An increase in both frequency and seriousness of acts of violence has been well documented. Violence is most prevalent in team contact sports, such as ice hockey, football, and rugby. Considerable research has been done on spectator violence. The evidence is inconclusive. Spectators do take cues from players, coaches, cheerleaders, and one another.
Spectators often derive a sense of social identity and self-esteem from a team.
Emulation of favorite players is an element of this identification. Mass media also contribute to the acceptability of sports violence. On the one hand it affords ample exposure to sports-related violence via television, magazines, newspapers, and radio, thus providing numerous examples to children who may imitate such behavior. It glamorizes players, often the most controversial and aggressive ones. Its commentary is laced with descriptions suggestive of combat, linking excitement to violent action.