Violence in the Stands: A Proposal to Decrease Injuries to Soccer Spectators Secondary to Fan Violence in Argentina
Creators: name: Vinroot, Richard A., Jr.
Publisher: name: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University Libraries
Year: 2004

description: Background: Sports violence and spectator injuries are problems in all sports, but in the world of soccer (soccer in the United States) the problem has become so prevalent that it consistently threatens the health and safety of spectators. Nowhere is this more the case than in the soccer leagues in South America, and especially Argentina. There the sport is a national pastime and violence is common. At least 50 people were killed between 1980 and 2001 in Argentine soccer related violence. The World Health Organization has called for the world community to treat violence as a public health issue and work at reducing it in all of its forms. The CDC has also decided that violence prevention is a priority and that prevention programs can be efficient and effective. Purpose: This paper reviews the evidence on the extent of violence associated with soccer and examines the causes. Past initiatives and programs used to intervene in the problem and makes recommendations for a community-based violence and injury prevention program tailored to an Argentine community. Methods: A review of the literature was used to provide a needs assessment, based on the scope of the issue in Argentina. A program is introduced which will consist of a four pronged approach that will incorporate (1) the community, (2) the private sector, (3) the public sector, and (4) the media. The plan and evaluation will address the causes of the violence and past initiatives used to reduce the violence. These strategies were analyzed with regards to use in an Argentine community, as well as for possible expansion to other communities throughout the country. The review of the literature on soccer violence began with a Medline search of the medical literature, a web-based search focusing on information sites and media reports, and a search of published research found in Davis Graduate Library. The initial search identified the scope of the global problem. We then focused our search on a more local level (i.e. Argentina), where the proposed program will be implemented. Results: The literature shows that there is a large problem with regards to spectator violence in Argentine soccer. There is a mortality rate that shows Argentina to have more than 10 times the number of deaths (39 vs. 3) when compared to England, during the late 1990's. There are examples of successful measures in England and other countries in Europe, targeting violence and injury related to soccer. There are few studies that directly address Argentine communities in their attempts to minimize soccer violence. Based on available evidence, an approach that includes improved law enforcement, stadium modifications, and soccer club and soccer governing body involvement in violence prevention seems a reasonable approach to control soccer violence. Conclusion: A four-pronged approach that focuses on the public sector, private sector, media, and community is expected to reduce injuries and deaths of soccer spectators in the Argentinian communities in which these events take place. Additional needs assessment, community recruitment, implementation, and evaluation are now needed.