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- Title
- A PURE SPACE TO BE MEXICAN: ETHNIC MEXICANS AND THE MEXICO-U.S. SOCCER RIVALRY, 1990-2002.
- Creator
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Rodriguez, Paola, Garcia, Guadalupe, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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This thesis examines the soccer rivalry between Mexico and the United States that has been evolving since the early 1990s. Neither Mexico nor the United States are soccer powerhouse nations, yet their rivalry is arguably one of the most passionate contests in the world. For the Mexican National team the rivalry has become a struggle to maintain dominance and power in one of the few arenas where Mexico traditionally has had an advantage. The ability of the United States to challenge Mexican...
Show moreThis thesis examines the soccer rivalry between Mexico and the United States that has been evolving since the early 1990s. Neither Mexico nor the United States are soccer powerhouse nations, yet their rivalry is arguably one of the most passionate contests in the world. For the Mexican National team the rivalry has become a struggle to maintain dominance and power in one of the few arenas where Mexico traditionally has had an advantage. The ability of the United States to challenge Mexican hegemony has intensified the rivalry. Although the United States has been able to score some victories inside the field, acceptance in their home venues has been elusive. When playing against Mexico, even as the host team, the United States is consistently treated as the visiting team by the ethnic Mexicans living in the United States who compose the majority of the spectators. The rivalry has increased as a result of ethnic Mexicans' overt preference for the Mexican National team. In the U.S. public sphere, ethnic Mexicans have been segregated, discriminated against, economically marginalized and considered invisible. Outside of the stadium, ethnic Mexicans in general have been sidelined by U.S. society. Inside the stadium, they have made their presence known and have become highly visible. By chanting for the Mexican team, wearing the colors of El Tri, and carrying the Mexican flag, the fans have asserted their identity and heritage.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2008
- Identifier
- CFE0002048, ucf:47567
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0002048
- Title
- BIOMARKERS IN ATHLETES: A META-ANALYSIS IN FEMALE SOCCER AND FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS.
- Creator
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Howard, Sophie, Fisher, Thomas, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and potential abnormalities of biomarkers in female soccer and field hockey players by conducting a meta-analysis of previous studies. In this study, previous research on certain biomarkers (Creatine kinase, lactic acid, iron, hemoglobin, white blood cells, and cortisol) in collegiate, elite and national level female soccer and field hockey players was collected and evaluated. Studies on baseline measurements for these biomarkers in...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and potential abnormalities of biomarkers in female soccer and field hockey players by conducting a meta-analysis of previous studies. In this study, previous research on certain biomarkers (Creatine kinase, lactic acid, iron, hemoglobin, white blood cells, and cortisol) in collegiate, elite and national level female soccer and field hockey players was collected and evaluated. Studies on baseline measurements for these biomarkers in female soccer and field hockey athletes were collected and their group means were considered. These values were collectively put into individual forest plots, one for each biomarker, and were thereafter compared to a given normal laboratory blood value range for the general population. Whereas iron, white blood cell count and especially hemoglobin tended to lie either towards or beneath the lower limit of the reference range assigned to the general population, CK and cortisol have a tendency to be higher in athletes compared to the general population. The findings for lactic acid did not have a significant tendency in either direction. The findings made throughout this study indicate the importance of proper nutrition for the athletes. Furthermore, the findings reiterate and remind coaches and health professionals of the importance on not only the education on proper nutrition for athletes, including sufficient iron intake and possible iron and vitamin supplementation but also the importance of adequate rest and time for recovery to limit the risk of overtraining and high intensity exercise related illness and infection.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2015
- Identifier
- CFH0004786, ucf:45385
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004786
- Title
- The effect of moderate altitude on high intensity running performance during a game with collegiate female soccer players.
- Creator
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Bohner, Jonathan, Hoffman, Jay, Fragala, Maren, Stout, Jeffrey, Fukuda, David, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Competition often requires teams that reside at sea level to compete against opponents whose residence is at a moderate altitude. This may pose a potential competitive disadvantage considering that moderate altitude may cause decrements in VO2max, distance covered, and time to exhaustion in endurance athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of altitude on game performance measures. Six NCAA Division I female soccer players (20.33 (&)#177; 1.21 y; 168 (&)#177; 6.45 cm; 62...
Show moreCompetition often requires teams that reside at sea level to compete against opponents whose residence is at a moderate altitude. This may pose a potential competitive disadvantage considering that moderate altitude may cause decrements in VO2max, distance covered, and time to exhaustion in endurance athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of altitude on game performance measures. Six NCAA Division I female soccer players (20.33 (&)#177; 1.21 y; 168 (&)#177; 6.45 cm; 62.5 (&)#177; 6.03 kg) were retrospectively examined. Comparisons were made between two competitions that were played at sea level (SL) within two weeks of a game played at a moderate altitude (1840 m) on game characteristics including high intensity running (HIR) and total distance covered (TDC). Analysis was performed on these six players who met a threshold of playing sixty or more minutes in each competition. A 10-Hz global positioning system (GPS) was used to measure distance and velocity. The rate of TDC and HIR during the game (m?min-1) and percentage of time at HIR during competition were evaluated. The two games at SL were averaged to establish baseline performance and the mean results were compared with the single game played at altitude. Paired samples t-tests were performed to determine if any mean differences existed between performance at altitude and sea level.Significant differences (p (<) 0.05) were seen in minutes played between the games at SL (74.23 (&)#177; 2.93 min) versus altitude (83.24 (&)#177; 5.27 min). The relative distance rate during the game at altitude was lower at altitude (105.77 (&)#177; 10.19 m?min-1) than at SL (120.55 (&)#177; 8.26 m?min-1). HIR rate was greater at SL (27.65 (&)#177; 9.25 m?min-1) compared to altitude (25.07 (&)#177; 7.66 m?min-1). The percent of time spent at high intensity was not significantly different (p = 0.064), yet tended to be greater at sea level (10.4 (&)#177; 3.3%) than when they performed at altitude (9.1 (&)#177;2.2%).Soccer performance at a moderate altitude appears to reduce the rate at which players run throughout the competition, as well as their rate at a high intensity. Results suggest that teams that reside at SL may be at a competitive disadvantage when competing at altitude.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2014
- Identifier
- CFE0005134, ucf:50716
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0005134
- Title
- EXAMINING CROWD VIOLENCE CONNECTED TO SPORT APPLYINGTHE HOOLIGAN TEMPLATE.
- Creator
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Worthen, Kelly, Donley, Amy, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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ABSTRACT The aim of the research is to evaluate crowd violence as it pertains to sports and its spectators. In particular, the research examines sports riots. "A sports riot is defined as violence-vandalism, throwing/shooting missiles, rushing the field or court, committing arson, and/or fighting- committed by five or more individuals in a crowd of one hundred people associated with a formally organized sporting event" (Lewis, 2007). On a micro level, the most prevalent form of spectator...
Show moreABSTRACT The aim of the research is to evaluate crowd violence as it pertains to sports and its spectators. In particular, the research examines sports riots. "A sports riot is defined as violence-vandalism, throwing/shooting missiles, rushing the field or court, committing arson, and/or fighting- committed by five or more individuals in a crowd of one hundred people associated with a formally organized sporting event" (Lewis, 2007). On a micro level, the most prevalent form of spectator violence is the act of Hooliganism in relation to football (soccer). The research on this aggression has been primarily inherent in Europe and South and Central America in concert with soccer matches. One of the goals of the research is to see if this unique type violence has the potential to occur in North America when comparing it to Europe and more specifically the United Kingdom. Currently, the average Major League Soccer (MLS) teams are capturing slightly higher attendance numbers than the NBA and the NHL. In the 2010-11 season, the average MLS attendance was 17,869, compared to 17,319 and 17,126 respectively (ESPN.com, 2011). With the expansion and globalization of the sport when traveling groups from Europe and South/Central America play United States teams (municipalities or the National team) in a "friendly" (exhibition match) or a World Cup qualifiers stateside, it is understood that supporter firms (hooligan gangs) will travel to support their team. Are hooligans simply looking for a violent result under the guise of being football supporters? "It's a lot more widespread than the general public realize. They might hear of one or two big incidences a year. But this thing happens week in week out at different grounds around England" (Hooligans: No one likes us, 2002). Collective behavior is the most apparent theoretic way to view these outbursts. This research however will examine this social phenomenon through symbolic interaction perspective as well. The hooligan culture is embedded with symbols of social disorder and rebellion. Racism, xenophobia homophobia and even patriotism are the tent poles of this social phenomenon. Additionally, from firm (gang) to firm (gang), socially constructed deviance such as rival history, improper police conduct, the media and alcohol are overarching factors. The final facet of the research examines how to curb the violence. Since Hooliganism is surprisingly tactical in and of itself, how authorities can potentially identify trouble makers and anticipate violence will be assessed. Since the English have customarily been deemed by the international community as some of the worst cohort participants, the tactics that authorities abroad have utilized (successful and otherwise) will be evaluated. Recommendations to prevent and combat this problem will be made in the hopes that a proactive approach can be developed domestically.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2012
- Identifier
- CFH0004220, ucf:44936
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFH0004220
- Title
- CHANGES IN RUNNING AND MULTIPLE OBJECT TRACKING PERFORMANCE DURING A 90-MINUTE INTERMITTENT SOCCER PERFORMANCE TEST (iSPT). A PILOT STUDY.
- Creator
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Girts, Ryan, Wells, Adam, Stout, Jeffrey, Fukuda, David, Hoffman, Jay, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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Multiple object tracking (MOT) is a cognitive process that involves the active processing of dynamic visual information. In athletes, MOT speed is critical for maintaining spatial awareness of teammates, opponents, and the ball while moving at high velocities during a match. Understanding how MOT speed changes throughout the course of a competitive game may enhance strategies for maintaining optimal player performance. The objective of this study was to examine changes in MOT speed and...
Show moreMultiple object tracking (MOT) is a cognitive process that involves the active processing of dynamic visual information. In athletes, MOT speed is critical for maintaining spatial awareness of teammates, opponents, and the ball while moving at high velocities during a match. Understanding how MOT speed changes throughout the course of a competitive game may enhance strategies for maintaining optimal player performance. The objective of this study was to examine changes in MOT speed and running performance during a 90-minute intermittent soccer performance test (iSPT). A secondary purpose was to examine the relationship between aerobic capacity and changes in MOT speed.Seven competitive female soccer players age: 20.4 (&)#177; 1.8 y, height: 166.7 (&)#177; 3.2 cm, weight: 62.4 (&)#177; 4.0 kg, VO2max: 45.8 (&)#177; 4.6 ml/kg/min-1) completed an intermittent soccer performance test (iSPT) on a Curve(TM) non-motorized treadmill (cNMT). The iSPT was divided into two 45-minute halves with a 15-minute halftime [HT] interval, and consisted of six individualized velocity zones. Velocity zones were consistent with previous time motion analyses of competitive soccer matches and based upon individual peak sprint speeds (PSS) as follows: standing (0% PSS, 17.8% of iSPT), walking (20% PSS, 36.4% of iSPT), jogging (35% PSS, 24.0% of iSPT), running (50% PSS, 11.6% of iSPT), fast running (60% PSS, 3.6% of iSPT), and sprinting (80% PSS, 6.7% of iSPT). Stand, walk, jog and run zones were combined to create a low-speed zone (LS). Fast run and sprint zones were combined to create a high-speed zone (HS). MOT speed was assessed at baseline (0 min.) and three times during each half of the iSPT. Dependent t-tests and Pearson correlation coefficients were utilized to analyze the data. Across 15-minute time blocks, significant decreases in distance covered and average speed were noted for jogging, sprinting, low-speed running, high-speed running, and total distance (p's (<) 0.05). Players covered significantly less total distance during the second half compared to the first (p = 0.025). Additionally, significant decreases in distance covered and average speed were observed during the second half for the sprint and HS zones (p's ? 0.008). No significant main effect was noted for MOT speed across 15-minute time blocks. A trend towards a decrease in MOT speed was observed between halves (p = 0.056). A significant correlation was observed between the change in MOT speed and VO2max (r = 0.888, p = 0.007). The fatigue associated with 90 minutes of soccer specific running negatively influenced running performance during the second half. However, increased aerobic capacity appears to be associated with an attenuation of cognitive decline during 90-minutes of soccer specific running. Results of this study indicate the importance of aerobic capacity on maintaining spatial awareness during a match.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007183, ucf:52290
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007183
- Title
- Mechanical and physical characteristics of knee flexors and extensors following different warm up protocols in collegiate male soccer athletes.
- Creator
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Redd, Mike, Fukuda, David, Stout, Jeffrey, Garcia, Jeanette, Wells, Adam, Stock, Matt, University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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PURPOSE: To compare potential differences in mechanical and physical characteristics of knee flexors and extensors in collegiate male soccer players following different warm up protocols.METHODS: Sixteen collegiate male soccer players (20.33 (&)#177; 1.33 years, 176.97 (&)#177; 6.72 cm, and 78.43 (&)#177; 7.42 kg) participated in this study. A small sided games warm up (SSG), a dynamic warm up (DYN), and a plyometric warm up (PLY) were completed using a randomized crossover design....
Show morePURPOSE: To compare potential differences in mechanical and physical characteristics of knee flexors and extensors in collegiate male soccer players following different warm up protocols.METHODS: Sixteen collegiate male soccer players (20.33 (&)#177; 1.33 years, 176.97 (&)#177; 6.72 cm, and 78.43 (&)#177; 7.42 kg) participated in this study. A small sided games warm up (SSG), a dynamic warm up (DYN), and a plyometric warm up (PLY) were completed using a randomized crossover design. Tensiomyography (TMG) was used to assess contraction time (Tc), delay time (Td) and maximal displacement (Dm) of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) of both legs before (PRE) and after (POST) each warm up. POST assessment included: TMG of the RF and BF, countermovement jump height (CMJ-h), CMJ flight time (CMJ-ft), 20m sprint time (20m), T-test time, and sit and reach (SR) distance. All TMG measures were analyzed using a three-way [condition (&)#215; time x leg] analysis of variance (ANOVA). All performance variable data were analyzed with a repeated measures ANOVA.RESULTS: There was no difference between warm up protocols for T-test, CMJ-h, or CMJ-ft. 20m significantly improved following SSG (p=0.020) compared to DYN and PLY. SR was significantly greater following PLY (p=0.022). Three-way ANOVA did not reveal a significant interaction for any of the measured TMG variables. However, main effects of time were seen PRE to POST for BF-Tc (p=0.035), RF-Td (p(<)0.001) and BF-Td, (p=0.008) and a main effect of condition was seen for RF-Tc (p=0.038).CONCLUSION: Warm-up specific improvements were demonstrated in sprint speed and flexibility measures following SSG and PLY, respectively. While no differences were shown between the examined protocols, the present study revealed PRE to POST changes in certain TMG measures (RF-Td, BF-Td, and BF-Tc) following a warm up in male collegiate soccer athletes.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2018
- Identifier
- CFE0007240, ucf:52224
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0007240
- Title
- COED ADOLESCENT SOCCER PLAYERS IN A COMPETITIVE LEARNING MILIEU: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF GENDER ATTITUDES, PERCEPTIONS, AND SPORT SPECIFIC TESTING.
- Creator
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O DONNELL, FRANCIS, Rohter, F. D., University of Central Florida
- Abstract / Description
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ABSTRACT:The history of association soccer dates back to the 1800's, and all indications are that prospects for the female athlete was scarce in all sports. The researcher has arranged an environment where young females can train with males in a soccer setting that has all the necessary elements for the athletes to learn, improve and compete with their own gender as well as opposite gender. The female group has been noticeable underachievers in this sport and is not aware of their potential....
Show moreABSTRACT:The history of association soccer dates back to the 1800's, and all indications are that prospects for the female athlete was scarce in all sports. The researcher has arranged an environment where young females can train with males in a soccer setting that has all the necessary elements for the athletes to learn, improve and compete with their own gender as well as opposite gender. The female group has been noticeable underachievers in this sport and is not aware of their potential. The research methodology is ethnographic in nature and study could easily be related to a traditional way to learn and develop in this sport. The method stresses the importance of reproducing procedures that were taught to the researcher. The employment of this method was to provide motivation and additional teaching resources to assist and enhance development of the research participant's potential.This was an ethnographic endeavor that accumulated several sources of data on 13 elite male and female athletes. Based on the data collected interpretations were made regarding their perceptions of the opposite gender. Ethnography was combined with descriptive statistics and employed to elicit and compile the data in the soccer specific testing components and the interviews. Merging techniques of observation (participant observation), field notes, video analysis, individual and group interviews were the sources of rich information for the researcher. This was a practical approach to bring out or discover any overt or covert trends, and to determine what possible barriers to learning would limit and reduce participation in the sport of soccer. The theoretical nature of the research, formal sociology is very much related to observational methods, choosing to gather data in a controlled and organized approach. The researcher's decision to tape the interview process and his preference to videotape events would thereby collect a complete and accurate account of the training progression subject matter. The results in the soccer specific testing indicated that the males were generally faster on sprint runs and had more endurance on the distance runs. However, a few of the females did better some of the males' scores in the aerobic and anaerobic events. The technical and tactical data indicated a slight improvement for the females when comparing pre and posttest results. Once more, the males were more advanced than the females. The psychological data showed the females progressed on the posttest scores. However, there was no overall male domination on the 20 categories. There are different areas on the inventory where females scored higher and other areas where the males would top the females. The interviews provided some enlightening information that confirmed aspects of male domination exist in sport and the feminist's role in sport as bringing attention to many gender issues, the positive and negative aspects of education and sport, the goals and motivation to participate in sport. Finally, the contrasting viewpoints between the American adolescent in this study and the English adolescent in Flintoff's (1993) dissertation and Flintoff and Scraton's (2001) study on physical education and gender issues. The most important finding was that learning had occurred in the training milieu. Learning was accomplished through the males' ability to facilitate the dynamics of attention and discipline required throughout the training sessions that were offered. The soccer specific test results indicated a much more motivated female group and the females' spring season was very successful; the team went undefeated in all competitions. The males in the study began to shed the superior attitude to one of more respect and tolerance of their female counterparts. The female differs emotionally from the male as the interview data illustrated and the co-education environment was both positive and productive, but there are limits to the inclusion of th
Show less - Date Issued
- 2004
- Identifier
- CFE0000066, ucf:52853
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/ucf/fd/CFE0000066
