Demonstrate an understanding of how sport may be used as a platform for awareness
[You may choose either this option or option A – also available on Blackboard]
The paper is due no later than Sunday July 21st at 11:59pm.
The formatting: 1” margins, Times-New-Roman 12 point font. Please write the paper in
paragraph form. Save it as a word document and attach it to the Dropbox for 101. The length
should be around 2 pages double-spaced, but can be up to 3 if you need more room to express
yourself.
Overview: Read the recent article from the New York Times below. Review the grading rubric;
then write a reflection paper.
Objective: Demonstrate an understanding of how sport may be used as a platform for awareness
of, or promotion for or against, controversial issues within society. Think about the stance the
NCAA has taken in the past on issues of inclusion (Ex: Confederate Flag flown at South
Carolina’s capital building & Indiana’s Final Four bid in question due to ‘religions freedom
bill’). What does the NCAA’s core purpose (below) imply for the student-athletes who compete
at member institutions? Consider how these issues are ‘hot topics’ in the sport world and society
at large.
NCAA’s Core Purpose:
“Our purpose is to govern competition in a fair, safe, equitable and sportsmanlike manner, and to
integrate intercollegiate athletics into higher education so that the educational experience of the
student-athlete is paramount.”
Tracy, M. (2016). Inside College Basketball’s Most Political Locker Room. New York Times
online: https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/11/17/sports/ncaabasketball/wisconsin-badgers-
nigel-hayes.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0&referer=https://t.co/Wyn1k9aGGM
As you read, I recommend you take notes on the issues each of the student-athletes have made
comments on. You’ll need this information for paragraphs 2 &3 of your paper. You may use
information from additional sources; if you do so cite them and add a reference.
In your introduction, consider how these 3 student-athletes are using their platform to speak up
for issues they care about. In paragraphs 2 & 3 take a closer look at the specific issues discussed
by Hill, Koenig, or Hayes. In paragraph 4 you will be asked to respond to issues these student-
athletes have in common as well as all athletes who use their platform to speak on their values.https://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/11/17/sports/ncaabasketball/wisconsin-badgers-nigel-hayes.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0&referer=https://t.co/Wyn1k9aGGMhttps://mobile.nytimes.com/2016/11/17/sports/ncaabasketball/wisconsin-badgers-nigel-hayes.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0&referer=https://t.co/Wyn1k9aGGM
The grading rubric: 25 points possible.
3
points
Introduction paragraph: Identify and focus on an issue.
What is the debate about? Explain the topic being considered and describe the stance the
player has taken. [2-3 sentences]
3
points
2nd paragraph: Write a paragraph about an issue any one of the players have presented. a. Who is the player and what is the issue they care about? b. What is the player’s stance on the issue? c. How and why is the player using their platform as a student-athlete to draw
attention to the issue?
3
points
3rd paragraph: Write a paragraph about another issue one of the players presented.
a. Who is the player and what is the issue they care about? b. What is the player’s stance on the issue? c. How and why is the player using their platform as a student-athlete to draw
attention to the issue?
3
points
4th paragraph: Write a paragraph discussing how collegiate athletes’ unique platform gives
them ‘social capitol’ with their audience.
a. Is the audience for college sport different than the professional audience? b. What credibility do student-athletes have OR lack with their audience? c. If the NCAA’s purpose is to make the “educational experience of the student-
athlete paramount” do you think their actions are staying true to this mission
statement?
5
points
General discussion
– This is where you weigh in with your opinion on the topic. Do you believe intercollegiate athletes should have the freedom to speak publically (post on social
media) regarding issues that are important to them?
– What are the potential consequences for student-athletes, especially those in sports with professional leagues? Do you believe the risks are worth the rewards?
3
points
Conclusion / Recommendations
– To conclude your paper, briefly revisit the issue at hand. What is a potential consequence or outcome should universities tighten/loosen their policies on student-
athlete activism?
– What does it say about politics and governance in sport?
5
points
Presentation:
– Grammar and spelling and writing conventions – Formatting: see above formatting parameters.
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Demonstrate an understanding of how sport may be used as a platform for awareness