Overview

In this lesson, students explore the gratuitous use of violence in televised sports. The lesson begins with a class discussion about the sports that students participate in, and the rules and consequences that relate to unsporting behaviour. Students then discuss how professional athletes conduct themselves in TV sporting events, and whether the same consequences seem to apply. Students look at the "business" side of televised sports, and how violence is used to engage and attract viewers. Through a series of activities, students determine which professional athletes are role models, and which deserve a visit to the "penalty box."