Long and Low
This short book examines the history, origins, and unintended consequences of the commonly used and widely accepted practice of "long and low" riding and training in dressage. International rider, trainer, writer, and teacher Paul Belasik explains the little-known origins of the mysterious practice that has evolved into a major modern-day controversy.Long and low riding has negative effects on the quality of dressage at the highest levels of the sport and widespread confusion for riders of all levels. This important book seeks to educate riders on why it is taught, where it came from, and how the unintended consequences have played out for riders all over the world. It is essential reading for all dressage riders, and any event riders and jumpers wishing to better understand the origins of long and low.
Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology
Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology explores the unique psychological dynamics that emerge in sport and exercise groups. It provides a clear and thorough guide to contemporary theory, research, and applied practice, covering core themes and cutting-edge topics as well as highlighting directions for future research. Much human behaviour in sport and exercise settings is embedded within groups, where individuals' cognitions, emotions, and behaviors influence and are influenced by other group members. Now in a fully revised and updated third edition, Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology sheds new light on the psychology of groups in exercise and sport settings, providing an entirely new set of perspectives on the theory and research applied to groups in exercise and sport settings. No other book on group dynamics in sport or exercise offers such a close examination of the evidence base, and therefore Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology is important reading for all students, researchers, or practitioners working in sport or exercise psychology, kinesiology, sport and exercise science, sports coaching, or physical education.
Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology
Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology explores the unique psychological dynamics that emerge in sport and exercise groups. It provides a clear and thorough guide to contemporary theory, research, and applied practice, covering core themes and cutting-edge topics as well as highlighting directions for future research. Much human behaviour in sport and exercise settings is embedded within groups, where individuals' cognitions, emotions, and behaviors influence and are influenced by other group members. Now in a fully revised and updated third edition, Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology sheds new light on the psychology of groups in exercise and sport settings, providing an entirely new set of perspectives on the theory and research applied to groups in exercise and sport settings. No other book on group dynamics in sport or exercise offers such a close examination of the evidence base, and therefore Group Dynamics in Exercise and Sport Psychology is important reading for all students, researchers, or practitioners working in sport or exercise psychology, kinesiology, sport and exercise science, sports coaching, or physical education.
A Brief History of the North American Gymnastic Union
Building Community Via Sport
This book explores the profound impact of sport on community building, personal growth, and social cohesion. It delves into nostalgic memories of informal sport, the integration of sport management in academia, and the powerful sense of unity fostered through informal and formal sporting events and local traditions. The text builds from Warner and Dixon's Sport and Sense of Community theory while emphasizing the importance of having a common interest, people-focused administration, and creating leadership opportunities within sport organizations. It also highlights the critical role of social spaces, both physical and virtual, and equitable decision-making in fostering connections and psychological well-being. The author then underscores the necessity of the Sense of Community in Sport (SCS) scale, which developed from this theory. This tool can be utilized to gauge, measure, analyze, and then adopt the scale findings to enhance community dynamics in sport and recreation settings. The author argues that sport managers must understand and implement the strategies outlined to build strong, inclusive communities, especially in the context of contemporary challenges like the loneliness epidemic and mental health crisis across the globe. Ultimately, through well-managed sport and acknowledgment of a shared responsibility, sport can be a solution to addressing the innate desire to belong to a healthy and supportive community. Warner provides a well-defined path and plan for sport managers to lead the way in creating a better together society.
Jack Findlay
Jack Findlay: The fearless privateer who became the heart and soul of the legendary Continental Circus. For nearly 30 years, a group of daring motorcycle riders toured Europe, competing on perilous circuits. Driving small vans loaded with their racing motorcycles, they formed a nomadic spectacle that came to be known as the Continental Circus. While some riders gained fame through races that contributed to world championships, many remained unsung heroes. The 1969 movie Continental Circus celebrated these brave racers--individuals who risked their lives for the sheer love and passion of the sport. Among these fearless riders was Australian Jack Findlay, a legendary figure who became a role model for the 'modern gladiators' of motorcycle racing. Known as the 'best privateer in the world', Findlay's immense talent and unshakable determination set him apart as he competed against factory-backed superstars with far greater resources. He embodied the very spirit of the Continental Circus and all it stood for. This book delves into Jack Findlay's extraordinary journey, honouring a solitary yet immensely gifted and resilient rider who defined an era of motorcycle racing.
A Sports Odyssey
Grant Farred has long had a passionate connection with sports. In A Sports Odyssey, he weaves together an account of his own sports fandom that is profoundly personal and universal. As readers of his Long Distance Love know, Grant Farred has been a supporter of the English Premier League club, Liverpool Football Club, for decades. His fandom for that team launched an unexpected connection with a world beyond the limits of the apartheid state of his upbringing in South Africa. However, A Sports Odyssey shows that as Farred's fervor for Liverpool ended, he developed a new set of sports attachments in Ithaca, New York: to his son's youth basketball career, to the men's basketball team at Cornell University and its coach, and even to professional teams like the New York Knicks. Farred's bemusement at finding himself a sports parent, a New Yorker, and a company man, only underline the sincerity of his affections. In A Sports Odyssey, Farred writes elegantly and eloquently about how sports and sports fandom create a sense of belonging, but also loss. This is a heartfelt examination of how we find "home" in who and what we love. In the series Sporting