Physical Education: Synoptics : David Beckham

                          Several aspects of football have progressed vastly in the last decade. Many of which are relevant to the increasing position of aggression in football today. This means that aggression is very much a part of David’s sport, and an aspect that he must understand.

                           Governing bodies and referees are now much more open and understanding about aggression in football as they have realised the increasing influence that it has in the game. The rules reflect this, as retaliation (an aggressive act) is now an automatic ‘sending off’ offence. This also applies to raising of the hands and any intent to harm.

                            Rivalry between teams is also an issue. When playing a local rival obtaining points is not the players’ only motive for success. The two teams aim to win as simply defeating the opposition matters more than obtaining points. However this may lead to aggressive behaviour as the player feels that the stakes are higher (pride).

                            It is also possible and supported through theory that in games in which he feels he is under-achieving he finds himself being cautioned. This may be due to the theory that states the athletes’ ability is inadequate compared to the task they are given. This then causes them to act in an aggressive rather than assertive manner.