By their nature, sporting events are inherently competitive — each team seeks victory over its opponent. But is conflict a necessary part of sports? When does the "game" become destructive? What is the role of "sportsmanship" in sports?

Edited by Melissa Zarda. See other bibliographies.
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• Abel, Judy. (2006) Sports-Related Violence and Ethnic Conflict: A Study of Soccer in Northern Ireland and the Balkans.

This article discusses how conflicts arise between different ethnic communities because of their denial of expressed identities and the desire for security of their ethnic symbols and values, which is often cultivated at sporting events. Sporting events foster perceived or real superiority around teams that allow observers to feel as if their team represents them. When a team from one country defeats another country's team, in essence, the fans believe that the country whose team won is superior. Sports-related violence and conflict are indicators of ethnic tensions among people, which the article addresses.

• Cole, P. (2000). Rediscovering Youth Sportsmanship.

This article addresses the fatal conflict that transpired in July of 2000 in Massachusetts at a youth hockey game between two parents. It mentions how our society places such a huge emphasis on winning that people tend to get caught up in the moment and engage in conflict that could have been avoided. Furthermore it discusses how to resolve conflict at sporting events and ways to lessen ones anger.

• Docheff, Dennis M., and James H. Conn. (2004). It's no longer a spectator sport: eight ways to get involved and help fight parental violence in youth sports." Parks & Recreation

The article is about the violent and abusive behavior by parents towards their children's other athletes, referees, and coaches. Ultimately these behaviors stem from parents internal struggle between parenthood and winning. The article gives six reasons for negative parental behavior and eight strategies to curb parental violence.

• Hellstedt, Jon. (1987). The Coach/Parent/ Athlete Relationship. The Sport Psychologist, (Volume 1, pp. 151-160)

In youth athletics the relationship between, coaches, youth athletics and parents has become increasingly complex. In order for all parties to have a good experience it is critical for coaches meet the expectations of the athlete and parents. Through surveys of parents the article examines the most important factors of a youth coaches while leading there teams in play.

• Holmstrom, David. (2000). Hockey tragedy spotlights parental rage. Christian Science Monitor, (Volume 92, Issue 163)

Violence by parents in youth athletics has risen threefold according to the article. The desire for parents to make there child the next athletic superstar has created an atmosphere of violence. With acts of violence and the, "win at all cost attitudes" of some pro-athletes is also sending a negative message to children. These harmful messages have lead many students to opt not to play organized sports at all.

• Lea-Howarth, Jonathan. Is Peace-building through Sports 'Ludicris'?

This article debated the UN's belief that sports alone can resolve conflict by creating peace among individuals and nations. It mentioned that although sports are a useful tool for peace, they are not a means to end conflict. Sports are trans-cultural and allow participants the opportunity to interact with the "enemy," so to speak, in a cooperative way, which eventually can break down certain barriers and actually contribute to the building of mutual respect.

• Magnusdottir, Rosa. (2006). Supermänner, Superfrauen, Supermächte, Sport als Medium des Kalten Krieges.

This article examined how understanding the conflict in sports competition could be used to have a better understanding of the Cold War period. It mentioned how having your flag raised or your national anthem played at an international competition was considered a reflection of your political and social system superiority. The article also suggested that the political and social nature of international sports competition during the Cold War era is an important bipolar political conflict in sports because it basically represents how winning is everything.

• Petett, Carol. (2005). Conflict and Resolution through Sports: A Question of Civil Rights: The 1968 Olympics and Tlatelolco.
  
  This article discusses how even with the Mesoamerican ball games expressed religious beliefs while also resolving conflict between the ethnic groups, who confronted a common "enemy," which was the opposing team, instead of each other. Furthermore, the article goes on to discuss how even the 1968 Olympics used sporting event to resolve conflict among countries because of the honor that is involved in the participation of sports.

• Roberts, Tom. (1994). Kerrigan blow shows sports 'out of control'; Center teaches youth conflict resolution. National Catholic Reporter

Incidents of violence in sports such as the Nancy Kerrigan assault displays how violence in general can negatively affect youth. The Northeastern University Center for the Study of Sports in Society is exploring ways in which youth athletics can be used as a tool to teach youth ethical behaviors and conflict resolution.

• Sachs, Michael L. (2000). LIGHTEN UP, PARENTS! Psychological aspects of youth sports. USA Today
  
  There have been several documented cases of parents fighting and even being killed over youth athletics. The article examines violent behavior amongst parents also termed, "Little League Parent Syndrome". Parents become violent craving so bad for their child to play, win and someday become the next college, professional or Olympic athlete.