APPENDIX A

The purpose of this assignment is to explore and analyze the meanings, purposes, and contributions or shortcomings of high school athletics. To get a view of high school athletics strictly as an observer, please attend one high school varsity athletic contest and observe what transpires before, during, and after the contest. The checklist below will be helpful.

During your observation, make note of the following:

1. Players' and spectators' behavior before the game (match, meet) during pre-game warm-ups and drills. How do the players interact with each other, the coach, the opponents, the fans? What are the fans doing? Where is their attention focused?

2. As you watch the game, make note of the players' interactions with one another on their own team as well as with their opponents. Try to get a feel for the team dynamics of the players and the coaches. How do the players on the bench interact with those in the contest? Watch how the players treat one another. Is there any evidence of sportsmanship? How about showboating? How do the cheerleaders interact with the student body, officials, fans, and players?

3. As you watch the game, look around and see what the spectators are doing. How are they rooting for the home team? How do they accept the officials' calls? What about their behavior and sportsmanship? What do they do when one of their teams' players makes a mistake? How do they perceive the coaches' decisions?

4. If you can identify school administrators, teachers, and parents of the players, keep an eye on them to see how they react to different aspects of the game.

5. Observe what goes on after the game among the players, coaches, officials, and fans. Of course, this will depend on the outcome and how fair the crowd thought the game was from the standpoint of officiating and effort given by the home team.

6. Lastly, see if you can get a feel for the student body's support for high school athletics by observing the student body there and perhaps listening to what some of the students are saying before, during, and after the contest.

Take as many notes as you wish. You will have an opportunity to share your observations and impressions with your classmates during our discussion periods.