and fats are too slow during the transfer process, proteins are called upon to help out the team. The athlete does not want to be in this situation, where proteins are being called upon to sacrifice themselves, for energy production. Proteins are broken down into their amino acids through deamination, and other methods that make them suitable for energy transfer. This can cause a loss of lean body mass, and cause decreases in performance, with rising fatigue levels (Longland, Oikawa, Mitchell, Devries, & Phillips, 2016).

Overtraining is a viable threat for hard working athletes. But it can be avoided with proper rest, nutrition, and training. It is very important for an athlete to recover properly after each period of training. Athletes must replenish and maintain their hydration levels, electrolyte levels, and muscle and liver glycogen levels. Consuming the right amount of calories, with the correct ratio of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, is an important part of preventing overtraining. Poor nutrition and dehydration, combined with intense training, poor rest, and high stress levels can propel an otherwise healthy athlete, into the overtraining mode. By eating properly, athletes can maintain an anabolic state and reduce the catabolic effects of intensive training. Coaches need to ensure that their athletes are doing the right things, so that overtraining does not occur (Cadegiani & Kater, 2017).

References:

Cadegiani, F., & Kater, C. (2017). Hormonal aspects of overtraining syndrome. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-017-0079-8

Chamari, K., & Padulo, J. (2015). ‘Aerobic’ and ‘anaerobic’ terms used in exercise physiology. Sports Medicine Open. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40798-015-0012-1

Kim, J., & Roberts, D. (2015). A joint-space numerical model of metabolic energy expenditure for human multibody dynamic system. International Journal for Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering. Retrieved from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cnm.2721/full

Liesa, M., & Shirihai, O. (2013). Mitochondrial Dynamics in the Regulation of Nutrient Utilization and Energy Expenditure. Cell Metabolism. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413113001046

Longland, T., Oikawa, S., Mitchell, C., Devries, M., & Phillips, S. (2016). Higher compared with lower dietary protein during an energy deficit, combined with intense exercise promotes greater lean mass gain and fat mass loss: a randomized trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Retrieved from http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/103/3/738.short

McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I., & Katch, V.L. (2016). Essentials of exercise physiology (5th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.

Eric Dempsey

MS, NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Pre-workout and Post- workout Nutrient Timing

     Nutrient timing is very important for overall health, body composition, and athletic performance. Consuming the needed amount of calories, with the correct macronutrient ratio, at the proper time can provide the athlete with optimal results. There are three primary nutrient timing windows. These nutrient timing windows include pre-workout, post- workout, and the period of time until the next pre-workout window. Nutrient timing windows are also known as the energy phase, the anabolic phase, and the growth phase. These three phases essentially cover the twenty four hours of the day. The athlete has the additional challenge of mastering these nutrient timing windows. It is the nutrition plan that makes all of the athlete’s hard work pay off, in the gym, and on the playing field (McArdle, Katch, & Katch, 2016).

     The pre-workout or energy phase is a critical window concerning nutrient timing. This is the phase that provides the athlete with optimal fuel for performance, during a game or training session. It is recommended that the energy phase meal be consumed immediately before and during training. This timing is commonly referred to as pre-workout and intra-workout. There are numerous research studies that have shown the positive benefits of this nutrient timing window. In addition to enhancing performance, the energy phase also limits the catabolic effects of intense physical exertion (Brown, Imthurn, & Ramsay, 2015).

     While many studies show the positive effects of a variety of pre-workout nutrients, there is a common thread that appears to hold true. The main nutrients that make up the energy phase requirements are carbohydrates and proteins. The pre-workout and intra-workout meals should contain twenty to twenty six grams of high glycemic carbohydrates. There should also be five to six grams of whey protein. Additional recommended nutrients include magnesium, sodium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and leucine. For ease of consumption, most athletes make this meal in liquid form, as a drink or shake (Brown, Imthurn, & Ramsay, 2015).

     The anabolic phase or post-workout window is the forty five minute time period immediately following training. This phase is also very important for the athlete. Hard, intense training leads to catabolic effects which can break down lean body mass, and increase fat storage. No athlete can afford to let this happen, if they want to be successful. Proper nutrition at this stage can reverse these catabolic effects, and turn it into an anabolic period of muscle sparing and protein synthesis (Sharp et al., 2017).

     The nutrition profile for the post- workout meal contains forty to fifty grams of high glycemic carbohydrates, and thirteen to fifteen grams of whey protein. This is also normally consumed in liquid form. Recommended additional nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin E, leucine, and glutamine. High glycemic carbohydrates and whey protein are used, because they digest and metabolize faster than other forms (Sharp et al., 2017).

     After the anabolic phase, the growth phase continues until the next energy phase. The goals of the growth phase are to build muscle, replenish glycogen stores, and to promote recovery. The growth phase is broken down into two sub-phases. The first sub-phase is the rapid segment, which lasts for the first several hours. The goal of this phase is to replenish glycogen stores. This is done by maximizing glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity. This phase also initiates recovery and muscle growth (Helms, Aragon, & Fitschen, 2014).

     The next sub-phase is the sustained segment. This period lasts for approximately sixteen to eighteen hours following the rapid segment. The goal with this period of time is to increase muscle building with a positive nitrogen balance. The growth phase nutrition profile includes fourteen grams of faster digesting whey protein, two grams of slower digesting casein protein, and two to four grams of high glycemic carbohydrates. It is also recommended to include leucine, and glutamine to aid in recovery and muscle building. By following a disciplined nutrition window timing program, athletes can receive the proper nutrition necessary for optimal performance, muscle building, and recovery (Helms, Aragon, & Fitschen, 2014).

References:

Brown, K, Imthurn, K., & Ramsay, S. (2015). Nutritional needs and attitudes towards having a training table: Insight from players from a division 1 football team. Enliven: Journal of Dietetics Research and Nutrition. Retrieved from http://www.enlivenarchive.org/articles/nutritional-needs-and-attitudes-towards-having-a-training-table-insight-from-players-from-a-division-1-football-team.pdf

Helms, E., Aragon, A., & Fitschen, P. (2014). Evidence based recommendations for natural bodybuilding contest preparation: Nutrition and supplementation. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Retrieved from https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-11-20

McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I., & Katch, V.L. (2016). Essentials of exercise physiology (5th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.

Sharp, M., Lowery, R., Shields, K., Lane, J., Gray, J., Partl, J., … Wilson, J. (2017). The effects of beef, chicken, or whey protein post-workout on body composition and muscle performance. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Retrieved from http://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Abstract/publishahead/The_Effects_of_Beef,_Chicken,_or_Whey_Protein.96027.aspx

Eric Dempsey

MS, NASM Fitness Nutrition Specialist

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Marketing a sports product abroad vs here in the U.S.

Marketing a sport product internationally can present numerous challenges, compared to marketing the same product within the United States. Dealing with fluctuating exchange rates in currency can be a frustrating experience, depending on which countries are involved. Planning, care, and caution need to be used when dealing with certain countries, as their exchange rates with U.S. dollars change frequently. A deal could be closed with certain amounts, only to be very different by the time the actual deal was executed on foreign soil. Companies can gain or lose large amounts of capital, if the exchange rates fluctuate unexpectedly. This is a very different situation than business deals that are conducted in within the United States (Pitts & Stotlar, 2013).

Trade regulations, bureaucracy, laws, taxes, tariffs, and policies are very different amongst different countries. This can be a challenging situation for many companies seeking to embark on international trade. Within the United States, all companies basically follow the same set of federal trade laws, and guidelines. When dealing with another country, all of the procedures, laws, guidelines and expenses can be very different. Trade tariffs between countries can be very expensive. Many nations create trade agreements which seek to streamline, and regulate the differences between all of the variables involved with each country. Companies have to do thorough planning and research before launching any international projects (McDonald, 2017).

Marketing and advertising methods and techniques have to be adjusted for the differences between the U.S. and foreign targeted market. A marketing campaign that was effective in the United States may not work in its original configuration overseas. Demographics, marketing data, marketing trends, languages, socioeconomic status, competition, and cultural differences are some of the variables that have to be researched by a company wanting to market a product in a foreign country. This vast amount of data is relatively easy to acquire in the United States. It can be quite challenging to gather this data from another country. Another variable which complicates matters, is whether or not the target country is considered to be developed or developing. Certain third world nations that are considered underdeveloped, would present many challenges to a U.S. based company. Technology interface can also present challenges to specific marketing campaigns (Surbhi, 2015).

Translating marketing copy properly can be a unique challenge for U.S. based companies. If the marketing copy does not properly translate into the language and dialect of the targeted nation, the entire campaign could fail. Companies need to spend the time and money, to research and ensure that their marketing copy is going to be understood correctly by foreign consumers. Something that is easy to understand in the English language can come across with a different meaning in certain languages. Copy writers for foreign marketing campaigns have to make sure that they are creating content that can be understood by their intended buyer. This is much less of a hassle within the United States. In some countries, regional differences further complicate this issue. The marketing campaign not only has to be written in the correct language, with correct context, but also must be tailored to the specific region of the intended sales (Beninatto, 2013).

References:

Beninatto, R. (2013). 5 mistakes to avoid when entering a foreign market. Sales and Marketing Management. Retrieved from https://salesandmarketing.com/content/5-mistakes-avoid-when-entering-foreign-market

McDonald, B. (2017). International trade: Commerce among nations. International Monetary Fund. Retrieved from http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/fandd/basics/trade.htm

Pitts, B.G., & Stotlar, D.K. (2013). Fundamentals of sport marketing (4th ed.). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology, Inc.

Surbhi, S. (2015). Difference between domestic and international marketing. Key Differences. Retrieved from http://keydifferences.com/difference-between-domestic-and-international-marketing.html

Eric Dempsey

MS, ISSA Master Trainer

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Why people are the most important factor in the sports industry

In the sport business industry, there are eight major factors that contribute to, and influence the growth of the industry. These factors include people, sports activities, sporting goods, sports facilities, medicine, and fitness training, commercialization and marketing, professional service businesses, media and electronic technology, and sport management education. All of these factors contribute greatly to the sport business industry. However, one factor stands out as a critical component, which all of the other factors depend upon. This critical factor is the people. Thousands of people are interested, and involved in, the sport business industry. These thousands of people include the fans, athletes, management, staff, and workers, who give life to the other seven factors (Pitts & Stotlar, 2013).

People are the fundamental reason that the sport business industry exists. There has been major interest in sporting events of all kinds, dating back thousands of years. Most early civilizations had different forms of sport entertainment, which were widely popular with the people. In the modern era, sports have had a growing fan base, especially in competitive team and recreational sports. The sport business industry is one of the only industries that dominate all forms of media representation. Many people watch or participate in various forms of sports on a weekly basis. Our modern society is heavily influenced by the sport business industry. Sports are a part of many peoples’ lives from childhood, during school, and throughout adult life. In every aspect of the sport business industry, people are the facilitators and consumers of all sporting events and products (Humphreys & Ruseski, 2008).

The sport business industry employs thousands of people through a variety of job categories. There are numerous, sports related degrees and educational programs, which people complete with the hopes of entering into the sport business industry. Many athletes participate in sports from early childhood, throughout high school and college, to ultimately tryout for a spot in the highly competitive professional sport leagues. Large numbers of employees are needed to operate the large sporting goods store chains, which provide a variety of sports products, for thousands of sport fans and athletes. The marketing and advertising components of the sport business industry also employ many people, to attract fans and consumers. The facilitator side of the sport business industry requires thousands of people, to operate the many different aspects of this huge industry (Belzer, 2014).

Sports, recreation and fitness activities make up the largest segment of the sport business industry. Thousands of people attend sporting events weekly, at all levels, from youth events to major league games. There has been a steady rise in the number of participants in recreation and fitness activities over the last few decades. Individual sports have grown in popularity and now involve thousands of people. Legislation such as Title IX, along with local, state, and federal government support, have facilitated the sport business industry’s inclusion of more female, disabled, and minority participants. Technology has closed the distant gaps and allows more people to be involved. The sport business industry is a major contributor to society in many ways. The sport business industry has grown over the years, into an economic giant of global proportions. It is ultimately the people who are involved, which have allowed the sport business industry, to become what it is today (Macri, 2012).

References:

Belzer, J. (2014). Sports industry 101: Breaking into the business of sports. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonbelzer/2014/02/05/sports-industry-101-breaking-into-the-business-of-sports/#60648dbc3db9

Humphreys, B., & Ruseski, J. (2008). The size and scope of the sports industry in the United States. International Association of Sports Economists. Retrieved from http://web.holycross.edu/RePEc/spe/HumphreysRuseski_SportsIndustry.pdf
Macri, J. (2012). Not just a game: Sport and society in the United States. Inquiries Journal. Retrieved from http://www.inquiriesjournal.com/articles/1664/not-just-a-game-sport-and-society-in-the-united-states

Pitts, B.G., & Stotlar, D.K. (2013). Fundamentals of sport marketing (4th ed.). Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology, Inc.

Eric Dempsey

MS, ISSA Master Trainer

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Overtraining Syndrome in Fitness and Sports

Overtraining syndrome is a condition that affects athletes, who follow a program which neglects adequate rest and recovery. Overtraining gradually builds with time, and causes the athlete’s performance, health, and mindset to decline. When overtraining occurs, the athlete’s performance decreases, and they develop chronic fatigue, changes in blood lactate variables, a decrease in motivation, neuroendocrine changes, develop an illness, or become injured. Overtraining should not be confused with overreaching. Overreaching is when an athlete completes very demanding training and is fatigued and worn out for a few days afterwards. With proper rest and recovery, the athlete can quickly recover from overreaching. When the rest and recovery is not adequate, the door is opened for the overtraining syndrome to set in. Overtraining is chronic in nature, and develops during the course of a lengthy training program (Bompa & Buzzichelli, 2015).

Athletes train to increase performance. Intense training is required to stimulate the physiological adaptions, which are desired. This intense training requires rest and recovery in order to facilitate the increases in performance. Training programs that follow a proper periodization model, take this into account. When training programs fail to include proper rest and recovery in the training schedule, athletes begin to develop telltale signs of overtraining. These signs and symptoms include fatigued, sore, and tight muscles, a decrease in performance, loss of appetite, increased resting heart rate, irritability, a lack of motivation, and trouble sleeping. There are numerous theories concerning the many different factors that contribute to, and cause overtraining. Some of the theories include low glycogen levels, low glutamine levels, central nervous system fatigue, oxidative stress, autonomic nervous system fatigue, and excessive inflammatory response. All of these theories contribute to understanding the overtraining syndrome. However, existing research has not been able to definitively answer all of the questions (Kreher & Schwartz, 2012).



There is no single way to identify and diagnose overtraining syndrome. There are established ways to look for it. Training logs, recorded heart rates, handgrip dynamometers, and heart rate variability monitors are methods used collectively, to determine if overtraining syndrome is present in an athlete. Other factors that contribute to identifying overtraining include a sudden increase in training volume, intensity, a busy competition schedule, a lack of periodization, or programmed recovery in training schedule, a monotonous training program, and high self-reported stress levels. Outside stressors have to be looked at as possible contributors to overtraining. Questionnaires asking about stressors from home, work, school, relationships and other outside factors can help with identifying overtraining (MacKinnon, 2000).

Athletes can recover from overtraining syndrome by resting, eating properly, staying hydrated, implementing recovery techniques, and by altering the training program until symptoms are gone. It takes different recovery times based upon the individual, and severity of the overtraining. Certain individuals can be more prone to overtraining than others. Athletes should be screened with a risk profile to find out if they have suffered from overtraining before, have a history of medical issues, or are predisposed to any of the symptoms. Overtraining syndrome can be prevented by ensuring that several factors are in place. Some of these factors include early identification and monitoring of susceptible athletes, minimizing known effects, preventing sudden increases in training loads, watching for inadequate dietary intake, managing the competition schedule, individualizing training, periodizing training, and programming recovery training and rest days into the training cycle. By implementing these factors, the risk of overtraining can be greatly reduced (Cardoos, 2015).

References:

Bompa, T.O., & Buzzichelli, C.A. (2015). Periodization training for sports (3rd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Cardoos, N. (2015). Overtraining syndrome. Current Sports Medicine Reports. Retrieved from http://journals.lww.com/acsm-csmr/Fulltext/2015/05000/Overtraining_Syndrome.7.aspx

Kreher, J., & Schwartz, J. (2012). Overtraining syndrome. Journal of Sports Health. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3435910/

MacKinnon, L. (2000). Overtraining effects on immunity and performance in athletes. Immunology and Cell Biology. Retrieved from http://www.nature.com/icb/journal/v78/n5/full/icb200070a.html?foxtrotcallback=true

Eric Dempsey

MS, ISSA Master Trainer

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Athletes with diabetes

Athletes with diabetes should consult with their physician prior to beginning any exercise and nutrition program. Blood glucose levels should documented by the physician to establish a normal range for the individual. Certain exercises of a strenuous nature may be contraindicated for athletes with diabetes. Blood glucose levels should be tracked and documented by the athlete thirty minutes before exercise, and then again one hour after exercise. This self-monitored tracking of blood glucose levels helps to assist the athlete in managing nutrition and insulin requirements. Exercise is an important component in managing diabetes. A well planned exercise program can help to maintain desired body composition levels, decrease insulin requirements, increase insulin sensitivity, lower the risk of diabetic nephropathy, and reduce the risk of hypertensive and cardiovascular diseases (Anderson & Parr, 2013). 

 

Diabetic athletes are more challenging to manage than non-athletes. The demands of sport and performance enhancement training can have more pronounced effects on blood glucose levels. Frequent monitoring of an athlete’s blood glucose levels before, during, and after exercise is recommended. Athletes should have routine medical examinations and physicians clearance to exercise. A physician should supervise the diabetic athlete’s exercise and nutrition program. Diabetic identification bracelets or necklaces should be worn by diabetic athletes during all exercise and sporting activities. Athletes with diabetes should remain hydrated during the conduct of physical events. Carbohydrate intake and insulin dosage should be managed, to allow peak performance during exercise and sporting activities. Athletes should always have readily available sources of fast acting carbohydrates during all physical events. Avoiding exercise in the evenings, and at peak insulin action times is recommended, to avoid hypoglycemia (Hornsby & Chetlin, 2005).

Athletes normally have to perform a variety of aerobic and anaerobic exercises to meet the demands of their sport. Diabetic athletes have to be aware of the threats from hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and ketoacidosis. Aerobic exercise is primarily recommended for those with diabetes. Walking, swimming, bicycling, and rowing are the recommended aerobic training methods. Diabetic athletes who have lost their protective neural sensation should avoid walking on a treadmill, step exercises, jogging, and walking for long period of time. Thirty minutes of aerobic exercise is recommended for adults on most days. Teens, and youth athletes with diabetes, should strive for thirty to sixty minutes of aerobic exercise on most days. Resistance based, strength training is allowed for athletes who do not show signs of retinopathy and nephropathy (Colburg, 2008).

Aerobic exercise is primarily recommended for athletes with diabetes. Aerobic exercise, done at moderate intensity, for longer duration, lowers blood glucose levels. It is easier to plan for the required insulin dosage, during and after exercise, as needed. Carbohydrate intake prior to aerobic exercise is frequently required. Anaerobic exercise is required for most athletes for performance enhancement. Explosive, short duration, high intensity, bouts of power and strength during exercises such as sprints, powerlifting, Olympic weight lifting, and related weight bearing activities, do not drop blood glucose levels in the same manner as aerobic exercise. Due to the increase in adrenaline and noradrenalin, which is more common with anaerobic exercise, hyperglycemia may occur during and immediately after the training. Hypoglycemia may follow hours after an intense exercise session. Carbohydrate intake may not be required prior to anaerobic training. Both aerobic and anaerobic training have numerous benefits for the diabetic athlete. Proper management of blood glucose and insulin levels will allow the diabetic athlete to perform both types of training (Stinogel, 2010).

Olympic and professional athletes compete at much higher intensity levels than high school and college athletes. The physical requirements of the sports and training are very demanding with professional and Olympic athletes. These professional and Olympic athletes, who have diabetes, face challenges that are similar to, but greater than the challenges faced by high school and college athletes. The advances in medical treatment options, for athletes with diabetes, have come a long way. Many professional and Olympic athletes, with diabetes, have been able to manage their condition and successfully compete at the highest levels. Proper management techniques for diabetes have been successfully implemented into these athlete’s training and nutrition programs. Diabetes is no longer a show stopper for high level athletes, as it was in the past. While the demands and challenges are greater for professional and Olympic athletes, more efficient treatment methods and management techniques have emerged. These high level athletes usually have a much more robust support network than younger athletes (Evans, 2015).

Team physicians, nutritionists, athletic trainers, coaches, and other support staff ensure that elite level athletes receive the proper care that they require. Larger team operating budgets, and high levels of individual income, help provide the funding for advanced diabetic management. Professional and Olympic athletes have also demonstrated the self-discipline and commitment, which allows them to overcome obstacles presented by diabetes. These athletes have trained for many years and are more in tune with their body’s needs. Nutrition and hydration methods, in concert with any required medications, have been honed into a coordinated program, which supports the training and competition demands. Elite level athletes, with diabetes, also usually have a very positive and strong mental outlook. This allows them to view their condition as something very manageable, as opposed to a roadblock that prevents success (Evans, 2015).

References:

Evans, Z. (2015). Great athletes with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes Daily. Retrieved from https://www.diabetesdaily.com/blog/2015/10/great-athletes-with-type-1-diabetes/

Anderson, M.K., & Parr, G.P. (2013). Foundations of athletic training: prevention, assessment, and management (5th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Colburg, S. (2008). Working with diabetic athletes part 1. Diabetes in Control. Retrieved from http://www.diabetesincontrol.com/working-with-diabetic-athletes-part-1/

Hornsby, W., & Chetlin, R. (2005). Management of competitive athletes with diabetes. Diabetes Spectrum. Retrieved from http://spectrum.diabetesjournals.org/content/18/2/102

Stinogel, B. (2010). Nutrition for athletes exercising and competing with type 1 diabetes. University of Minnesota Duluth. Retrieved from https://cehsp.d.umn.edu/sites/cehsp.d.umn.edu/files/nutritionforathletesexercisingandcompetingwithtype1diabetes

Eric Dempsey

MS, ISSA Master Trainer

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

The Rise of Alternative Pleasure and Participation Sports

The power and performance sports have long dominated American society and culture. And while these sports continue to do well and retain millions of fans, there are many people who are not interested in these types of sports. For the people who do not find interest and value in power and performance sports, there are alternatives that many turn to. These alternatives are the pleasure and participation sports. These sports attract people who wish to be themselves and to do their own thing. These people seek the freedom to participate in activities that they value and enjoy, on their own terms. The pleasure and participation sports are very different from the power and performance sports in their structure, management, decision making, participation guidelines and rules. While a person may not be able to make the cut for the football or basketball team, they can easily join and participate in a variety of pleasure and participation sports. These pleasure and participation sports are growing in popularity for many reasons. Some of the reasons include an increased interest in fitness and health, older people are seeking to be more active, and many people are seeking an alternative sporting activity that they are good at and enjoy. High pressure, high impact, competitive sports, like football, basketball and baseball, are not for everyone. Pleasure and participation sports are a great alternative for the people looking for something different (Coakley, 2015).

While there are various reasons for the growth in popularity of pleasure and participation sports, some reasons include gender and disability. While women have fought a long and hard battle to be recognized in sports, it is still a hard road for women to follow in the realm of power and performance sports. Many women seek to avoid this struggle and participate in activities that are friendlier to their gender. Disabled athletes have also fought a hard battle in their quest for equality in sports. Much progress has been made for both women and the disabled in power and performance sports. But there are still many who just do not want to or cannot, participate in power and performance sports. There are many opportunities for disabled athletes in pleasure and participation sports. Sports such as tennis, fishing, scuba diving, racing, water skiing and mountain climbing have become more popular in recent years, with many female and disabled athletes. The power and performance sports model emphasizes winning, competitiveness and very structured formats and rules which invariably impacts many female and disabled athletes. The pleasure and participation sports offer opportunities for all people to partake in activities without discrimination, pressure or overly rigid structures (Hardin & Hardin, 2005).

Another reason that pleasure and participation sports are growing in popularity in the United States is due to the influence of globalization and immigration. Millions of people from all over the world have been moving to the United States for decades. The sports and physical culture of different countries are very different from the traditional American model. Sports such as soccer are becoming increasingly popular in America, especially in the youth athletics category. The rise of pleasure and participation sports are beginning to challenge power and performance sports in a slow, yet growing manner. One area where the competition between the two sports models is having a bigger impact is with youth athletics. Little league baseball and T-ball have been popular with kids for many years. Now, millions of children can be found in greater numbers on the numerous, youth soccer league fields, across the country. Many other pleasure and participation sports such as cricket and tennis are on the rise, as well, due to a subtle influence by the millions of immigrants, in the United States (Foer, 2011).

Pleasure and participation sports are growing in popularity across the country. Organizations are being formed at a rising rate to promote these alternative sporting events. Associations like the Western Alternative Sports Association (WASA), promote different sports for the true pleasure and participation reason, which they claim is to have fun. That is hard to argue with as having fun with sports seems to be the least bit important with many power and performance sports. Winning and making billions of dollars has replaced the fun in many of these sports. With the pleasure and participation sports, everyone can find something they enjoy. It is becoming more available to those whose location, financial status and other variables would normally prevent them from sports participation. There is even a rise in women’s shooting sports and a gold medal has already been won by a female Olympic athlete. With the rise of pleasure and participation sports, people now have a choice between power and performance sports and the alternative, pleasure and participation sports. This is a great thing as it will allow people from all walks of life to be able to find a sport that suits them. Whether it is football or target shooting, there is now something available for everyone. While the power and performance sports may continue to reign supreme, pleasure and participation sports are growing in popularity, worldwide. And with the nation’s current obesity epidemic, anything that can help get more people active is a good thing (Kirkland, 2015).

References:

Coakley, J. (2015). Sports in society: Issues and controversies (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Hardin, M., & Hardin, B. (2005). Performance or Participation: Pluralism or Hegemony? Disability Studies Quarterly. Retrieved from http://www.dsq-sds.org/article/view/606/783

Foer, F. (2011). Why Is Soccer Becoming Popular in the United States? IIP Digital. Retrieved from http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/article/2011/06/20110603114306ecurb5.794269e-02.html#axzz4GgJjBtkf

Kirkland, A. (2015). Shooting Sports are Becoming More Popular with Women. KOMU News. Retrieved from http://www.komu.com/news/shooting-sports-are-becoming-more-popular-with-women-69781/

Photo credit: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/fall-guys-like-to-stretch-their-luck/story-e6frep2f-1226193624194

Eric Dempsey

MS, ISSA Master Trainer

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

The Impact of Sportsmanship on My Life

Growing up, I wasn’t involved with traditional sports. I became consumed by martial arts and combat sports at the age of eleven. Sportsmanship was a very big deal in my training hall or dojo. The martial arts also teach a code of behavior, ethics, morals and virtues, similar to the western concept of sportsmanship. This is called Bushido or the way of the warrior. Sportsmanship is an inherent part of the American culture and it has a great ethical and moral impact on society. Fair play, following the rules, having respect for the opposing team members and sports officials, having respect for the athlete’s fellow team members and coaches, and generally doing the right thing at all times, are the fundamental concepts that sportsmanship is supposed to develop in athletes. While many argue that with our country’s moral decline, over the last thirty years, sportsmanship is no longer the virtuous set of guidelines that it once was. Others believe that sportsmanship is alive and well in today’s society. It may be just much harder to see (Appenzeller, 2011).

My experiences with sportsmanship were mainly centered around the realm of pugilistic activities, such as boxing, kickboxing, karate, tae kwon do, kung fu, wrestling, judo and jiu jitsu. Simple acts of sportsmanship that I witnessed daily were things like touching gloves at the start of a fight, helping your opponent up after you knocked him down, kneeling when an athlete was injured, showing respect by bowing and handshakes before and after a match and other general courtesies. These small, but meaningful actions were equally valued in western sportsmanship as well as in eastern bushido. These actions had a great impact upon my social development, as I followed these principles outside of the training halls and fighting arenas. This is what some of the early intentions were about, for those who influenced the growth of sports in our country. Instilling teamwork, discipline, self-confidence and a competitive drive are some of the benefits for both traditional sports and martial arts. These traits would help me later in life, as I transitioned from the martial arts training hall, to the training and battle fields with the U.S. Army (Szczepanski, 2015).

I have also observed acts of sportsmanship during my own actual matches in different martial arts or combat sports. One time during a tae kwon do match, I threw a punch so hard at my opponent, that I dislocated my shoulder, when the opponent slipped the punch. The referee didn’t see what happened and the match continued. At first, my opponent was eager to rush in and score the finishing points on me as I clutched my injured shoulder. He then realized that I was really hurt and he had a serious advantage over me. He could have finished the match with a victory. Instead, he told the referee that I was hurt and the match ended in a tied score. I later thanked him for his display of sportsmanship and he said that he knew I would have done the same for him. And I definitely would have. Winning a match due to an unfair advantage violates the concepts of sportsmanship and of bushido (Ohlenkamp, 2016).

Sportsmanship has also impacted my life within society, in many ways. It prepared me for the drill, ceremonies, courtesies and honors, taught by the military. It also made me a better person overall. I was once on a crowded bus in Germany, heading into a big city. There was a pregnant mother standing with her young son, who was wearing a judo uniform. As soon as I saw them, I immediately offered my seat to the lady. She was very thankful for my gesture. It wasn’t a conscious thought or action, but rather instinctive or reflexive in nature, like blocking a punch. It was just the right thing to do at the time. I’ve had many instances where sportsmanship learned through my years of training, had a direct impact on my actions, outside of any competition grounds. And I believe that these traits and virtues are taught and learned through sports. I only hope that as the moral decay of our current society continues, athletes from all sports, will set the example for others to follow (Daily, 2016).

References:

Appenzeller, H. (2011). Ethical behavior in sport. Durham, N.C.: Carolina Academic Press.

Szczepanski, K. (2015). The Role of Bushido in Modern Japan. About Education. Retrieved from http://asianhistory.about.com/od/japan/fl/The-Role-of-Bushido-in-Modern-Japan.html

Ohlenkamp, N. (2016). Martial Art vs Sport. Judo Info. Retrieved from http://judoinfo.com/sport.html

Daily, S. (2016). Sportsmanship: A Deeper Understanding and its Importance Beyond Sports. Decatur Sports and Recreation. Retrieved from http://www.decaturparks.com/sportsmanship-a-deeper-understanding.php

Eric Dempsey

MS, ISSA Master Trainer

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Sports Facilities Used in Athletic Recruiting

The use of facilities and equipment in the recruitment of athletes is a very common and highly debated practice. When a prospective student athlete comes to a school during a recruiting pitch, coaches often showcase their best facilities and equipment in the hopes of swaying the decision to join. Sometimes unethical practices occur, where the athlete is told untruths and shown facilities that aren’t really available. This can cause quite the shock and upset to the new athlete who was shown and told one thing and then arrives for practice to see something completely different. If the school has high quality facilities and equipment, this is not an issue, and showing the athlete the real facilities can be an enticing technique for recruitment. The real ethical issues revolve around the lies and deceit that sometimes occurs (Appenzeller, 2011).

There is somewhat of an arms race going on in the recruiting world of sports. Competition is high and the stakes are even higher. Getting the right athletes to join the team and keeping the good ones they already have, is a tough job. Research shows that modern athletes want to be engaged. They want to be team players and part of something bigger than themselves. In order to appeal to these newfound variables, universities are spending millions of dollars to upgrade facilities with cutting edge technology, designs, amenities and features. Specialized marketing and advertising companies work with universities to create unique marketing approaches to capitalize on the needs and wants of today’s athletes. A university’s history, traditions and back story are embedded into a modern technology, based package, which is designed to impact the new athletes upon their very first visit. These marketing campaigns are expensive and are going on across the country. This new era of recruiting and marketing is proving to be very profitable for the marketing firms that specialize in this niche (Jessop, 2014).

One of the issues surrounding the facilities for the recruiting arms race is the problem between big money universities and smaller universities. It is hard to compete with universities who are dropping fifty million dollars or more to develop these state of the art facilities and recruiting packages. Smaller universities try to recruit good prospects and then the bigger universities lure the athletes away with facilities and amenities, which the smaller school simply can’t match. Some argue that the best interests of these athletes would sometimes be served better by the smaller universities, who have reputable programs, yet lack the big lights, bells and whistles. The nature of the recruiting game is dog eat dog and those with the fancy facilities usually get what they want. Even the big money universities are competing at extreme levels and some wonder how far can it go. There are on so many upgrades that can reasonably be made to facilities but new heights are continually being pushed. The battle rages on as the amount of money being spent, continues to climb (Hoffman, 2015).

While in the past, coaches may have lied to and deceived prospective recruits, about a school’s facilities and equipment. In today’s world, that situation is diminishing with the advent of mega facilities and social media. Athletes now are looking at facilities across the full spectrum of social media sites. Reviews and videos of athletes conducting recruiting tours are readily available to anyone who searches online. Hiding facilities inadequacies is very difficult to do now. Schools that spend millions of dollars on the newest and best features are not hiding anything. The dilemma that athletes face now is one that has to do with their best interests versus the ever growing list of amenities. Schools have ridiculous facilities now with custom locker rooms, training equipment, technological training aids, and all sorts of other added features. But with all of these high priced gadgets and features, is the athlete going to receive the experience and education that they seek? For many, the education part is irrelevant and is a whole separate topic of debate. Athletes today are bombarded with giant video screens, new cryotherapy chambers and free IPads. And that doesn’t even touch the ongoing debate of whether athletes should be paid in school or not. Some say that the entire recruiting situation is an ethical minefield. Others think that it is just the natural evolution of the growing industry, in today’s society. The facilities arm race continues unabated, and will likely continue to do so, for many years to come (Hobson and Rich, 2015).

References:

Appenzeller, H. (2011). Ethical behavior in sport. Durham, N.C.: Carolina Academic Press.

Jessop, A. (2014). FSU Utilizes New Football Facilities to Attract Top Recruits. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/aliciajessop/2014/09/20/fsu-utilizes-new-football-facilities-to-attract-top-recruits/#148e770231ce

Hoffman, J. (2015). The Recruiting Process in College Athletics Needs to Change. Know it All Football. Retrieved from http://www.knowitallfootball.com/2015/02/04/recruiting-process-college-athletics-change/

Hobson, W., and Rich, S. (2015). Colleges Spend Fortunes on Lavish Athletic Facilities. The Bulletin. Retrieved from http://www.bendbulletin.com/sports/3846188-151/colleges-spend-fortunes-on-lavish-athletic-facilities?referrer=bullet1

Photo credit: http://collegesportsbusinessnews.com/issue/november-2014/article/football-facilities-are-key-recruiting-fundraising-tool

Eric Dempsey

MS, ISSA Master Trainer

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Sports vs Education: The Dilemma of Sports in School

College and high school sports’, contributing to the educational process is a highly debated topic. There are many aspects of sports in school, that do contribute to the educational process and others argue, that there are many aspects that do not. While there is some validity in both sides of the discussion, it really comes down to how the sports program is run at a particular school. Some schools are more interested in the sports programs doing well rather than the academic achievements of their athletes. Other schools try to maintain a good balance between the sports performance and the athletes’ academic achievement. For the schools that appear to favor winning the sports seasons and championships, emphasis is placed upon keeping the athletes in the game over their grade point averages. While the schools who try to maintain a balance, help to keep the athletes’ academic performance in good standing, often at the cost of the sports team’s winning streak. It is a difficult situation, with many complex variables. The goals and influence of the school’s leadership, ultimately determines the positive or negative impact, of sports on the educational process (Coakley, 2015).

One of the big differences between American schools and other foreign schools abroad is the emphasis on sports, at the high school and college levels. Many foreign students, who move to the United States, immediately notice the importance placed upon sports in school. It is noticed because it is such a big deal in American schools and it isn’t emphasized by most schools, in other countries. In other countries, schools place emphasis on academics and the international test scores reflect this difference. When international research and surveys are published, they frequently show the United States lagging far behind other countries, in topics like math and science. Some argue that the schools in other countries are doing it right and the United States isn’t, with its preference for sport emphasis. Budget issues are also frequently associated with the sports in school argument. Some schools who had to make tough budget decisions, tried to cut their sports programs. When schools cut sports programs, there was great public outcry and debate. One thing that occurred in many schools was that when the sports programs were canceled, academic achievement and grades went up. There was also a decrease in bad behavior and disciplinary actions. Many think that this proves the point that school is for learning and not sports. Numerous schools that cut sports programs eventually caved in to the pressure, and restarted their sports programs with new parameters in place (Ripley, 2013).

While it has been shown statistically, that American emphasis on sports in school has a price that is paid in academic achievement, some feel that it doesn’t have to be that way forever. Leadership and management in the schools can find ways to balance sports and academics so that both receive fair attention. Different programs and guidelines have been implemented in various schools, which set standards for academics and sport participation. If a student in these schools wishes to participate in sports, an academic standard or grade point average must be maintained. If the student’s grade point average drops below the standard, then they cannot participate in sports until the academic requirements have been met. These types of programs have met with varying degrees of success. Many student athletes have demonstrated that it is possible to succeed in sports and academics at the same time. Many universities have adopted these types of programs and there has been involvement by collegiate organizations, such as the NCAA, to help promote these guidelines (Shortell, 2013).

The argument for sports in school has many valid points as well. While the struggle between athletics and academics is true and ongoing, canceling sports programs can adversely affect students in many ways. Sports have always been touted to teach sportsmanship, competitiveness, team work and discipline. Some consider this a unique educational aspect of American schools. It has been shown that students who were athletes in high school and college had a high probability to be more successful in the professional workplace. Many employers look specifically for sports participation at high school and college level, when screening applications of potential employees. Some argue that great scores in math and science may not benefit a student in the future workplace when compared to the drive, discipline, team work and competitiveness of a former athlete. The situation and variables related to the job, matter a lot in these instances. Overall, many feel that the qualities that a student athlete develops, through sports in school, is a unique and important factor that academics alone, cannot replace. While a balance between academics and sports seems to be an optimal answer, the influence of sports in American schools is here to stay, barring any dramatic change in future society and culture (Sato, 2013).

References:

Coakley, J. (2015). Sports in society: Issues and controversies (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Ripley, A. (2013). The Case Against High-School Sports. The Atlantic. Retrieved from http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2013/10/the-case-against-high-school-sports/309447/

Shortell, E. (2013). Sports vs. Education: A False Choice. Harvard Political Review. Retrieved from http://harvardpolitics.com/united-states/sports-vs-education-false-choice/

Sato, K. (2013). The Case For High School Sports. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kai-sato/high-school-sports_b_3997391.html

Photo Credit: http://www.thesportsmirror.com/2015/12/what-schools-should-really-teach-in-sports-education/

Eric Dempsey

MS, ISSA Master Trainer

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Sports and the Media: Do they need each other?

Sports and the media have had a long, mutually benefiting, relationship that continues to this day. Long ago, beginning with newspapers, media coverage informed readers of the latest scores and significant events in sports. Then there was the radio coverage, where listeners could follow the games and scores. Television was next in line, with pre-recorded and live coverage of all types of sporting events and related significant, sporting topics. Cable, satellite, digital and high definition television packages brought sports to the fans in a variety of general and paid programs. And with the latest technological advances, there are a variety of online and digital platforms that bring any and all sports, directly to the fans fingertips, on demand. People can now access any sports information, games, and scores on their personal computers, laptops, smart phones, tablets and even watches, at any time. With the surge of social media platforms in the last ten years, the options for a fan to get access to sports are more than plentiful (Coakley, 2015).

Many people argue over who needs who more. It is a very debatable topic and not one that really merits much effort because the two industries will likely always be interlinked. They benefit each other in a variety of ways. If they completely separated, both would survive at a cost. While there are so many types of media platforms available now, it is unlikely that there ever would or could be a complete separation between the two. Some forms of modern media are considered better than others for the sports industry, just as some sports coverage is better than others for the media. Negative media is a reality and that can have an adverse effect on a sports organization or individual. As with any topic, there are many areas of controversy between various media and sports organizations. Overall, as industries, these controversies are considered minor, when one takes their annual profits into account (Cuban, 2011).

The profitable relationship between sports and the media is one that neither industry would want to see go away. Sports are a huge part of society and culture. The sports industry provides entertainment for millions of fans around the globe. The media is a multifaceted platform that provides easy access to sports, games and news. There are a variety of spin off programs that focus on the athletes and the behind the scenes activities that fans enjoy. The media takes sports to a much higher level than just the game and the score. Both industries benefit from each other in many different ways. There are few other industries that have a co-dependence on each other that provides such a mutual benefit (Chiu and Wang, 2008).

The media is an extremely powerful and influential platform for just about any topic. The sports industry is a multi-billion dollar industry with considerable power and influence. These two entities do depend on each other for a variety of reasons, which benefit both parties. The sports industry uses the media for game coverage, and a variety of related coverage on athletes, rivalries, teams, organizations, management, and more. The media uses sports coverage to provide a multitude of programs and games, which is very profitable content and keeps ratings high. Then, there are the commercials, advertising and sponsoring, that generates billions of dollars annually, for both the media and sports industries. As two of the most profitable industries in the world today, their mutual linkage ensures that both industries will continue to grow and prosper into the foreseeable future (Lamendola, 2011).

References:

Coakley, J. (2015). Sports in society: Issues and controversies (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Lamendola, A. (2011). Sports and Media: Do they need each other? American Sport in the 21st Century Scrapbook. Retrieved from http://anthony-americansport.blogspot.com/2011/04/sports-and-media-do-they-need-each.html

Cuban, M. (2011). What’s the role of media for sports teams? Blog Maverick. Retrieved from http://blogmaverick.com/2011/04/04/whats-the-role-of-media-for-sports-teams/

Chiu, P., and Wang, C. (2008). Impact of Media Coverage of the 42nd World Archery Championships on Audience Attendance and Purchases. The Sport Journal. Retrieved from https://www.questia.com/library/journal/1G1-210520252/impact-of-media-coverage-of-the-42nd-world-archery

Photo Credit: http://pol2016.ehf-euro.com/news/detail/news/infront-seals-media-rights-agreement-with-bein-sports/?tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&cHash=b8b7fc0cc859c8864a347cea24048d7f

Eric Dempsey

MS, ISSA Master Trainer

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Child Abuse in Youth Sports

In modern sports, the rise of youth athletics, has been steadily climbing over the past twenty years. The days of simple play for children, with the intent of recreation, leisure and fun, appear to be fading fast. Youth athletics has evolved from children simply playing games, to serious competition in a wide variety of sports. With this new level of competition, comes a variety of negative attributes, which may not be intentional, but are very real nonetheless. Special camps, travel teams, all stars and professional training services are common ingredients in today’s youth sports. Many youth sporting events have grown into big business with large profits at stake. The stress and pressures of these new situations in youth sports, has caused many unforeseen issues to arise, that need to be addressed for the welfare and safety of the children involved (Appenzeller, 2011).

There are many forms of abuse when it comes to child athletes. Different forms of abuse on today’s sports field can include physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect and harassment. It is easier to understand the negative consequences of physical and sexual abuse. The other forms of abuse in the neglect, harassment and emotional abuse categories, are just as real and damaging as any physical abuse. These types of sports abuse were not very widely known or talked about in the past. In recent years, there have been a growing number of these incidents, involving these different forms of youth athlete abuse. Many court cases and litigation have come about as a result. The rising numbers of these incidents have gotten to the point where it is now a known problem, which have been addressed across many different forums (De Lench, 2015).

Another low key form of abuse, that seems to be happening frequently throughout the youth sports world, is a form of pampering or coddling, which leads the youth athlete in a direction that benefits the immediate needs of the team or coach and not the child’s best interests. Increasing performance, with the desire to win at all costs, is a new variable in youth sports that can have many negative effects on the youth athlete, especially long term. Instead of teaching the children involved in sports, how to make good decisions, based upon traditional morals and ethics, many are taught how to excel in the moment, without regard to the long term consequences. This type of abuse covers many different things such as using performance enhancing drugs or different training and sports shortcuts, to maximize performance on the field. Unfortunately, for the youth athlete, these types of shortcuts, hacks and tricks, can have life altering consequences, later in life (Elmore, 2013).

Aside from a child’s parents, a coach is one of the most powerful and influential figures in a young athlete’s world. There are many great coaches in the world today, who do great things for the children involved in sports. As with any group, there are also the bad apples of the bunch, who despite any good intentions, do not belong in a coaching job. A form of leadership or coaching that many coaches employ, revolves around mental and emotional cueing. By reaching the inner mental and emotional centers of a young athlete’s mind, a coach can deliver powerful messages to the athlete. Of course, this can be good or bad, depending on how it is done. Coaches are not psychologists and sometimes a coach’s verbal dialogue and related actions can have very harmful and negative effects on a young athlete. Regardless of the coach’s intentions, negative mental and emotional abuse of young athletes, is just as damaging, as any obvious physical abuses. Self-confidence, self-esteem, self-worth and the passion for playing sports can all be destroyed by a coach, employing negative mental and emotional tactics with a young athlete. This type of abuse is also very difficult to detect and isolate, as there are many variables in a child’s life, which can mistakenly be attributed to a change in behavior (Hartnett, 2015).

As different types of abuses with young athletes become more documented and well known, different agencies are beginning to fund and conduct more research into this complicated topic. Research into the multifaceted topic of youth athlete abuse is not an easy thing to do. There are many obstacles that stand in the way of any potential researchers. Political, financial, ethical and educational hurdles, stand in the way of researchers, who dare to delve into this sensitive topic. Nobody wants their team or school to be called out with an abuse scandal. Regardless, many organizations have been conducting research that will hopefully shed new light on this form of abuse. Physical abuse is probably the easiest form of youth athlete abuse to research, because of its obvious nature. Sexual, emotional and mental abuse and harassment are much more difficult to research, due to the sensitive and complex nature of these forms of abuse. Many organizations have formed child protection in sports offices with designated welfare specialists, who work with researchers, to investigate and take action on information provided. It still has a long way to go to reach optimal levels of effectiveness. Many agencies are now actively pursuing information on youth athlete abuse, in its many forms, and trying to find solutions to this intricate issue. (Tickle, 2010).

While research is important to understand more about youth athlete abuse, in its many forms, there are actions which many think need to be implemented immediately, to try to safeguard children from further abuse. Many think that certain actions and measures can be put into place quickly, which should help reduce the chances of further abuse. Some of these actions and measures include criminal background checks, increased education for coaches, administrators and staff members, policies implemented at school, organization and team level, hotlines setup for reporting abuse, and repercussions for officials, who fail to report and take action on abuse allegations. Many schools and organizations have already implemented some, if not all, of these measures (Hamilton, 2013).

Hopefully, these actions will help reduce the amount of abuse in the future. Many are concerned with the unknown abuses that are ongoing now or have already happened and have not been reported. Part of the issue involves the precarious situation that the young athlete is placed in, when these crimes occur. If a young athlete is doing well, despite being abused in some form; they are less likely to come forward and report an abuse and risk losing all that they have worked for. There is no simple answer to fix this dilemma. Some research has shown that those youth athletes, who have suffered the most abuse, are many times, the rising stars of the team, on the verge of greatness. These young athletes are very reluctant to come forward, with so much at stake. Educational and counseling programs have been implemented at many institutions to educate the youth athletes on these types of situations, and to give them options to report any abuse. It is still a difficult situation, despite many new courses of action that have been provided (Hamilton, 2013).

The threat of abuse, in its many forms, for youth athletes remains, despite many measures being undertaken to mitigate the risk. Awareness, education, standardized programs and policies are needed across the spectrum of youth athletics, to help reduce this type of abuse. Children should be able to participate in and enjoy sports, without the threat of some form of abuse, from adults, in positions of authority and influence. With the high stakes and stress of many youth athletic programs today, the threat of abuse will likely remain into the foreseeable future. This problem is complicated and wide reaching on a global level. Hopefully, the research and preventative measures, now being implemented, will at least reduce, the number of abuse occurrences. More work needs to be done, to eliminate this problem. Laws have been passed for child labor and education. It is time for the government to implement laws, to protect the children on the sports fields, as well (Appenzeller, 2011).

References:

Appenzeller, H. (2011). Ethical behavior in sport. Durham, N.C.: Carolina Academic Press.

De Lench, B. (2015). Abuse in Youth Sports Takes Many Different Forms. MomsTeam. Retrieved from http://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/emotional-injuries/general/abuse-in-youth-sports-takes-many-different-forms?page=0%2C0

Elmore, T. (2013). A New Kind of Child Abuse in Athletics. Growing Leaders. Retrieved from http://growingleaders.com/blog/a-new-kind-of-child-abuse-in-athletics/
Hartnett, T. (2015). The Mental Abuse of Young Athletes. The Huffington Post. Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-mental-abuse-of-young_b_6682184

Tickle, L. (2010). Olympics 2012 spark rise in studies into abuse of child athletes. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/education/2010/nov/23/young-athletes-abuse-studies-olympics

Hamilton, M. (2013). Abuse in the Sports World, and What Needs to Be Done About It. Verdict. Retrieved from https://verdict.justia.com/2013/05/16/abuse-in-the-sports-world-and-what-needs-to-be-done-about-it

Eric Dempsey

MS, ISSA Master Trainer

Dempseys Resolution Fitness

Eagle Stadium: The Palace of High School Football

Sports Stadiums have been a common part of most civilized societies for many years. As far back as the Roman Empire, sports stadiums have been a place where national and state pride were presented with much fanfare and glory. Sports stadiums not only provide a designated place for sport competition, but they provide entertainment for the public and revenue for the home state and associated sports teams and organizations. While there are many positive aspects about having a sports stadium in a community, there have been many negative aspects as well. High costs, fraud, overbilling and related scandals have plagued many sports stadiums and the host cities. Stadiums bring in jobs, revenue, popularity, travel, and a wide range of other business opportunities. They also cost a fortune and put a burden on the taxpayers and the host city budget (Coakley, 2015).

One such magnificent display of architecture, that has had its share of controversy, is the Eagle stadium in Allen, TX. It claimed the title of the most expensive high school stadium ever built, with an estimated sixty million dollar price tag. It originally opened in 2012 but was forced to close in 2014, because of required repairs. Apparently, there were structural issues and cracks in the foundation. Naturally, this caused quite a stir in public sentiment, after its enormous cost. This stadium is very large, with eighteen thousand seats, and eight thousand seats sold as season tickets. Despite the setback with repairs, the local community appears to still be very supportive of the stadium and their team, the Eagles. This team has been state champions three times, so the estimation for good things to happen with this stadium is very positive (Solomon, 2015).

Eagle stadium may soon lose its title of most expensive high school sports stadium. In the nearby city of McKinney, TX, a new stadium is being built that will have twelve thousand seats and cost approximately sixty two million dollars. This stadium will only be about seven miles from the Eagle stadium. There appears to be a stadium, arms race, in Texas, where high school football is very popular. Many people do not approve of so much money being spent on high school sports stadiums. Some people think that there are much better uses for the money, in other areas, that need attention. The majority of people, however, appear to support these stadiums, as these stadium budgets do require a vote by city residents, to be approved (Boren, 2016).

The residents of Allen, TX voted in 2009, for the approval of a one hundred and nineteen million dollar bond, to build this stadium and provide for other educational based facility upgrades. The stadium is owned by the Allen Independent School District. This stadium was built by Pogue Construction and PBK Architects. It has a sizeable parking complex, which can handle over five thousand vehicles. The stadium covers over seventy two acres. In addition to the football related features, Eagle stadium has a weight room, a golf practice area and a wrestling training area (Cook, 2012).

While many of the cities in Texas, including Allen, were cutting school budgets, this enormous undertaking was still approved. The economic strategy behind the stadium was to draw more attention to Allen through tourists, businesses and potential new residents. The city of Allen has grown from about eight thousand residents in 1980 to over eighty four thousand as of 2010. Allen residents are reported to have an average, annual income, in excess of ninety five thousand dollars. This is about twice the number of the national average. Being only twelve miles away from Dallas, Allen is far away enough, to enjoy the benefits of the suburban life, while still being close enough to attract big business (Cook, 2012).

One of the big stories surrounding Eagle Stadium, was the closing, repair and reopening of the stadium, that took place from 2014-2015. The repairs cost over ten million dollars. The architects estimated that it would have cost less than an additional one million dollars, to have the added features and reinforcements, done during the repairs, to have been done during construction. Fortunately, for Allen, Texas, the contractors agreed to cover the cost of the repairs themselves, seeing that it was their fault. They even paid Allen, Texas, over six hundred thousand dollars, for revenue lost during repairs and they covered the separate engineering fees that ran well over a million dollars. Naturally, the city government and school board were very pleased with this outcome. Another unusual occurrence was that this costly repair fiasco was handled amicably, without the need for time consuming and costly litigation (Chiquillo, 2015).

During the repairs, the Eagles football team had to use other facilities to train and play at. This required a lot of travel and was thought to be a setback for the team. As it turns out, the team has done well and really wasn’t negatively impacted by the temporary closure of the stadium. Everyone seems to love the stadium, with its thirty eight foot wide big screen, two hundred rest rooms and numerous concession stands. With such a high cost and then the shutdown for repairs, many thought this would turn into an ugly nightmare for the school and city. As it panned out, this minor setback had little negative effect and the school, city and community, now enjoy the stadium that was coined “the Palace of High School Football” by ESPN, when it made national headlines (Kuo, 2012).

Despite the high costs, in an age of budget cuts across the nation, magnificent sports stadiums continue to be built across the country. As long as sports remain popular and in such high demand, the need for these modern coliseums will continue. In communities around Dallas, Texas, the race is on, to see who can create the biggest and best stadium. These stadiums are a source of great pride, growth and revenue for communities across the country and throughout the world. The influence and popularity of the sports culture remains strong in our society. These majestic stadiums will contribute greatly to the continued success of the sports industry (Coakley, 2015).

References:

Coakley, J. (2015). Sports in society: Issues and controversies (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Solomon, D. (2015). Allen’s Eagle Stadium is Set to Officially Reopen on Friday. The Daily Post. Retrieved from http://www.texasmonthly.com/the-daily-post/eagle-stadium-in-allen-is-set-to-officially-reopen-on-friday/

Boren, C. (2016). Take a look at America’s most expensive high school football stadium. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/05/10/take-a-look-at-americas-most-expensive-high-school-football-stadium/

Cook, B. (2012). Why Allen, Texas, Built a $60 Million High School Football Stadium. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/bobcook/2012/08/13/why-allen-texas-built-a-60-million-high-school-football-stadium/#6c23d0c39d0b

Chiquillo, J. (2015). Allen's Eagle Stadium to reopen for graduation after $10 million-plus in fixes. The Dallas Morning News. Retrieved from http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/allen/headlines/20150531-graduates-to-reopen-allen-isds-eagle-stadium.ece

Kuo, S. (2012). After Repairs, Allen High School Returns To Eagle Stadium for Football Season. Kera News. Retrieved from http://keranews.org/post/after-repairs-allen-high-school-returns-eagle-stadium-football-season

Photo credit: http://www.allenisd.org/page/22234

Eric Dempsey
MS, ISSA Master Trainer
Dempseys Resolution Fitness