Practice Theory In Athletics

 

Anthropological Practice Theory demonstrates the relationship between ideology, structure, and practice. Through the examination of how these three cultural traits influence each other, the theory seeks to avoid a simply dualistic approach to studying culture. According to the Practice Theory, belief affects practice, thus reproducing structure. Habits are both structuring and affected by the existing structure. This theory recognizes that there are many components to dynamic and changing cultures and there is not one simple explanation or overarching reason for any one cultural trait. One cultural phenomenon to which the Practice Theory can be applied, is the unique world of collegiate athletics. I feel personally connected to this because athletics defines most of my life in college and I find it to be an interesting exercise in examining my own behavior and motivations behind running track. While this model can be applied to entire cultures it can also accurately explain the inner workings of collegiate athletic teams.

Teams share many similarities to individual cultures, including the existence of structure. They are defined by social structures made up of head coaches, assistant coaches, team captains, veterans, and rookies. In each sport, the relationships between these individuals is slightly different which allows for variation among teams. In general, administrative decisions and decisions regarding workouts are made by coaches. Athletes are expected to respect and obey their coaches. Also, among athletes in college, upperclassmen are expected to be mentors to the underclassmen by leading by example. It is clear that there is a hierarchical social structure of sports teams. Practice Theory, however, would point out that this structure is created and perpetuated through ideology and practice.

From what I’ve experienced as a member of a collegiate athletic team, ideology plays an important role in defining what happens each day in practice and competition. The ideology of a competitive athletic team is primarily defined by a desire to win. The drive to improve be the best, and outwork opponents is central to everyday practices. Collegiate athletes are extremely competitive with others and themselves. This seemingly insane need to do whatever it takes to win is central to the ideology of a collegiate athlete and is how they were able to get to this level of competition in the first place.

The driving force behind each day of practice and competition is a competitive ideology. This ideology shapes the practices and habits of the collegiate athlete. Athletes practice for extended periods of time almost every day. Sports take priority over many other things in life and commitment to a sport requires that there might be sacrifices socially and academically simply because of the time commitment. Also, they recognize there is a physical risk, but they are willing to sacrifice their bodies and potentially their physical health for their sport.

With the application of the Practice Theory to collegiate athletics, it is clear to see the relationship between ideology, structure, and practice. These three categories greatly influence each other and create the culture of college sports. The overarching competitive ideology reinforces the hierarchical structure of coaches and athletes. Athletes allow coaches to have authority because they believe it will bring them success in their sport, therefore reinforcing a winning ideology. This structure of obeying coaches in order to improve defines the practices of each athlete. This structure is not innate, but exists because both athletes and coaches buy into it. They way athletes train and act is a result of the structure of a team and motivated by their competitive ideology. In athletics, like in any culture, practice, ideology, and structure interact to create a unique environment and a unique relationship among individuals.