Socialization of Sports

Selig’s legacy as environmental advocate is unmatched

http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2015/02/23/Opinion/Allen-Hershkowitz.aspx?hl=youth%20sports&sc=0 

In class on February 10th, 2015 my American Sport in the 21st Century class we discussed the topic of socialization in sport. Socialization is an active process of learning the culture of society. Part of America's culture is sports. Socialization in sports include agents withing our everyday lives. Such as family, peer groups, schools, community, and mass media. The youth is the largest population in participating in sports, and the one reason for so many children being involved in sports is because children emulate professional athletes. They see them as role models to continue playing sports. Charles Barkley proclaimed he wasn’t a role model, young children ranked famous athletes among the most admired people in their lives (73 percent). While their parents are also among their role model (92 percent) (Ziemer p.1). Athletics should not just be role models for their great work on the field, but should show role model qualities outside of sports. 

Role Models Qualities  

• Honesty
• Commitment
• Good sportsmanship
• Sense of humor
• Fairness
• Determination
• Good self-image
• Hugh moral values

However, a role model in sports does not have to be an athlete. Former commissioner of Major League Baseball, Bud Selig, made a big impact on the sport industry. Throughout his 22 years of being a commissioner he has shown all these role model qualities that children should look up to (Hershkowitz 2015, p. 27). Also, after his retirement he was able to find another job relating to sports and become independent. He uses the skills he has learned for working with sports for his future achievement as a public speaker for sports. Bud Selig is an excellent role model. He brings socialization into the game.