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User:Gus gardiner/The business and politics of making cheerleading an official sport

Currently cheerleading is not classified as a sport as determined in the recent case of Biediger v. Quinnipiac University, and is therefore not recognised under current American Title IX legislation (Biediger, Lawler, Overdevest & et al, 2009). This decision was made on the basis that cheerleading does not meet the requirements of a sport. Many cheerleaders are calling for this to change, arising from a desire for respect and recognition, and argue that their ‘cheering’ is just as athletic as mainstream sports (West & Grindstaff, 2006). This article considers the politics and business surrounding cheerleading and asks the ultimate question of whether cheerleading should be classified as a sport. To do this we examined key areas such as what defines sport, if cheerleading could operate as a sporting business, and the politics and common opinion on this issue.

Sport can be defined as a physically challenging event, governed by a set of rules, and of a competitive nature (Hoye, Nicholson, Stewart & Westerbeek, 2009). Through analysis of cheerleading we have determined that it does not fit this definition. Subsequently we suggested the implementation of a subset sport called ‘competitive cheer’ or similar. We considered whether cheerleading could be a sustainable and profitable sport, based on statistics centered on participation, infrastructure, and sponsorship. The topic of cheerleading as a sport has led to much political debate on factors including the politics surrounding current legislation, such as Title IX (Simon, 2005).

We gained local, national, and international opinions on whether cheerleading or ‘competitive cheer’ should be considered an official sport. The opinions gained include those from American cheerleaders, Australian National Rugby League cheerleaders, and local and international cheerleading executives. Through key interviews conducted at a local and national level we determined some of the political and business issues surrounding this topic.

Based on these key areas identified, we believe if cheerleading could develop a consistent scoring system with a competitive format, and operate under a professional system, it should be considered a sport under Title IX legislation. Being recognised as an official sport within America would set a precedence in making cheerleading an official sport within Australia.

Video: Columbus High School Cheerleading 08 STATE CHAMPS 2:40mins

Introduction
Currently cheerleading is not classified as a sport as determined in the recent case of Biediger v. Quinnipiac University (2009), and is therefore not recognised under current American Title IX legislation. Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs (Simon, 2005). This article considers the politics and business surrounding cheerleading at a local, national, and international level and asks the ultimate question of whether cheerleading should be classified as a sport. To do this we examined key areas such as what defines sport, the politics surrounding cheerleading as a sport, if cheerleading could operate as a sporting business, and the common opinion in making cheerleading a sport. To gain specific opinions on this issue, we conducted local and national interviews with the Canberra Raiders (2011) and the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (2011) (AASCF). Ultimately we determined that if cheerleading was recognised as an official sport within America it could help set a precedence in making cheerleading an official sport within Australia.

What is Sport
There are multiple examples that have helped to define what encompasses sport. According to Schwarz & Hunter (2008: 4) sport is defined as “activities, experiences, or business enterprises that center on athletics, health and wellness, recreation, and leisure time activities”. According to the Women’s Sports Foundation (2011) a sport is governed by rules and defined as a physical activity which involves propelling a mass through space or overcoming the resistance of a mass, a contest or competition against or with an opponent, and the acknowledged primary purpose of the competition is a comparison of the relative skills of the participants. The Women’s Sports Foundation seems to follow the traditional definition of sport, in that sport must be physically challenging, governed by set rules, and competitive. Many believe (Schwarz, et al. 2008) one of the common misconceptions about sport, in that it should be competitive, and have a standard set of rules, equipment, and facilities. This may be true in sports such as soccer, hockey, and basketball, although does cheerleading still ‘fit’ the definition of a sport. The term ‘sport’ is an all-inclusive term covering all the operations that make the event happen, and goes beyond what happens on the playing field. Cheerleading is consistent with Schwarz et al (2004: 4) definition, although it is not consistent with the Women’s Sports Foundation’s requirements of a sport. With the criteria of sport in mind, is a cheerleading squad’s primary purpose competition? The majority of cheerleading squads do not compete in any competitions, and their purpose is mainly entertainment and motivation (Ninemire, 2011). There are many cheerleading squads that do compete, although many of these competitions have different rules and structures, and are operated individually.

Video: About the Women's Sport Foundation 2min

There have been arguments proposed that the sporting element of cheerleading should be called “competitive cheer” The implications and benefits of making cheerleading a legitimate sport go beyond recognition, and include greater equality for women’s sport, and a greater opportunity for women at a college level. Nancy Hogshead-Makar (2011) an advocate at the Women’s Sports Foundation stated that “As long as it’s actually operating as a sport, we welcome it into the women’s sports tent,” she went on to say that “like gymnastics or figure skating, this is another aesthetic sport that if done right could provide lots more girls with legitimate sports experiences.” Girls still enjoy 1.3 million fewer opportunities to participate in college sports, and this statistic could change with the introduction of cheerleading into the sporting field (West et al, 2006).

Politics surrounding cheerleading as a sport
Title IX prohibits discrimination based on sex in education programs and requires that activities that receive federal financial assistance comply with gender equity in school sporting programs. Since the establishment of Title IX female sports participation has increased (Simon, 2005). Title IX requires schools to pass one of three tests. Firstly, the numbers of male and female athletes are to be substantially proportional to total numbers of males and females enrolled, secondly, that the school has a history and continuing practice of program expansion for an underrepresented sex, and thirdly, that the interests and abilities of an underrepresented sex have been fully and effectively accommodated (Simon, 2005).

Video: Why everyone deserves an opportunity to play 1:10min (Women's Sport Foundation, 2011).

Many schools and colleges cannot offer evidence of compliance to rule one and two, although many loosely comply with the third rule by “fully and effectively” accommodating female student’s interests. If cheerleading was organised into a ‘functioning sport’ that meets the requirements of a sport it could vastly help the unevenness between female and male sport. It would also help institutions meet the requirement of continuing the practice of program expansion for an under-represented sex (Gavdra, 2002).

The politics surrounding making cheerleading a sport are extensive. In a recent case, Biediger v. Quinnipiac University (2009) an American district court ruled that competitive cheer squads could not be used to meet Title IX requirements, as it does not meet the requirements of a sport (Hosick, 2010). Judge Stefan Underhill ruled that competitive cheer does not comply with the U.S. Department of Education standards for varsity sports, in that it does not meet the definition of sport. Underhill (2010) did concede that Quinnipiac University did help in the creation of a cheerleading governing body, although the body failed to create a consistent scoring system with consistent opponents. Underhill (2010) stated that “Competitive cheer may, sometime in the future, qualify as a sport under Title IX,” and also wrote “Today, however, the activity is still too underdeveloped and disorganized to be treated as offering genuine varsity athletics participation for students.”

The competitive cheer community and its governing body USA Cheer in response is working on developing the organisation and structure of the sport. USA Cheer Executive Director Bill Seely (2010) stated “We believe that we are close to establishing an intercollegiate sport with a distinctive new name and competition format,” and continued “We believe our plans will meet the requirements of Title IX, work within the college calendar, and be structured so that it can have strong participation from schools across the country” (Hosick, 2010).

United States District Court Decision Biediger v. Quinnipiac University (2009)

Can cheerleading be operated as a sporting business?
The inclusion of cheerleading into Title IX legislation could also be beneficial for colleges from a business perspective. One of these benefits could be increased enrollments with young athletes being attracted to colleges that offer strong sporting cheerleading programs. A second benefit could be increased government funding, through a wider variety of sports provided. A third benefit would be that the colleges would be seen as accommodating student interests, and as such meeting the third rule of Title IX legislation. Modern day sports require an organisation to go beyond what happens on the playing surface, in that the core sporting product is no longer independently sufficient in providing entertainment and economy (Hoye et al, 2009). We question whether cheerleading could survive in this unstable and competitive sporting market.

Cheerleading does have the potential to be operated and survive as a sporting business. This is based on the growing participation, sponsorship interests, and the infrastructure base. In 2010, statistics showed that 3.3 million American athletes participate in cheerleading (The Active Network, 2011), and the activity has seen a 20% increase in participation since 2000.

Modern day sports rely on the money that sponsorship brings. Advertisers and sponsors could use cheerleading as an effective way to reach a unique market segment. Cheerleaders are widely considered as role models, leaders, and trend setters among their communities. As such the ‘sport’ of cheerleading could attract sponsors looking to influence this predominantly youth market (The Active Network, 2011).

If cheerleading was included under the sporting banner it would require the necessary infrastructure. There are multiple examples of universities with substantial cheerleading facilitates that could be used for the ‘sport’ of cheerleading, including the University of Louisville (2011), Morehead State University, University of Kentucky, and Long Beach University of Alabama. Many of these facilities include arenas, gymnasiums, playing fields, and multi-complexes that could be easily used for the sport of cheerleading.

America
In a paper by West et al (2006), researchers traveled to multiple cheerleading squads located around America, and asked cheerleaders whether cheerleading should be a sport. One quote from a competitive cheerleader encapsulated the participants overall view. He stated “for cheerleading to be a sport, it goes from squad to squad. A squad that competes, that has competed in the past, they want to compete in the future, and they’re working to compete. I’ll say that squad is a sport.” Researchers also found that a consistent view was that competitive orientation alone does not make cheerleading a sport. Cheerleaders also stated “it is also the athleticism and skill” that makes cheerleading a sport.

Newspaper article: Born on Sideline, Cheering Clamors to Be Sport (Thomas, 2011)

Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation
In a primary interview conducted with the program Director of the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (2011),Rosemary Sims-James, she stated that “Cheerleading should be an official sport, and its own sport, and not an arm or leg of dance or gymnastic”. She went on to state that “Cheerleading is a combination of stunting, baskets, pyramids, jumping combinations, team tumbling, and dance. It requires hours of progressive training each week. There are very few sports that are more intense than the training of competitive cheerleading. It is like the Ironman of performing arts”.

Canberra Raiders
To gain local opinions on the business and politics of making cheerleading an official sport, the authors conducted an interview with Kait Ludwig, Coach and former cheerleader of the Canberra Raiders (2011). Kait gave the following observations to the authors questions: In Australia, it’s a bit difficult to analyse cheerleading as many associate cheerleading purely with the NRL (2011) and its cheerleaders / dance teams. However, there are many ‘American’ cheerleading squads that exist and compete against one another around the country. If you look at the definition of a sport, there are arguments both for and against the inclusion of cheerleading as a sport but this differs between the two styles that are here in Australia. The Australian Sports Foundation (2011) defines sport as “a human activity capable of achieving a result requiring physical exertion and/or physical skill, which, by its nature and organisation, is competitive and is generally accepted as being a sport.” ‘American’ cheerleading fits these criteria as it satisfies the following:
 * Do you think cheerleading should be classified as a sport?

1) Achieves a result: entertains crowds

2) Physical Exertion: flips, throws, stunts etc.

3) Competitive: All Star Cheerleading Association holds competitions throughout the year.

4) Generally Accepted: Most find the ‘American’ style of cheerleading to be similar to gymnastics.

NRL cheerleading generally satisfies the first two requirements of the definition. However, NRL squads only perform at their own home games. At finals games, both squads are invited to attend but rarely take part in a ‘dance – off’. Some may argue that the lack of a ‘competition’ element excludes NRL cheerleading from being a real sport. I think that American cheerleading is definitely a sport but the non-competitive NRL cheerleading is more of a social/dance hobby.

The NRL may look into developing a competition schedule for the cheer squads but I’m sure that with their busy schedules, this would be sitting at the bottom of the priorities list.

Cheerleading often goes hand in hand with modeling/promotional work. In both forms of cheerleading in Australia, squads can make money from sponsors and promotional work or performances (usually at corporate events). This is how many squads can afford to pay their cheerleaders and raise funds to compete.
 * Do you believe cheerleading could operate as a separate sporting business?

I don’t think cheerleading in Australia has a big enough profile to operate as a stand alone business. NRL clubs usually make money from their cheerleading squads by attracting several sponsors and inflating the sponsorship fee to make large profits off the girls.

In the USA, The Dallas Cowgirls (2011) (NFL) come under the umbrella of the Dallas Cowboys football team (2011) but they have their own clothing label, TV show and fans. Some might argue that this squad could operate as its own entity.

I think there is a small demand to make cheerleading a ‘sport’. However, it usually only comes from the several hundred participants. This type of action would probably require backing and support from the Football Leagues as cheerleading is more a ‘support’ sport under their umbrella.
 * Do you think there would be demand and subsequently participation in making it a sport?

I would argue No, purely because we currently have other ‘sports’ that are typically feminine (diving, gymnastics) which possess similar elements of cheerleading. I don’t think that cheerleading becoming a sport would have any impact on sporting equality especially now when most sports are seeing greater participation from both genders.
 * Could making cheerleading a sport help with gender inequity?

Recognised under Title IX legislation would set precedence in making cheerleading an official sport within Australia
Recognising Cheerleading as a sport under Title IX legislation, could help set a precedence in making cheerleading its own sport within Australia. Currently cheerleading is a sub-set sport within the recognised sport of gymnastics, although it is not a sport in its own right. Gymnastics Australia (2011) has established a separate governing body called the Australian Cheerleading Union (ACU) (2011), for the purposes of regulating cheerleading, and with an longterm view of establishing cheerleading as a sport under the Australian Sports Commission guidelines (AusCheer, 2011). By recognising cheerleading under Title IX legislation the ACU would have a greater evidence base and increased potential in making ‘AusCheer’ its own sport within Australia. This would benefit Australian cheerleading with enhanced recognition, and sporting legitimacy.

Conclusion
This article considers the business and politics surrounding making cheeleading an official sport. To determine whether cheerleading should be classified as an official sport under Title IX we considered the definition of sport, the politics surrounding cheerleading, the business of cheerleading, and the selected opinions of professionals within the industry. We concluded that if cheerleading could be operated under a professional system with a competitive format it should be considered a sport under Title IX. By making it an official sport in America, this could set precedence in making AusCher it own sport within Australia.


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User:Kgpoulin/Lingerie football

Outline
Lingerie football is the newest form of gridiron as well as one of the fasted growing political controversies among women sports. The game was created in 2009 in America and since being aired on TV has reached millions of viewer’s world wide, airing in 85 countries and still growing.

This full contact sport has brought in a lot of publicity and revenue however the revealing uniforms consisting of shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads, garters, bras, panties and a helmet have caused many issues into the portrayal of football and the way these women are depicting themselves. Critics have said that it is degrading for female athletes through pernicious objectification as well as using sex to promote the league.

We, Australia, have already accepted multiple American sports into our culture, such as ice hockey, gridiron and curling. What is to stop this sport from coming across our borders and what would the Australian public have to say about it? Would it be welcomed with open arms or shunned? Plans have already been discussed to launch these leagues in Canada in 2012 and Australia in 2013.

Would sponsorship be a requirement to maintain the game? American sponsors have shown that with enough backing there is opportunity for growth. NBC sports commentator, Rick Chandler, has named the LFL as the fasted growing pro sports league in the nation.

This essay will cover all the material above as well as more insight into this sport on and off the field.

"THE LINGERIE FOOTBALL LEAGUE HAS BECOME THE ULTIMATE FAN-DRIVEN LIVE SPORTS PHENOMENON - BLENDING ACTION, IMPACT AND BEAUTY."

Introduction
Out in the sweltering heat, drops of sweat dripping off their long legs, lean bodies and ponytails as they huddle together in anticipation for the next play. Standing in tight shorts and sports bras as their freshly painted nail polish catches the sun rays. They aren't here to just to look pretty. They are here to play!

The lingerie football league is growing fast as it reaches out to world and brings a new perspective to gridiron. That women can play too and they can play well. This league of football is built up from empowering women eager to make their own name for the game and break the barrier between men and women sports. This football league faces many controversial opinions as to the depiction of women and the sport of gridiron as well as obtaining business and sponsorship to become as competitive as other sports.

I have chosen to discuss tis sport because it is relevant to Australia now. This sport has already reached our border and I am interested in seeing it grow and see the league of women's sport grow.

History
The lingerie football league is a young sport for this decade however it is growing fast. It has hidden below the surface for over five years and made its debute in the 2009 completing its first full season in the USA.

The game was an offshoot from the half time performance during the Super Bowl XXXVIII where the show involved cheerleaders playing a game they named lingierie bowl. This performance was used to draw back viewers as the half time show was being claimed as boring and unentertaining.

This half time show returned in 2005 and 2006 however was cancelled in 2007 when a permit could not be obtained in Arizona where the Super bowl was to be held and again in 2008.

The half time show had received enough populatiry that it prompted organizers to expand from a single event to an entire league.

In 2009 the league took its own stand and brought the girls out of the half time show and into field for a real game. On January 31 2009 The Miami Caliente played the Tampa Breeze in the Lingerie Bowl at Caliente Luxury Resort in Land O'Lakes Florida.

Sponsorships
Just like any other sport, sponsorship plays an important role in promoting and supporting a sports team or individual financially or to help get them exposure. However, for this type of sport sponsorship was not a necessity as there are other ways to gain exposure to help the growth of the game. Teams throughout the USA have their own sponsorships however they rely heavily on their fans and the league to self promote.

Speaking with the Australian representatives for the Lingerie Football League, Tala Schultz and Katie Haeusler, the league is relatively new sponsorship is still a concern as to whether it will be required to help lift the sport. Although the Australian league has already started to take of on its own having already obtained a Queensland team from Ipswich and are currently forming a team of coaches in NSW as mentioned by lingerie football player, Tala Schultz.

Introduction into Canada
Canadian football fans have been exposed to the gridiron goddess' of the Lingerie Football League. The game was first introduced on July 30th 2011 where the city of Hamilton of Onatrio hosted the first game of the competition.

“Understanding our long-term goals in Canada, we could not be more thrilled to have awarded the 2011 All-Fantasy Game to Canada. We expect there will be a highly-charged up crowd at Copps Coliseum on July 30″, said, Mitchell S. Mortaza, Founder & Chairman, Lingerie Football League, LLC.

Since the previewing of the first game up north more provinces expanded their reach and pull to help the game grow. It has been released that the Canadian league will premier in September 2012 with six inagural season clubs, including the newly named Toronto Triumph as well as other cities such as Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Quebec City and Montreal

Vancouver journalist, Stephen Hui, has said watch out Britich Columbia Lion there is a new league in town.

Toronto are a step ahead of all other Canadian cities having the opportunity to participate in the new American season and show the Amerocan supporters that they are at the same level in the league and not to be underestimated.

“As much success as the league has seen through its first two seasons in the U.S., we expect greater success in Canada due to its fanaticism around sports,” said Mitchell S. Mortaza.

Introduction to Australia
The football crave has already hit Australian borders. Ipswich in Queensland has kicked off the phenomena down under and are gaining momentum and support.

"It [lingerie] adds femininity to the game and just highlights that even hot athletic chicks can hit as hard and run as fast as some of the guys," said league organiser and player Tala Schultz, who takes on the football moniker of "X Girl".

Tala said that they are a 'group of interested ladies keen to keep fit, have fun and play and exciting sport. We come from a variety of sports; rugby, league, AFL, softball, wrestling, touch football, netball & athletics. We will be playing against other LFL teams being set up across Qld & Australia.'

With the formation of coaches in NSW already under way it shouldn't be long until Sydney along side melbourne and Adelaide will have teams ready to play.

Current rugby player, Lisa Fiaola, said her team mates and herself would love to get involved with this type of football. The ladies said the experience would be amazing to be apart of a new league promoting women's sports. They are interested in bringing what they have to offer to the Australian football scheme and are more than happy to suit the uniform required.

The LFL in NSW are currently taking enquiries and seeing where every ones interests lie so they can build up player portfolios and find helpers in all areas.

Portral Female Athletes
Many people have the same political opinion that female athletes shouldn't want to associate with league. They believe the choice of uniform and the exploitation of skin is a way to sell sex appeal to attract fans, however if there is such a controversy for uniform for this league why not dispute the uniform for beach volley ball or kayaking? They wear just as little if not less clothing and the public view them as athletes and not ridicule them for their choices.

An article published in the Edmonton Sun newspaper said Dr. Michelle Meagher, an assistant professor with the woman’s studies program at the University of Alberta’s faculty of arts quoted that the football league is part of “a larger cultural practice that takes female athletes less seriously." Website Article

Dave Jamieson, from the Edmonton Eskimo's Canadian football league believes the LFL will no make pace to compete with male sports.

“We might pull fans in with the sex appeal or the fact that media and fans are curious about what this product is, but it wouldn’t have grown at the pace it has if the product on the field wasn’t credible or very compelling.” said Jamieson.

Bringing this political dispute to Australia will show how we accept American sport and how we handle the judgements. Yes there will be controversial opinions over the portrayal of women and how this sport places women in revealing outfits however our Australian culture allows us to be open minded and we will accept a variety of sports into our society.

Changing the game of gridiron
There has been many issues with the thought of the lingerie football league deterring from the true game of gridiron. Online bloggers claims the grunt has been taken front he game we have come to know as American football. An article written by Maressa Brown called 'Lingerie football league cat fight is an insult' seems to fit this demean as showing girls as catty and using the fight to reel in the 'American male's most twisted fantasy'.

Brown said in her article "the whole thing is marketed and packaged should really disturb real, strong female athletes."

Having watched the games and viewed online trainings as well as talking to people or participate in they type of activity it is clear there is more to take place then what we see.

These women run hard, hit hard and play hard!

LFL and Children
The LFL has reached out to a broader range by approaching children to participate in the growth of the league. 13 year old Paris Jackson was approached by the football representatives and asked to be a spokesperson of a youth league sponsored by the LFL. Commissioner of the LFL Mitchell Mortaza has left this brief statement: “Obviously the improvement of our game is directly tied into the development of the future LFL athlete. What excites us at the league is seeing the caliber of athletes improve so vastly each season, now imagine in five years when we start fielding athletes that have trained their entire life for the opportunity to play LFL Football.” Website: Article

=Conclusion/Opinion=

In my opinion, I openly welcome the new league into Australia. I believe it will bring diversity and excitement to women sport as wells promoting the athletes we posses on an international level.

There are many sports which have revealing outfits so I don't believe another will be an issue. These women are powerful and exciting and want to embrace another physical activity that makes them feel good.

There is plenty of opportunity for the football league to grow over here, we are a very sporting based country willing to give new sports a go and I would like to see the LFL take off.

Politics are politics and will occur in any sports it will come down to how we deal with this and support the teams formed in our areas. As discussed the biggest issues the LFL will face is the problem with the portrayal of women and the way in which the game of gridiron will change and 'sass' down. These are issues that have been dealt with in the states and we intend to deal with them here in the same way.

Through working on the business side of the competition through gaining sponsors if it becomes a requirement and gaining momentum for the growth of the comp, and addressing the bad and good publicity as it comes.

There are already many members behind the LFL pushing its success, it would be a disappointment to see it fail.

Teams
Seattle Mist Minnesota Valkyrie Green Bay Chill Los Angele Temptation Las Vegas Sin Chicago Bliss Cleveland Crush Philadelphia Passion Balitmore Charm Tampa Breeze Toronto Triumph Orlando Fantasy

Presentation
Presentation supporting this essay

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title: User:Kgpoulin/Lingerie football


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User:Rmckay/Feasibility of Homebush Street Race

On September the 29th 2008, the now departed New South Wales Premier Nathan Rees announced that Sydney Olympic Park would be playing host to a V8 Supercar street race. He promised that the three-day event will contribute more than $100 million to the NSW economy over the next five years. For the event to go ahead the government would be outlaying somewhere between $28 to $30 million.

Three years have passed since that sunny September day at Homebush Bay, and still the feasibility of the event is a hot topic of debate in NSW's state parliament. The two main questions raised are one; is the event detrimental to the environment surrounding the area including the wetlands and two; is it worth spending a high amount of taxpayer dollars to host an event that is only held three days a year.

After introducing my topic by giving a general outline of the event, I will provide some history about street circuits on a local, national and international level. In body paragraph two I will discuss the political implications and processes that are involved in staging an event of this calibre. Then in body paragraph three I will give light to the Business side of the Sydney Telstra 500 and explain the reasons that V8 Supercars Australianeeds it too work, before concluding with the likely future of the event based on my findings.

Introduction
Formerly known as the Australian Touring Car Championship up until 1999, the current V8 supercar championship series has grown from humble beginnings into an internationally acclaimed category. The inaugural Sydney Telstra 500 was more than just another race of the series, it was a milestone for a sport that can now boast over 9.7 million viewers from around the globe.

The city of Sydney has historically proven to be a hard nut to crack for V8 supercars. The state of NSW has always been the spiritual centre of Australian motor racing, as it is home to the Bathurst 1000 endurance classic. But closer to the capital top-level motorsport has been met by mixed emotions from the public. In the 1960’s and 70’s circuits such as Amaroo Park and Oran Park would be crowded by thousands of screaming spectators who would be witnessing the talent of drivers such as Peter Brock, Dick Johnson, Allan Moffat and Australia’s only Formula One world champions Jack Brabham and Alan Jones.

These circuits however no longer exist, victims of Sydney’s rapid urban expansion. Over the past decade the series has failed with experiments at Sydney’s only permanent circuit Eastern Creek Raceway, which struggled to draw crowds of over 35,000 despite a raft of format variatons. The Inaugural Sydney Telstra 500 was a true indication of Sydney’s public voting with their feet- a crowd of over 184,000 attended the event.

Brief History of Street Circuits
The concept of hosting a motorsports event on the street of a major city is nothing new. The foundations of Formula One were formed in France in 1894 when automobile races were held on public streets. Over the course of the last centruy the concept has become a known winner because it brings the racing to the people, the majority of these having never witnessed a legal car race.

Local, National and International
On an international level the best example is the Monaco Grand Prix. First held in 1929 on the streets on Monte Carlo this event has grown into one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world. The Monaco Grand Prix is still the jewel in the crown for the Formula One world championship to this day, despite the recent influx of new multi-million dollar permanent GP circuits such as Abu Dhabi, Korea, China and Turkey. Other major motorsport categories such as Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) and the American based Indycar series also use street circuit to increase crowd numbers.

Nationally, the ATCC has built its history by racing on circuits such as Mt Panorama in Bathurst and Gnoo Blas in Orange which double as public roads. In terms of actual circuits based on the streets of a city, the Adelaide Parklands Circuit was the first of its kind, when Australia rejoined F1 calendar in November 1985. When F1 moved to Melbourne in 1996 the circuit was abandoned until 1999 when the Clipsal 500 V8 Supercar event was created. This event is still one of the benchmark sporting events in the nation with an average attendance of 300,000 per year. This event is what the Sydney Telstra 500 is based on and aspires to be. The only other two events, which share similarities to the Telstra Sydney 500 are the Gold Coast and Townsville rounds of the championship. These are both street circuits. The Gold Coast 600 has a healthy history as it hosted an Indycar round between 1991 and 2008. While the Townsville 400 is very much in its infancy like the Sydney event.

Locally the Telstra Sydney 500 is Sydney’s first ‘big event’ street race. In 1982 heavyweight promoter Paul Dainty created plans to host a Formula One Grand Prix on the streets of inner Sydney. Due to a range of political reasons, the proposal fell through and three years later Adelaide got the rights to host an the Australian Grand Prix.

Role of Politics
Put simply without Government funding the Sydney Telstra 500 would not exist. It has taken more than one promoter around two decades to get an event to the scale of this one of the ground and running in Sydney. A considerable amount of lobbying is needed at the State level. This was left up to v8supercar founding investor Sports Entertainment Limited (SEL). Ultimately the State Government has the final say if the event is to go ahead or not due to its significant funding contribution.

Currently the Sydney Telstra 500 is the cities largest entertainment and sporting event. It is well on its way too adding more than $100 million in economic benefits to NSW over a five-year period and is beamed live to more than 110 countries via Television and internet. The event creates more than 110 full-time equivalent jobs and provides the opportunity for 75 NSW apprentices to take part across motor sport and hospitality sectors.

However, resistance toward the event has remained ever since the event was given the go ahead by Nathan Rees. In Febuary of this year, just prior to Barry O’Farrells Liberal Government winning the state election, the future of the Sydney Telstra 500 became clouded once again. Ned Attie, the Liberal Member for Auburn stated that the event would be scrapped once Liberal win the 2011 State Election. Mr. Attie cited noise pollution and adverse impacts on the sensitive local environment as areas of concern that had been raised by residents of the Auburn area. The environmental concerns seem justified given that 140 mature trees were removed when the track was first constructed in 2009. But these concerns can be dismissed as for every tree displaced during construction; three new trees were planted in conjuction with Sydney Olympic Park authority.

The solution being offered is to relocate the race meeting to the state government owned Eastern Creek Raceway, a venue that has been tried in many different formats but failed to acheive even a quarter of the crowds of what the Sydney Telstra 500 has. The comments made by Mr. Attie are potentially an indication of the decision that Premier Barry O’Farrell will make on the future of the event, once its current contract expires in 2013. With the Homebush Street Circuit being located in the seat of Auburn and closeby to other important swinging seats such as Drummoyne and Ryde, O’Farrell has pressure to adhere to the needs of majority of locals or risk losing their support.

Role of Business

The Sydney Telstra 500 is V8 Supercars ticket to the mainstream. It's the logical solution for a sport that has always wanted to ‘crack’ the largest market in Australia. This has been done through the commodification of what has been labeled the ‘Rock n Race’ concept. This concept has been developed on a template of the successful Clipsal 500 in Adelaide where a city street circuit mixes racing with concerts involving high profile bands and other off-track entertainment. This concept was applied effectively in 2009 by luring Cold Chisel out of retirement to play a comeback concert at ANZ Stadium. In 2010, Guns n Roses took up were Cold Chisel left off, while arguably the best known skateboarder in the world, Tony Hawk, made appearences in a skate park within the circuit.

Due to the concrete lined nature of street circuits action is a given, this is not always the case at permanent circuits which is why V8 Supercars has a preference towards the concept. Furthermore the circuit is easily accessible for fans, who are able to catch a train from anywhere on the Sydney network and get off less than 20 metres from the track.

Using street circuits helps V8 supercars Australia overcome its biggest hurdle…its low degree of reach in Australia’s mainstream media. This is compounded by a large section of Australia’s public perceiving that engines, tyres and brakes don’t fit into their definition of ‘sport,’ as well as the long gaps that exist between rounds of the championship.

The Sydney Telstra 500 is the result of 6 years of planning and lobbying. It’s naive to believe that events to this magnitude happen overnight. A great deal of time is spent consulting with various bodies so there is little disruption for the everyday users of Homebush. The site is particularly busy in the months leading up to the race, especially during the NRL finals in September. It takes six weeks to construct the circuit and four weeks for removal.

V8 supercar legend Mark Skaife knows all too well the importance of the success of an event such as the this one. Skaife was responsible for the design of the circuit. Skaife was also involved in the creation of the failed GMC 400 on the streets of Canberra. The Canberra street race was a good event but was held in the middle of the cold Canberra winter at a stage of the v8 supercar season (mid-year) that holds lesser importance in city with a population of around 400,000. As a result crowds were below expectations and the withdrawal government support spelled its demise. The lessons learnt from the Canberra event are why so far the Sydney Telstra 500 has been successful. It is held in the summertime, it is the last round of the championship and it's in a city with a population of more than 4 million people.

What does the future hold?
Part of the reason the Sydney Telstra 500 was given the go ahead in 2008 was to create greater recognition for Sydney as an events town, taking some of the limelight away from Melbourne. It seems strange that Melbournians tend to embrace their events unlike Sydney. The Melbourne Cup, Australian Formula One Grand Prix, Australian Open tennis and Melbourne International Comedy Festival are all world class events, that have survived due to the fact that the majority of the public supports them.

The Sydney Telstra 500 is a chance for NSW to be proud of a unique event held in arguably the mecca of Australian sport. The fact that Eastern Creek Raceway is currently being upgraded by the NSW state government serves as an indication of what may lie ahead for the Homebush event. The Homebush race in 2010 attracted over 166, 000 fans and 25,000 corporate clients. The Eastern Creek race event in 2008, attracted 28,000 fans and 300 corporate clients. Makes the decision to keep the race at Homebush a no brainer.

If the current NSW state government decides to discontinue the event after 2013, it is likely V8 supercars will give up on Sydney all together. Sydney will lose much more than a just another v8 race; it will lose another chance to showcase its positives to the rest of Australia and the world. For the state government it would be easier to move the race to Eastern Creek, but as the saying goes nothing worth having comes easy.

Presentation
The following are links to my presentation that supports this paper
 * 1) http://www.archive.org/details/FeasibilityoftheSydneyTelstra500
 * 2) http://ia600708.us.archive.org/16/items/FeasibilityoftheSydneyTelstra500/HomebushV8s.bps.mov


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User:PBergman/The Conflict In Modern Day Combat Sport

This article will initially seek to analyse how and why the Ultimate Fighting Championship has come to prominence within the crowed global sporting marketplace. In answering this, the paper will seek to evaluate the current and historical divisions and shortcomings within Professional Boxing, as a comparative analysis to explain the explosion of popularity surrounding the UFC. This in turn will help to explain the effect the administration, organization, perception and participation within each sport has within the Australian sporting marketplace from a local participatory level, through to state and national levels. With the central point centring on how business and politics within sport reverberates through every level of involvement, effecting the current and future projections of a sporting culture.

Introduction
For decades Boxing has been the heavyweight champion when it comes to combat sports, but with the rise of a combat sport giant it could mean lights out for the divided sport. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and in particular the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is fast becoming a big fish in the world of combat sports, and it is the premier organisation involved in MMA. Mixed Martial Arts is currently the world’s fastest growing sport, with its appeal lying in brutal primeval bouts, undelayed with extreme skill and intricacy to detail.

Why then have we seen a steady decline in the popularity of Boxing, whilst a surge in support for Mixed Marshal Arts, when both sports are offering a similar product. The answer is an extremely prudent application of the importance of politics and business within sport. Whilst Boxing succeeded almost in spite of itself, it was because there was little other competition. Within this new sporting marketplace its deficiencies are taking a toll. A comparison of the two sports highlights how business models, politics and public perception of these processes are so important in the modern sporting market place.

The UFC is run with purpose, driven for success by influential CEO Dana White. Within the UFC, pundits get to see the top fighters in each division facing off regularly. It has a slick business model, attracting new fans through untraditional mediums. The regularity of the bouts (once a month) allows the viewers a feeling of certainty and builds anticipation. The athletes have very little say in who they fight and where, they are employees of a company pursuing and constructing a powerful brand, and a brands success is in pleasing its consumers. The UFC is run to attract fans, increase revenue, and grow the sport into new market places.

The Boxing game is run under completely different principles. With many competing federations, meaning multiple world champions in any division and thus a significant thinning of talent. Boxing is run on the principal of player power, a term often coined for team sports in which the players have more power than the coach or club. Within Boxing, the boxers and even more so, the promoters, hold the sport to ransom, in order to suck every possible dollar out. With money to be made, and injury avoided, facing vastly inferior opponents is the norm. Boxing is about the individual, not a brand or company. Boxing has always allowed itself to be exploited, a now soulless sport, driven by individual greed, enjoyed by few, and respected by fewer.

Boxing and MMA operate under two opposing ideologies, with one highlighting how business and politics can be used to explode a sport into popular culture, whilst the other how directionless business and politics can destroy a sport.

“Human Cockfighting” down for the count or just a wakeup call?
The Ultimate Fighting Championship has endured a turbulent ride on the road to becoming what it is now. The organisation has encountered its fair share of fights, and its story shows us how business and politics interact around an up and coming sport. This section will give an overall assessment of the UFC’s history and rise to prominence in the sporting world. The UFC was a deregulated combat sport making its first appearance in the United States on November the 12th 1993, in an eight-person elimination tournament and was only planned to be a one off occasion. The first UFC was a no holds barred tournament where the rules were minimal - with no eye gouging, and no biting being the principle limitations, with almost anything else being allowed. Critics decried the events as the most violent of spectacles; despite this – or perhaps because of it - the sport attracted enormous amounts of attention, both positive and negative. Much of this negative commentary came from politicians, notably the high profile John McCain, as well as state’s sport governing bodies, local governments and community groups; they likened the UFC to ‘Human Cockfighting’.

Senator John McCain didn’t take the matter lightly, he prominently opposed the UF C and he personally led a campaign to have the sporting events banned. He was very close to being successful and in 1997 the fight against the new code became a realistic possibility because John McCain had convinced thirty six states to ban such events. When McCain became the chairman of the senate commerce committee he was able to influence many media companies into discontinuing their coverage and not allowing the program to be viewed by their subscribers. Almost instantly the number of households that could receive the events shrunk from 35million to 7.5million, and pay-per-view buys decreased from a peak of 350,000 to 15,000, the days of ‘human cockfighting’ seemed numbered. By 2000 the Sophomore Entertainment Group, which owned the UFC, was losing money and was unable to deal with all of the legal battles it was facing, and on January the 10th 2001 the entire franchise was sold to Zuffa Entertainment.

The new owners realised that to be able to continue the UFC it needed to be sanctioned and regulated. They introduced rules to improve the safety of the sport, which was the main concern from all of the UFC’s critics and as a result the code was eventually legalised in Texas, California, New Jersey and Nevada. If the sport had not changed then it would not be operating today. Dana White - the current UFC president - has even said that John McCain saved mixed martial arts, and especially the UFC, commenting: ''“I consider John McCain the guy who started the UFC. If it wasn't for McCain I wouldn't be here right now. What people don't understand about mixed martial arts and the UFC is, what [McCain] was saying to the old owners is that you cannot put on fights in states that aren't sanctioned. It's illegal. You can't do it. You have to be sanctioned by an athletic commission, which we agreed with him on 100 percent.”''

Ever since, the UFC has lead the way for this rapidly rising sport and helped to turn it into an internationally acknowledged activity. By tidying up the sport, the UFC not only turned around itself as a business but was also able to change the view of one of their biggest critics and in 2007 John McCain said: "They have cleaned up the sport to the point, at least in my view, where it is not human cockfighting anymore.

Boxing in contemporary times, divided like a split decision.
Long gone are the days in international Boxing where one fighter can stand out from the rest and be crowned the champion of the world for their respective weight classes.“UFC doesn't claim to be directly targeting boxing, but the obvious mismatches, early stoppages and professional boxing's fragmentation of titles with four separate sanctioning bodies have all made the sweet science vulnerable to this clever mix of the martial arts.” Much of the fighting in international boxing isn’t even between the fighters anymore; it is between the different sanctioning bodies, the promoters and it is a big struggle to get the best boxers in the world to face each other. International Boxing is divided by four major sanctioning bodies: The fact of the matter is that these separate divisions leads to a lot of disillusionment in the fans as the best fighters very rarely face each other. The sport in the modern day has a divided nature that revolves around all involved trying to suck out every cent they can.Having five world champions in one weight class is a relatively normal occurrence in international boxing, along with this it can be spread out over the 17 weight classes. It really is no wonder why international boxing is in a maze of champions. There is no single champion for any weight class - they are all held between at least two fighters, because to become the real world champion you would have to win four belts from different organisations. Champions have the choice to face an opponent who is a real challenger, who will test them for their belt/s, or they could choose a fighter who lacks the ability to challenge them, but they can make the same amount of money and improve their personal record. This is why the quality of bouts in the sport known as the ‘sweet science’ aren’t so sweet for real fight fans. Boxing in today’s society isn’t about having the best quality bouts; it is all about the dollar sign and how much one can get out of the industry.
 * The World Boxing Association (WBA)
 * The World Boxing Council (WBC)
 * The International Boxing Federation (IBF)
 * The World Boxing Organization (WBO)

The Politics of Promoters
Boxing as a sport has faded since the days of the heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. This is partly due to the sport being divided by so many sanctioning bodies. Another reason why boxing is a dying sport can be blamed on personal greed and boxing promoters. On the other hand the UFC is booming in popularity, yet it does not allow promoters to feed of its product and this could be the crucial difference between success and failure. Don King will be used as an example of how boxing promoters seem to be dragging the sport into the final stages of the countdown. Don King is one of boxing’s biggest names, yet he is not the heavyweight champion of the world, he has no championship belt for any weight class, most of his fighting is done in courtrooms, but he is arguably boxing’s biggest promoter. Don King has generated over one billion dollars in boxing revenue; his largest annual salary was $70 million dollars in 1996

While Don King was making so much money, his fighters weren’t and many of them took him to court, including big names such as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Larry Holmes, just to name a few.

So how does one man, whose sole job is just to promote fights end up making so much money when his fighters do all of the work. ''“[Don] King still controls the heavyweight championship through his monopolistic manipulations of the ratings organizations. Even though champions like Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield have personally disliked him, they had to do business with him because his octopus tentacles still strangle the sport.”'' The role of a boxing promoter is to organise and sell a boxing event, in order to make more money the promoter attempts to publicize the event as much as possible. A promoters interests often conflict with the interests of boxers, because the more money that the boxer gets paid, the less money the promoter makes from the event, so there is a constant battle between the two over financial issues. Promoters are able to twist and manipulate the sport through their power over the fighters, and they are the ones who really hold a monopoly over boxing. Many would argue that the violence in the boxing ring pales in comparison to the corruption of the business and regulation of the sport. In professional boxing, it is a frequent occurrence for promoters to steal fighters from each other, sanctioning organizations to make unmerited ratings changes without offering reasonable explanations and for promoters to refuse to pay fighters.

While boxing is complicated with its sanctioning bodies and conflicts between promoters over fighters, the UFC is run very simply and effectively. It is purely run as a business; it is not disjointed, it is very straightforward with the CEO Dana White being the sole promoter for the organisation. The UFC as an organisation is in charge with setting up and promoting the fight cards, this in comparison with boxing is very simple as it rules out the chances of manipulation by different promoters. ''“Years of corruption, manipulation, and scandal have tarnished the sport [Boxing] to the point that it is hardly covered by the mainstream media. In fact, up-and-coming sports like mixed martial arts, the Ultimate Fighting Championship for example, have surpassed it in popularity''”. Essentially what the UFC has done as an organisation is removing the middle man from the sport and from this it has been able to grow into a reputable worldwide organisation that is transparently run like a business. It is not just MMA as a sport that has become so popular, but the UFC’s implementation of business like politics is proving to be a great strategy which in turn enables the fans to see fair and exciting match ups leaving people wanting more.

Does this affect Australia at a national, state and local level?
The rise of MMA as a sport and the UFC as an organisation really brings a new dimension to the fight arena in Australia at a local, state and national level. Local gyms are being forced by popular demand to offer MMA training, and whilst the largest fan base is in America the rapid rise of this sport is having a ripple effect around the globe. With international boxing gradually eating away at itself, plus marketing for organisations such as the UFC with video games etc, younger generations are falling away from the once loved sweet science of boxing and into this new exciting world of mixed martial arts. The rise in popularity for this sport in Australia is astounding. The first UFC held in Sydney, despite the lack of even one officially announced bout, sold out in the first two hours that tickets were available to the general public. The second UFC held in the same city equalled the record for the fastest sell out of tickets for a UFC event; it took a total of 30 minutes to have sold tickets to every seat in the arena. The rise in popularity of MMA at a grass roots level is evident in Australia. Chris Haseman a pioneer of MMA in Brisbane, and a wrestling coach for the Brisbane Broncos has witnessed the change: "When I opened the first MMA gym in Brisbane back in 1995 I would have been lucky to have 20 or 30 members in it. “[Nowadays]The two main [gyms] in Brisbane, they would be in the hundreds with regards to memberships.” Johnny Lewis a dominant figure in Australian boxing believes that MMA as a sport has the potential to gobble up boxing as a sport very, very quickly. As well as this Noel Thornberry a well-known boxing trainer said in regards to MMA taking over boxing that “At the top, worldwide level I don't see it taking over but on a national level I wouldn't be one bit surprised."

Conclusion
The Ultimate Fighting Championship was bought for 2 million dollars in 2001 and in 2008, Forbes magazine valued the organization at $1.1 billion. which is evidence of the code’s dramatic commercial success. The reasons for this are clear and relate to having a good business model combined with an absence of divisive internal politics – unlike boxing that has become highly factionalised with different and artificial structures competing for the same shrinking audience. Until those involved in the administration of boxing are prepared to make sweeping changes it is likely that the relative appeal of the sport is likely to continue to decline, especially when up against a well-organised rival in the form of the UFC.In turn this will affect people from all over the globe from local cities to entire nations.


text:
User:Egm6321.f11.team1.zheng.zx

Click here to go to my Personal Page

Click here to go to our Team Page

title: User:Egm6321.f11.team1.zheng.zx


text:
User:Egm6321.f11.team1.zheng.zx/HW1

User:Egm6321.f11.team1.zheng.zx/HW1/test

title: User:Egm6321.f11.team1.zheng.zx/HW1


text:
Talk:Motivation and emotion/Book/2011/Addiction

Comments
Hello Alex just wondering if there is still more to come with your chapter plan. I like where it is going so far. Skachwalla 03:58, 7 September 2011 (UTC)

Thanks for the discussion post! I thought I'd get organised and start it as soon as possible. Keep watching this space, as I'm aiming to put up more content sometime this weekend/early next week. Jackson997 04:00, 7 September 2011 (UTC)

Hey Jackson. I like what you've done so far! I was thinking you could look at having a text box with a list of some of the addictions out there (i.e. to show the broad range of addictions, from shopping to sex to drugs). Anyway, just a suggestion. Thanks and keep up the good work, TabithaJ 05:02, 24 September 2011 (UTC).

Hi Jackson, I also like your chapter so far. I have some information on addiction I hope you may find helpful. This is from the book 'Theory of Addiction' by Robert West (2006) from library long term loan. Definition: Addiction may be viewed as a symptom rather than a disorder on its own. It may develop from many different pathologies and vary in severity and manifestion. It involves a chronic condition of the motivational system.where there is an abnormally and damaging high priority given to a particular behavior. There are three basic types of pathologies underlying addiction; 1. Abnormalies in the motivational system not directly caused by the addictive activity (eg, chronic anxiety, depression, low impulse control or self esteem). 2. Abnormalies in the motivational system caused by the addictive activity, (eg, sensitisation to the effects of stimulant drugs, tolerance & withdrawal and mood disturbance). 3. Pathological environmental factors affecting motivation, (eg, social relationships, access, highly distressing circumstances). Hi - This is an excellent chapter - well researched and very interesting - congratulations - Magnolia

West (2006) suggests the antecedants of addiction maybe a balance of forces, for example; individual differences (physiological susceptibility, personality traits, belief & values), activity related factors (degree of satisfaction, reward, tapping into incentive learning systems and causing neuro-adaptation amplifing effects of such reward), and environmental factors (opportunity, cues, social norms). (West, 2006). Hope this is helpful,still practicing with feedback Susann 12:41, 31 October 2011 (UTC)

Hey Alex! Thanks for your feedback on my page. Your page looks great, your outline covers everything youd expect from your topic. i also like that you have approached it from from more than one way, i.e neurological basic and then conditioning principles also. I tihnk it will make it a well rounded and informative chapter. I cant wait to read more! Courtney.reis 04:49, 2 November 2011 (UTC)

Hey Alex. I like what you have done. Your intro works really well. I like the example of "modern" addictions, such as Facebook, and how you generalise it by writing it in a way that makes it common. I think it kind of removes the stigma associated with it. I also think mentioning the origins is a good idea. Your referencing looks great (oh on a side note you don't know it but you've helped me with my referencing, thanks). Can't wait to take another look at it before you submit it. Good luck! Skachwalla 03:11, 4 November 2011 (UTC)

Hey Alex, just a suggestion. The box down the page that is quite bright, maybe you could consider changing it to a theme box, like the green one on my page. I just think it is a little bright. Otherwise looking great. Noodles&Wedges 11:28, 5 November 2011 (UTC) Just read through it, let me know when you put up the rest. I assume there will be more because it is 300 words short. You could write alot about methadone programs for heroin addicts. Just because heroin is a very addictive and dangerous drug. Withdrawal from it is terrible and the high on it is great (apparently, I wouldn't know). Anyway, love what you have done with the box. I have made my chapter shorter by 10 words and now it sits at 4492. Good luck with the rest Noodles&Wedges 03:41, 6 November 2011 (UTC)

Haha Alex, you always worry for no reason! Your information is great and thorough... you now just need to concentrate on presenting it in a more easy-to-read format. Nothing that putting some space between your information and breaking it up into more paragraphs can't fix! Maybe consider using some more boxes to highlight main points within your paragraphs... see my info under 'demographic data' for an example of what I mean. Very quick and easy to do. Also, I found this image on WikiCommons that you might be interested in:

File:PET - Human Addiction.jpg

Description of the image: PET brain scans show chemical differences in the brain between addicts and non-addicts. The normal images in the bottom row come from non-addicts; the abnormal images in the top row come from patients with addiction disorders. These PET brain scans show that that addicts have fewer than average dopamine receptors in their brains, so that weaker dopamine signals are sent between cells. I hope that you find this useful :-) KristaLeanne 12:52, 6 November 2011 (UTC)

Thanks for letting me know how to make links... I haven't used any so far! It's really helpful :-)

Comment by Magnolia - Really well researched and set out - Congratulations

Excellent Chapter - well researched congratulations - great video also - Magnolia28

great chapter! I used it as an external link to my chapter one exercise addiction. thank you --Hamish3145835 (discuss • contribs) 21:13, 18 October 2020 (UTC)

-- Jtneill - Talk - c 04:44, 28 November 2011 (UTC)

-- Jtneill - Talk - c 11:49, 10 December 2011 (UTC)


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User:AshleighLowe

Hi I'm Ashleigh, studying Sport and Tourism Management at the University of Canberra.

I am enrolled in Business, Politics and Sport for semester 2 2011! You can contact me on this email address:ashleigh.lowe@live.com

 * /The politics and business of cricket/

title: User:AshleighLowe


text:
Talk:Motivation and emotion/Book/2011/Maslow's hierarchy of needs

Comments
Looking great so far! Really keen to see where you go with this, very interesting topic! Jackson997 04:10, 7 September 2011 (UTC)

Going well, current content is clear and straightforward. However, is the bullet point list for physiological needs formatted correctly? Jackson997 03:03, 4 November 2011 (UTC)

Hey Alex, I'm a little confused as to what you mean about the physiological needs being formatted correctly? They look fine to me. The bullet points are only temporary. I'm just organising myself before I put everything into words. Skachwalla 05:40, 4 November 2011 (UTC)

Hi, in response to your question on Moodle, i am yet to try it but i thought i'd let you know about it... in the editing section, click on 'advanced' so a drop drown section comes up. There is an icon that has three lines with a little plus sign on it, if you hold your mouse over it it will come up with 'indentation'. If you put your cursor where you want the indentation, then press that button it should work. Hopefully it does Ashleetronerud 09:35, 4 November 2011 (UTC)

Thanks once again Ashlee. Skachwalla 10:08, 4 November 2011 (UTC)

I love how you've broken up the information into the colour boxes :-) Makes it easy to read. Good luck adding more content! KristaLeanne 10:46, 4 November 2011 (UTC)

Hi there, Your page is looking great! I was just wondering if I could link your page to a section on mine relating to Malow and optimal experience. Thanks!Trinand 11:25, 4 November 2011 (UTC)

Hey Sabrina. I've had a read of your page and I think the content is really good - I have learned a few things actually :-) Particularly I like the part about "freedom to speak, freedom to defend yourself" etc. The only suggestion I would make is to put a pretty title page at the top, and add a few images. There would be quite a few images that would be directly relevant, or abstractly relevant to your content. Just a suggestion though :-) Great job! TabithaJ 08:08, 5 November 2011 (UTC)

This is a really good chapter - should be published in a psychology book - well done - Magnolia

Rfoster 02:54, 28 November 2011 (UTC)

-- Jtneill - Talk - c 05:42, 11 December 2011 (UTC)


text:
User:AshleighLowe/The politics and businesses of cricket

View my presentation here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwrMzISs2PQ&feature=youtu.be

This paper will examine the politics and businesses surrounding the sport of cricket and observe involvement on both a national and international level. It will continue to explore the nature of cricket, cricket’s relationship and articulation with business and politics, and the use of sports and cricket as a political vehicle. Research has shown there is a relationship between politics, government, the media and sports. Sport intersects with many other issues in society namely politics. Sport and politics collide on many occasions and this paper will highlight the use of cricket as a means of political involvement and vehicle for improvement.

Cricket has been used as a vehicle for political involvement through numerous cases including Australia’s decision not to attend the tour of Zimbabwe as a result of the Mugabe regime, the current political playground Indian cricket has been faced with, as well as the decision to boycott games in Pakistan after a terrorist attack. In Australia’s decision not to attend Zimbabwe, Archbishop of Bulawaya, Pius Ncube asked the team not to come as he saw the team as ‘key representatives of the Australian people kitted out in their baggy green caps which is a quintessential symbol of Australia’s national identity and represents the country.’

The paper will utilise academic journals, information and research findings from Cricket Australia and Cricket boards throughout the world, as well as newspaper articles and blogs.

Introduction
Throughout the world today sport plays a major role in many of the world’s problems. Many think that sport is the answer to all our questions but is that really the case? Cricket has been used a political vehicle for many years especially on an international scale. Countries use cricket as a means of political involvement whereby they put their own or their countries political agenda on the table through sport, for example many politicians like to be seen out and about mingling with other high members at sporting matches where they can use it as a forum to discuss political issues. This paper will examine the politics and businesses surrounding the sport of cricket and observe involvement on an international, national and local level. It will continue to explore the nature of cricket, cricket’s relationship and articulation with business and politics, and the use of sports and cricket as a political vehicle as well as the intersection between business and politics throughout the sport of cricket.

The Intersection of Business and Politics in Cricket
Cricket truly is a sport for all. It has long had a history of political interference which is usually based around race and ethnicity which have been the focal points of conflict throughout the world for many years. This forms the basis of much of this essay.

When it comes to businesses involvement in cricket there is no better example than that of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The IPL is the most spoken about tournament in the world today. The league is big business. Since its inception in 2009, it has moved from strength to strength. The IPL ‘even made it to fourth spot on the Forbes list of the world’s hottest sporting properties.’ Some of India’s ‘richest and most powerful names, from Industrialists to film stars’ own the teams and bid for their highest players. As a result of this they can therefore attract the big name players for a large pay checks. Mahendra Singh Dhoni was bought for $1.5, $1.35 for Andrew Symonds and $950,000 for an experienced youngster. From this ‘cricket raised its eyebrows, held its breath and braced itself for a compelling, spectacular and multi-faceted event’ which has reached a new era in sporting history.

Some players even turned down the opportunity or are looked over to play tests with their country due to the heavy constraints of the IPL. Chris Gayle captain of West Indies was overlooked for selection for the tour of Pakistan due to his decision to play in the IPL league. What kind of message is this sending for world cricket? The IPL is attracting the big name players because of the high salaries they can produce due to the privately owned franchises. This business means many players opt out of playing for their country which used to be the highest honour bestowed on any player in their career. Is this all changing? The big business of cricket seems to be very high on the agenda at present.

Politics drives some countries involvement in sport. Some players and administrators claim that ‘sport and politics should be kept separate’, but this is not always the case In a country such as Australia, politics and business are quite seen to be parts of routine life for example; high level politicians may attend an event out of personal interest, but if they are in pursuit of popular support, they are generally always seen at big sporting games where they shake hands with the players, and even get involved in the barracking.

The intersection doesn’t just stop there. Sport also plays the game when it comes to business and politics, they are not entirely innocent. Sport plays the game “in return for a fair whack of public money being invested in the national effort to punch above our weight in as many sports as possible.”

International Perspective
In some countries cricket is used as a political vehicle for protests. In recent years throughout International Cricket there has been significant direct detrimental political interference and allegations of corruption and mismanagement. The ICC is supposedly taking a stand to suspend member boards who are doing so. This in end could potentially affect the ability to ‘field representative teams or receive funding and other associated benefits from the IOC.’ As a result of this, local fans are becoming increasingly disillusioned. “ It is their passion that powers cricket and if they turn their backs then the whole system of cricket will come crashing down.” ) This shows the relationship that international cricket has on that of local grassroots cricket.  The international politics in end determines user and fan interests and generates a seemingly bad reputation across certain countries.

Throughout India and Pakistan there is high political conflict and dispute. Many believe cricket could be used to solve these problems however, ‘cricket diplomacy has not worked before.’ It is not the job of cricket diplomacy to resolve the dispute between India and Pakistan. There is a naive belief that cricket can act as a “peacemaker”. For the world cup semi final against the 2 countries army personnel were in force to protect players and spectators, while the Indian premier mentioned the great match would be a “victory for sport.”  The underlying business was something else. ‘The Prime Minister invited Pakistan’s PM and President to the game as well as issuing 6500 visas for Pakistanis to watch the match’ which highlighted the importance of their political agenda. Such moves have been made previously as well by both countries to combat the numerous political issues between the two countries. But is sport really the place do to this?

There is far too much political influence in world cricket. Cricket is not despite what some believe the answer to the world’s problems. There is a real trend of politics and cricket. In South African cricket they employ “a quota system in their game, whereby a certain amount of players are white and certain amounts are black. It’s sort of understandable given the troubles they have had in the past with apartheid.” South Africa has a select panel that picks their teams. For the series with England, 3 out of the 4 selectors wanted Mark Boucher yet through some kind of loophole in the system – a politician decreed that it could not happen. What business is it of a politician to say can play and who can’t?

Australia’s decision not to attend the tour of Zimbabwe as a result of the Mugabe regime came as no surprise due to the political climate and unrest in the country in recent years. It was Archbishop of Bullawaya, Pius Ncube who asked the Australian team not to come as he saw the team as “key representatives of the Australian people kitted out in their baggy green caps which is a quintessential symbol of Australia’s national identity and represents the country. Zimbabwe is a country that has been torn apart by political unrest in recent years as evident with Australia withdrawing from their tour of Zimbabwe which also led to Zimbabwe voluntarily withdrawing from test cricket in 2005.

Ever since 1996 Politicians knew that “Sri Lanka’s cricket team has enormous popular attention and thus generates alot of political appeal.” Therefore they use their cricket team as a means to lobby political issues. This has raised many concerns for numerous countries since then, however many large political leaders use this popular attention to complete their own political agendas.

Indian cricket has been dealing with an intense political playground over the years. ‘Politicians are playing an increasingly important role in cricket in India which has always had upper and middle class support having been sponsored by the Indian princes and Indian business.’  Due to this there has been political turmoil among the ranks and has caused a real tug of war effect within the sport. Santash Giri believes “it is really disheartening as a cricket fan to see how Indian cricket is the very playground for a deadly mix of political power and vested commercial interest.’ This shows the changes in consumer attitudes and a shift away from the sport of cricket due to this vested political tension.

National Perspective
Cricket Australia used to be known as the “shining beacon among all cricket boards and the one to aspire to replicate.”  However as time has gone on, much has changed about this. They used to have an all conquering side, a domestic competition rivalled by all and infrastructure that suggested the ‘future was assured.’  However now many other countries have learnt from this and developed a different strategy which has taken over from cricket Australia’s leading ways. India has developed the Indian Premier League which is now at the forefront of international cricket. Many players are being recruited to sides over there due to privately owned teams offering big money to play for them. In the end most things come down to money and when you have Sheiks owning these clubs then how can any other national competition compete?

To add to this Australia’s national team has not such a good run of late losing the ashes and other series in the last few years, however cricket itself in Australia has been on the decline. Cricket Australia initiated an experiment with split innings in domestic one-day matches which was a failure and was quickly aborted mostly due to the increasingly popularity of the Twenty20. And now as Gideon Haigh believes it even worse could follow with the new franchise Big Bash League, something which could be “disastrous for the future of Australian cricket.”

Maybe there is something to be said for the differing range and types of cricket played throughout Australia. Currently Cricket Australia has a program of nine different series within cricket here in Australia and internationally. Is there too much variety on offer? Obviously many players are going where the money is which is where the big business is and at the moment that is the Indian Premier League, however maybe cricket Australia could reduce their program and focus more strongly on one aspect to combat this.

Nationally in Australia cricket in recent years has seen a decline in playing rates among the last few years particularly in relation to junior programs. However, Cricket Australia the national peak body for cricket has developed key community incentives for local sporting clubs. The introduction of Weetbix My Cricket Community Cricket highlights Cricket Australia’s commitment to supporting cricket on the local and community level. This offer supports clubs through allowing clubs to manage competitions, receive tips from masters, access to club assistance programs. It is a national cricket management system for cricket in Australia. “Australian cricket has an ongoing commitment to evolve Weet-bix My Cricket and provide greater value and return to associations, clubs and participants.” Cricket Australia is constantly striving to enhance the future for community clubs. Cricket Australia has also developed a National Facilities strategy which plays an important part in developing quality cricket facilities ‘for training and playing therefore increasing involvement and enjoyment of the game for all.’  This strategy will provide a number of cricket infrastructure facilities ‘to meet the participation needs of communities and objectives of Australian cricket.’    Too add to this they also focus on the generation of revenue in order to invest in cricket facilities for community use. This has a key message for cricket in general.

Local Perspective
The focus on grass roots and community level cricket from Cricket Australia with the support of businesses and sponsors has a positive impact on community involvement. Cricket Australia is able to create and provide value propositions for local businesses to get involved with cricket and enthuse young participants. By becoming a member association of Cricket Australia, community clubs have access to a range of cricket offers including Brett Lee’s Bootcamp, Umpiring, Club development and assistance, volunteers, coaching and insurance. Through these incentives community cricket clubs are able to better utilise their assets and improve cricket as a sport for all. These examples are key attributes to how cricket as a community can flourish. Cricket Australia develops a reputation of a vibrant national game that is able to infuse and enthuse local participants.

When speaking about this topic at the local and community level we need to focus efforts on how communities create and support ovals and club facilities within the sport of cricket. In Canberra the decision was made not to water some ovals and let them decline. What kind of implications does this then have for the children and supporters of the clubs and for cricket in general? Since 2002, 21 sportsgrounds and playing fields in Canberra could not be maintained due to high level water restrictions. Normally Canberra boasts the ‘highest level of participation rates of sport in the country however nowadays the demand for sporting facilities is almost at breaking point’. As the drought takes effect sporting grounds are in the firing line. Particularly affected has been junior sport, which have had to share grounds and play earlier and later than usual. ‘Cricket was the hardest hit loosing 25% of their grounds.’ As a result of this, they then had to look at alternative options such as sharing grounds with other sports or looking to move to indoor facilities. “Potentially this move by the government could stop young children and seniors playing on the weekends as well as shortening the season.”

ACT Opposition Sports Spokesperson Steve Doszport said ‘though sports had managed with fewer facilities, they had been unable to expand their junior programs. There is no doubt some parents pulled their kids out of sport as a result.’ This contradicts most national sporting programs objectives to increase the participation rates of juniors within their junior programs. So how then do the NSO’s support their local clubs and find alternatives?

This too is also the case in Cairns as these facilities are owned by Council which then lease the grounds out to the clubs. As a result of this lease it is then up to them to maintain and support the use of those facilities. These clubs receive funding from their peak governing body being Cricket Australia as well as their state governing body Cricket Queensland. This money however is generally not enough to support them through the dry season. During the dry season there is no option to water the grounds. The maintenance of these facilities decreases and the grounds are left in an irreparable state. In one sense it is the clubs decision not to maintain these facilities but at the other end of the spectrum can much else be done under the circumstances? Is this where clubs need more support from their governing body in determining key strategies and action plans for implementation in such an instance?

It is the communities decision to maintain the ovals and what determines that ultimately the position of cricket nationally. If cricket is on top then communities will make sure to maintain their facilities in order to raise the profile of their club and ideally cricket in the nation. Local communities, clubs and associations have to work together to create and support ovals and club facilities.

Conclusion
Sport and politics collide on many occasions and this paper has highlighted the use of cricket as a means of political involvement and interference. Throughout this paper there has been numerous examples and case studies of how cricket has been used as a political vehicle for many countires including India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Australia. Australia’s decision not to attend the tour of Zimbabwe as a result of the Mugabe regime, the current political playground Indian cricket has been faced with, as well as the decision to boycott games in Pakistan after a terrorist attack are all prime examples of how the sport of cricket is used to steer political beliefs and agendas. Many countries national teams are their sense of identity and by lobbying their beliefs through them they are seen to be getting their point across. This paper has highlighted key themes of business, politics and cricket and the intersection between all three.


text:
User talk:CHugginson/An Olympic Sport?

New title and the balance
Nice one. I like how you're using a narrative, and telling it in such a way so as to withhold the punch, wary of putting off readers who may hold the stigma you're talking about. Its a good strategy, and shows awareness of your audience. I suggest changing the title though, perhaps just "An Olympic Sport" so you don't give it away from the start. Also, be careful not to evangelise (sell) too much. Make sure you represent as many perspectives on this issue as you can. Think of your reader as a foreigner, who simply wants to understand how business and politics interplay around this new sport. Leighblackall 12:00, 3 September 2011 (UTC)

Fascinating ... I am looking forward to the full essay. Postillion 11:14, 13 September 2011 (UTC)

 * Thank you for the feedback guys. CHugginson 04:56, 15 September 2011 (UTC)

Content structure progress
Good looking progress on the content structure. I notice that the politics section is still hanging... I'm sure you have many ideas for that, gender issues, sexuality, stigma, the difference between performance and sport, more.. you're just thinking on what to include and what not to include. I'm surprised not to see a link to gymnastics being suggested yet... surely some of the events in gymnastics had a similar historic controversy around their entry into the Olympics... This is shaping up to be a really interesting essay, and you've done well so far in thinking about how business and politics intersect around pole dancing from a local to international scale. Leighblackall 01:13, 16 September 2011 (UTC)

 * Thanks Leigh, i have changed my subheading how to become an olympic sport to.. If Rhythmic Gym and Synchronised Swwiming can do it. These sports only allow for female competitors to compete. From my limited knowledge of the IOC i thought for a sport to be included it had to promote social inclusion... CHugginson 11:29, 16 September 2011 (UTC)

Caren, I think this is developiong into a fascinating article. I think you are heading down the right track! Do not worry about flow. The reader can make the flow happen. (Keith) Postillion 02:39, 10 October 2011 (UTC)

Fixed the formatting
Caren, keep going, it does actually flow - the structure of section headings alone makes a good argument, so now you just need to get the text in there :)

I've fixed a few wiki code problems, mainly the images, and removing the text tag you had on level 3 section headings. Also, I've added the reference list tag at the bottom, seeing as you used a ref tag in one of the sections. Great if you decide to keep using that ref tag throughout. See if you can work it out :)

Its looking great, keep going. Leighblackall 22:50, 16 October 2011 (UTC)

Communication with Industry Professionals
I have gained permission from Natasha Wang USA World Champion to use her photos in my presentation as long as the photographer is credited :) --CHugginson 00:10, 20 October 2011 (UTC)

title: User talk:CHugginson/An Olympic Sport?


text:
Literature/1911/Welby

 * http://books.google.com/books?id=2meTMoN-YogC

Wikimedia

 * Victoria, Lady Welby
 * Significs

Chronology

 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1911). "Significs," in: Hugh Chisholm, ed., Encyclopaedia Britannica 11th ed., Cambridge University Press.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1901). "Notes on the ‘Welby Prize Essay," Mind 10: 188–209.
 * Toennies, Ferdinand (1901). "Note in response to Welby," Mind 10: 204–209.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1903). What Is Meaning? Studies in the Development of Significance. John Benjamins.
 * Bréal, Michel (1897). Semantics: Studies in the Science of Meaning. Nina Cust, trans., J. P. Postgate, ed. (1900).
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1896). "Sense, meaning, and interpretation I" Mind 5: 24–37.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1896). "Sense, meaning, and interpretation II" Mind 5: 186–202.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1893). "Meaning and metaphor," Monist 3: 510–525.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1911). "Significs," in: Hugh Chisholm, ed., Encyclopaedia Britannica 11th ed., Cambridge University Press.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1901). "Notes on the ‘Welby Prize Essay," Mind 10: 188–209.
 * Toennies, Ferdinand (1901). "Note in response to Welby," Mind 10: 204–209.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1903). What Is Meaning? Studies in the Development of Significance. John Benjamins.
 * Bréal, Michel (1897). Semantics: Studies in the Science of Meaning. Nina Cust, trans., J. P. Postgate, ed. (1900).
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1896). "Sense, meaning, and interpretation I" Mind 5: 24–37.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1896). "Sense, meaning, and interpretation II" Mind 5: 186–202.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1893). "Meaning and metaphor," Monist 3: 510–525.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1903). What Is Meaning? Studies in the Development of Significance. John Benjamins.
 * Bréal, Michel (1897). Semantics: Studies in the Science of Meaning. Nina Cust, trans., J. P. Postgate, ed. (1900).
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1896). "Sense, meaning, and interpretation I" Mind 5: 24–37.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1896). "Sense, meaning, and interpretation II" Mind 5: 186–202.
 * Welby, Victoria Lady (1893). "Meaning and metaphor," Monist 3: 510–525.

title: Literature/1911/Welby


text:
Literature/1930/Ogden

Wikimedia

 * C. K. Ogden
 * Basic English

Chronology

 * Richards, I. A. & Christine Gibson (1945). Learning Basic English: A Practical Handbook for English-Speaking People, New York: W. W. Norton & Co.
 * Ogden, C. K. (1937). Basic English and Grammatical Reform, Cambridge: The Orthological Institute.

title: Literature/1930/Ogden


text:
Literature/1960/Quine

Wikimedia

 * Willard Van Orman Quine
 * Word and Object

title: Literature/1960/Quine