Section Five: What is deviant overconformity and why is it often seen in organized sports?

Deviance is defined as behavior that departs significantly from the norms set for people in their social statuses. Within an athletic institution, with specific emphasis on the athletes, there are many different sets of rules and regulations that are embedded within the institution. There is a certain ethic that is characteristic to sport that is a cluster of norms that many people in power and performance sports have accepted and reaffirmed as the dominant criteria for defining "what it means to be an athlete", and to successfully claim that identity. Alike to any other institution or society, there is a large amount of deviant behaviour, and straying from the norms or rules. Deviant overconformity is something that is largely seen within the world of sports. Deviant overconformity can be described as behaviour that involves an uncritical acceptance of rules. There are many reasons why athletes engage in deviant overconformity. Athletes find their experiences in sports to be so exhilarating that they want to continue participating as long as possible. These athletes will do almost anything to stay involved in the game. The likelihood of being chosen or sponsored for continued participation in sports increases when athletes over-conform to the sports ethic. Often times, coaches will praise the athletes who engage in 'positive' deviance, and will view them as a model for the team. Being a part of a team or sport subculture involves having the respect of your peers. Over-conforming to the sports ethic is one of the best ways to do this. There are many examples of deviant overconformity in sports, including substance abuse, eating disorders, gambling, etc. The sports ethic involves four main norms: An athlete makes sacrifices for "the game", an athlete strives for distinction, an athlete accepts risks and plays through pain, and an athlete accepts no limits in the pursuit of possibilities. Because of the presence of this moral code of athleticism, athletes who over-conform to theses norms and commit deviant acts, aren't necessarily viewed as deviant. The four main norms of the sports ethic states that an athlete must make sacrifices for the game and accept risks, which can in turn, glorify the decisions that an athlete makes to behave in a deviant way. If an athlete decides they need to better their physical health in order to succeed in their sport, and decides to take performance enhancing drugs or along the way, develops an eating disorder in pursuit of becoming a larger asset to their team, according to the sports ethic, they are only fulfilling their duties as an athlete. The sports ethic does not specify the lengths to which an athlete should go in making sacrifices for their sport or their team. This is why deviance and deviant overconformity within the sports world is so prevalent.