Each student is expected to prepare a written term paper relevant to a topic covered in Sport Management. Papers are expected to be a minimum full 5 pages in length (typewritten and double-spaced). APA style should be used. This style sets a “1” margin on all sides. Pages should be left justified. Times New Roman with Font Size 12 should be used (Does not count the title page, table of contents, and references). At least five (5) different research resources (Important! peer-reviewed academic journals only) should be used.
Each student should select a prominent topic of controversy/debate in Sport Management covered in this course. Then, you will find general information about your selected topic and specifically analyze/investigate the information you found (e.g., data and resources).
Specifically, the paper should:
1) Summarize the topic (e.g., the main issue/debate, controversy and/or ethical dilemma including demographics, leadership, important businesses, fans/customers/clients, products or services, etc.) (min. 1.5 pages)
2) describe its importance and significance (min. 2 pages)
3) Finally provide your professional opinion on the matter by taking a stance (min. 2 pages).
Below are listed some suggested topics in Sport Management:
1. Doping and Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) The use of banned substances to improve athlete performance remains one of the most publicized and divisive issues in sport.
2. Gender Equality: Issues around equal pay, opportunities, and treatment for female athletes compared to their male counterparts, including controversies around transgender athletes’ participation.
3. Racial and Ethnic Discrimination: Racial disparities in hiring practices for coaching and administrative positions, as well as racial and ethnic stereotyping and discrimination towards athletes.
4. Athlete Activism and Political Engagement: Debates around athletes speaking out or protesting about political and social issues, such as kneeling during national anthems.
5. Sports Injuries and Player Health: The management and prevention of injuries, particularly concerning concussions and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in contact sports like American football.
6. Financial Fair Play and Salary Caps: The rules and regulations governing spending in professional sports leagues, aimed at maintaining competitive balance, are often a source of contention.
7. Corruption and Bribery: Scandals involving bribery, match-fixing, and other forms of corruption, such as those uncovered in FIFA.
8. Athlete Exploitation and Welfare: Issues surrounding the fair treatment, education, and overall well-being of athletes, especially concerning college athletes in the NCAA.
9. Commercialization and Sponsorship: Debates around the over-commercialization of sports, including sponsorship agreements, naming rights, and the influence of money on the integrity of sports.
10. Environmental Sustainability: The impact of large sporting events on the environment, including the construction of sporting venues and resource use during events.
11. Accessibility and Inclusion: Challenges in making sports accessible and inclusive for all individuals, regardless of socio-economic status, disability, or other factors.
12. Olympic Hosting Controversies: The debates and backlash surrounding the selection of Olympic host cities, the cost of hosting, and the displacement of local populations.
13. Use of Technology and VAR (Video Assistant Referee): The introduction of technologies like VAR has created debates around fairness, human error, and the ‘spirit of the game.’
14. Athlete Mental Health: The growing awareness of mental health concerns in athletes, and how organizations are (or aren’t) addressing these needs.
15. Youth Sports and Specialization: Controversies related to the intensity of youth sports programs, including early specialization, burnout, and the physical toll on young athletes.
Please let me know which topic you are choosing to write about beforehand.
Please let me know which topic you do in advance.
