The fact that these behaviors occur on a regular basis suggests a society that is tolerant of violence and abuse. Violence is a common thread in out society. Youth cannot escape violence and have perhaps become desensitized to it. Several questions immediately surface for sport. We need to recognize that growing up in contemporary society is a complex process.
Sports are only one part, albeit a very important part, of the process.
Sports, however, are only one part of the transition from adolescence into adulthood. Students, school authorities, sport boosters, spectators, and others need to keep sports in perspective. The likelihood of success and a career in sport beyond the high school level, the highly valued scholarship or professional contract, is minimal. Representing one's school on a team is a privilege with associated responsibilities, including treatment of others who are not as gifted and who are different. This implies respect for individual differences, respect for opponents in sport, and in some cases respect for authority.