Please read the abstract (Summary) in the 00front part of this document / Dissertation (MA (HMS))--University of Pretoria, 2002. / Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences / unrestricted

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The current study was an investigation into the moral development amongst rugby players in residence at the University of Stellenbosch. An adapted version of the Ethic of Care Interview was applied on thirty participants, 15 rugby players and 15 non-rugby players. Results were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test and indicated that there was no significant difference in moral reasoning between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference (p<O.05) between the two groups when considering a sport specific moral dilemma. The rugby players employed a higher level of moral reasoning than the non-rugby players on this measure. These findings are viewed within the context of the theoretical frameworks of Pia get, Kohlberg, Gilligan and Haan. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die huidige studie was 'n ondersoek oor die morele ontwikkeling van koshuis rugbyspelers aan die Universiteit Stellenbosch. 'n Aangepaste weergawe van die Ethic of Care Interview is op dertig deelnemers toegepas. Die steekproef het bestaan uit 15 rugbyspelers en 15 nie-rugbyspelers. Resultate is deur die Mann-Whitney U toets ontleed, en het aangedui dat daar geen beduidende verskille tussen die twee groepe se vlak van morele redenering was nie. Daar was wel 'n beduidende verskil (p<O.05) tussen die twee groepe wanneer 'n sport spesifieke morele dilemma in gebruik was. Die rugbyspelers het 'n hoër vlak van morele redenering as die nie-rugbyspelers op hierdie maatstaf gebruik. Hierdie bevindinge word in konteks geplaas van die teoretiese raamwerke van Piaget, Kohlberg, Gilligan en Haan.

This study explored the negotiation of masculine identities among male adolescent rugby players within South Africa, using the brief of "What it means to be a young man in South Africa today". Of particular interest was the way in which young men engaged with concepts of hegemonic masculinity and how they positioned their own and others' gender identities in relation to this. A total of 14 adolescent boys participated in two focus groups with the topic of masculinity as a discussion point. The research was situated within a qualitative research paradigm which allowed for the exploration, description and interpretation of the data generated during the focus groups. Two focus groups were held, with 10 and 4 participants in each group respectively. The focus group discussions were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data was analysed using a critical thematic analysis, in order to establish central themes within the data. Four prominent themes were indentified: the male body; aspirational role models; engagement and interaction with the feminine; and negotiation of alternative masculinities. Each theme was discussed and expanded on using appropriate theory. The study highlights how the young men actively engaged with the negotiation of their gendered identities, raising critical questions regarding the acceptance of many hegemonic or dominant forms of expression of masculinity. It was also noted that while there was engagement and debate surrounding the construction of gender identities, a rather conventional hegemonic form of masculinity was still largely regarded as the ideal. An interesting finding in the study was that while many of the young men prized a more hegemonic conception of masculinity, alternative forms were engaged and identified with, and at times were incorporated into a more fluid understanding and expression of gender identity.

Context: Concussion is a major sports medicine concern that is currently under scrutinisation worldwide. Well-publicised cases of careers ending due to multiple concussions, and the potential for permanent, disabling neurocognitive deficits have raised concerns and encouraged further research to take place. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate subjects exposed to mild head injuries with the aim of determining if neuro logical sequelae are detectable. The objectives of this study were to evaluate changes in neuropsychological performance over a period of playing rugby for one full season, which extended over nine months. This study investigated the relationship between concussion history and neuropsychological performance relating to the possible cumulative effects of concussion. Neuropsychological functioning in recently concussed athletes was compared with that of non-injured (control) athletes to detect whether neurological sequelae were present. Investigation into the relationship between post-concussion symptoms and neuropsychological performance was evaluated. The position of play was analysed to see if there were any measurable differences m neuropsychological performance present between forward and backline players. Design, Setting, and Participants: 35 club rugby players and 35 non-contact sports athletes were assessed over a period of 9 months. Both groups underwent pre-season baseline testing and post-season testing. A comprehensive battery of reliable and valid neuropsychological tests was used to assess these subjects, with particular focus on the following 5 areas of cognition: planning, visuo spatial and constructional ability; attention and concentration; memory; verbal fluency and speed of information processing. Results: The data showed that significant differences occurred in rugby players participating regularly in the sport over one full season in terms of changes in neuropsychological test performance in a range of cognitive domains, including planning, visual spatial and constructional ability, attention and concentration, memory and verbal fluency. Numerous significant relationships were found between certain Post Concussion Symptom Scale (PCSS) scores and poor neuropsychological performance, which were considered indicative of subtle effects of sub-concussive injuries and mild head injury (MHI). Surprisingly, following the assessment of concussed players during the season, the data did not show any reliable significant declines in cognitive performance compared to their baseline testing. However, mean scores of the concussed group did show a trend of decreased neuropsychological performance in almost every cognitive domain following the concussive injury. The data did not show any significant relationship between a history of three or more previous concussions and neuropsychological performance. Furthermore, no significant differences in neuropsychological performance between backline and forward players were evident. Conclusion: This research demonstrates that concussion can present serious consequences for athletes and warrants the attention it has received. This present study gives a clear description of the potential negative consequences of playing rugby, which are evident by looking at the change in scores between pre- and post-season testing and poorer performance in most neuropsychological measures following a concussive injury. Although this study dealt mainly with 'normal' players, the results shown here are a cause for concern. What has become evident is that the player need not be exposed to severe concussion in order to experience some form of cognitive impairments. Even if these impairments are minimal, they are however still present and have the potential of accumulating, which could lead to disastrous permanent deficits. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008

M.A. / South Africans are known for their love of sports and rugby is one of the most popular sports in the country. Due to this nationwide love of rugby children are often exposed to the game from a very young age. However, children’s participation in competitive rugby is a complex matter. It is unclear whether children participate in rugby for the simple love of the game or because of the competitive culture that is dominant within South Africa. Numerous studies have expressed concerns about children’s participation in rugby due to the physical risks, the psychological stress that accompanies competitive sports, the emphasis on winning (pressure to perform) and the resultant disappointment of losing. Research has also demonstrated that elevated anxiety levels are an integral part of competitive sport participation and impact physiological and psychological behavioural responses. However, previous research has not focused on anxiety in relation to competitive sport participation in the South African context or on the impact that participation in competitive rugby has on children in South Africa. This study thus aimed to investigate the anxiety experienced by high school rugby players and determine the extent to which their involvement in competitive rugby contributes to this anxiety. A within-and-between, quasi-experimental design study was conducted to address this primary aim. Twenty (20) children participated in the study; 10 of the participants played high school rugby, while the remaining 10 participants were not involved in any sport.

Sports law in South Africa is a field requiring exciting and intensive research. With so many sporting codes changing their status to professional sport, intensive research on the legal implications pertaining to each professional sporting code has also become necessary. Professional rugby in South Africa has grown into a multimillion rand industry. It is an industry whose role players need specialized legal advice on a multitude of issues. This dissertation addresses the legal issues arising out of the situation where a professional player is injured, during practice or a game, due to the intentional or negligent action of another. The medico-legal aspects of rugby, relating to causation and proof of injuries are an indispensable element of proving liability where rugby injuries are concerned. These aspects are crucial in assessing the criminal and delictual liability of players, coaches, referees, team physicians and even the union concerned. The problem of rugby violence, causing injury, is addressed by both the criminal law and the law of delict with the issue of consent being central to this discussion. Furthermore, the labour law implications can be far-reaching for both the player and the employer union due to the unique features of sport as an industry. All role players in professional rugby will have to cooperate with the legal community to ensure that a practical body of law is established in order to make rugby a safer sport for all concerned and to protect the professional player from unnecessary, incapacitating injury.

M.A. / In this study it is assumed that psychological factors are playing an increasingly important role in the success of rugby teams in a professional era. One such a factor is that of group dynamics and specifically that of group cohesion. In this study, the use of another psychological construct, personality, in the improvement of cohesion is investigated. The personality profiles of the players in a particular team are analysed to determine the possible effects that the personalities of the players could have on the cohesion in the team. In this regard, the Jackson Personality Inventory —Revised is used to plot the personality profiles of all the players. Only scales of the inventory, that are relevant to cohesion, are being used. The relevancy of these particular scales are determined by the literary review of the cohesion construct, which includes the definition and essence of cohesion. Correlation studies would have to determine the true correlation between cohesion and the selected scales of the inventory. General tendencies in the team regarding the profiles and consequent influence on cohesion are discussed as well as the individual profiles of each one of the members of the team. In this regard, the possible influence that a particular player's personality profile could have on the cohesion in the team, is indicated and discussed. It is concluded that the use of personality profiles could be seen as a framework from which coaches and managers of rugbyteams could make use of in order to improve the cohesion in the team.

Thesis (M.Ed.)--University of South Africa, 2002.

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The human body has developed an integrated antioxidant defence system to protect against free radical damage. Acute exercise may result in the increased generation of free radicals, including reactive oxygen species, and this may overwhelm antioxidant defence systems resulting in oxidative stress. However, it has been shown that individuals who undergo regular exercise training may have improved antioxidant capacity when compared to sedentary controls. Results from research regarding the association between antioxidant capacity and exercise training are however not conclusive and further investigation is required. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association between the total plasma antioxidant status and selected plasma indicators of antioxidant status and the MnSOD Ala-9Val (-28C®T) polymorphism in trained male athletes (rugby players) and sedentary male students while controlling for dietary intake of the major antioxidants using a validated dietary assessment method. In order to address the potential confounding effect of dietary antioxidant intake on antioxidant status in the main study, a FFQ that measures vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoid and flavonoid intake was developed. The reproducibility was assessed by the repeat administration of the FFQ (n = 38), while the va lidity was assessed using a 28-day closeended dietary record and repeated plasma vitamin C values (n = 18). Several statistical tests were conducted to compare the values obtained from the FFQ with values obtained from the various reference methods. While results from Bland-Altman plots suggested that the reproducibility and validity of FFQ was not completely satisfactory, similar mean values, moderate to strong correlation coefficients, and a high percentage of individuals classified correctly according to quartiles of intake indicated satisfactory reproducibility and validity of the FFQ in assessing antioxidant intake. Furthermore, moderate to strong validity coefficients obtained from the method of triads also indicated satisfactory validity for the FFQ. The main study involved a cross-sectional study that compared plasma vitamin C and carotenoid levels as well as total plasma antioxidant status in trained rugby players (n = 76) and sedentary male subjects (n = 39) with different MnSOD genotypes, while controlling for dietary antioxidant intake. Rugby players had significantly higher plasma vitamin C and carotenoid levels compared to sedentary students, which indicated more satisfactory plasma antioxidant status. This was also reflected in the tendency for total plasma antioxidant status (ORAC assay) to be higher in rugby players than sedentary students. MnSOD genotype did not influence plasma vitamin C and carotenoid levels or plasma total antioxidant status, with or without control for dietary antioxidant intake. Dietary vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoid an flavonoid intake (from foods + supplements) was similar for rugby players and sedentary students and was adequate for both groups. Thus the association between antioxidant status and MnSOD genotype in rugby players and sedentary students seemed not to be influenced by dietary antioxidant intake. In conclusion therefore, rugby players undergoing regular exercise training had a more satisfactory antioxidant status compared to sedentary students. Based on this conclusion, the widespread use of antioxidant supplements by athletes is questioned. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die menslike liggaam beskik oor ‘n geintegreerde antioksidantmeganisme om dit teen vryradikaalskade te beskerm. Akute oefening kan bydra tot ‘n verhoogde produksie van vry radikale, insluitend reaktiewe suurstofspesies, wat kan veroorsaak dat die antioksidantbeskermingsmeganisme oorlaai word, wat dan kan aanleiding gee tot die ontstaan van oksidatiewe stress. Dit is aangetoon dat persone wat gereeld oefening doen verbeterde antioksidantkapasiteit toon in vergelyking met persone wat geen oefening doen nie. Die resultate van navorsingstudies wat die verband tussen antioksidantkapasiteit en oefening ondersoek is egter teenstrydig en verdere navorsing op hierdie gebied is essensieël om uitsluitsel te kry oor kontensieuse vraagstukke. Die doel van hierdie studie was dus om ondersoek in te stel na die verband tussen plasma antioksidant status, die MnSOD Ala-9Val (-28C T) polimorfisme en geselekteerde plasma antioksidantmerkers in geoefende manlike atlete (rugby spelers) en ‘n onaktiewe manlike kontrolegroep terwyl gekontroleer word vir die dieetinname van die vernaamste antioksidante. Om vir die potensiële invloed van dieetantioksidantinname op die antioksidantstatus van proefpersone in die hoofstudie te kontroleer, is ‘n voedsel frekwensievraelys wat vitamien C-, vitamien E-, karotenoïed- en flavinoïedinname meet, ontwikkel. Die herhaalbaarheid (betroubaarheid) van die vraelys is getoets deur herhaalde voltooiing daarvan deur ‘n toetsgroep (n=38), terwyl die geldighied getoets is deur gebruik te maak van ‘n 28-dag geslote dieetrekord en herhaalde plasma vitamien C bepalings as verwysingswaardes (n=18). Verskeie statistiese toetse is uitgevoer om die frekwensievraelys waardes met die verskillende verwysingswaardes te vergelyk. Alhoewel die Bland -Altman grafieke nie dui op bevredigende herhaalbaarheid en geldigheid van die voedselfrekwensie vraelys nie, dui gelyke gemiddelde waardes, matig tot sterk en betekenisvolle korrelasiekoeffisiënte en ‘n hoë persentasie individue korrek geklassifiseer volgens kwartiele van inname, wel op bevredigende herhaalbaarheid en geldigheid. Matige tot sterk geldigheidskoeffisiënte is ook verkry met die toepassing van “The method of Triads”, wat verdere steun bied vir bevredigende geldigheid. In die hoofstudie is plasma vitamien C, karotenoïedvlakke en totale plasma antioksidantstatus in manlike rugby spelers (n=76) vergelyk met dié van onaktiewe manlike kontroles (n=39). Vergelykings tussen MnSOD genotipes binne die aktiwiteitsgroepe is ook getref. Al genoemde analises is gekontroleer vir dieet antioksidantinname. Resultate dui daarop dat die plasma vitamien C en karotenoïedvlakke van rugby spelers betekenisvol hoër was as dié van die kontrolegroep, wat dui op ‘n meer bevredigende antioksidantstatus. Hierdie resultaat is ook weerspieël in die feit dat totale plasma antioksidantstatus (ORAC) in die rugby spelers oog geneig was om hoër te wees as dié van die kontrole groep. Dit het ook geblyk dat MnSOD genotipe nie ‘n effek gehad het op plasma vitamien C-, karotenoïed- of totale antioksidantstatus nie, met of sonder kontrole vir dieet antioksidantinname. Die dieet vitamien C-, vitamien E-, karotenoïed- en flavinoïedinname (vanaf voedsel en supplemente) was dieselfde vir rugby spelers en kontrole en was toereikend vir beide groepe. Dit blyk dus dat dat die verband tussen antioksidantstatus en MnSOD genotipe in die twee groepe nie beinvloed is deur antioksidantinname nie. Ten slotte kan die gevolgtrekking gemaak word dat manlike rugby spelers ‘n meer bevredigende antioksidant status het as onaktiwe manlike kontroles. Op grond van hierdie gevolgtrekking word die algemene gebruik van antioksidant supplemente deur atlete bevraagteken.

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / Text in Afrikaans / Hierdie navorsing het die verband tussen vroee adolessenterugbyspelers se doelorientering en selfkonsep, empiries en in die literatuur, ondersoek. Die literatuurondersoek het getoon dat doelorientering oar twee komponente beskik, naamlik taakbetrokkenheid en egobetrokkenheid. Taakbetrokke sportdeelnemers fokus op vaardigheidsontwikkeling en gebruik hulle eie prestasies as maatstaf vir sukses. Hulle beleef sukses wanneer 'n taak bemeester is, leer plaasvind, of daar 'n verbetering in die uitvoering van die taak is. Sukses word toegeskryf aan die mate van inspanning gelewer. Egobetrokke sportdeelnemers fokus op die wenmotief, gebruik normatiewe vergelyking as maatstaf vir prestasie, en beleef sukses wanneer hulle eie prestasies gunstig met die van ander kan vergelyk. Sukses word aan aangebore talent toegeskryf. Die empiriese ondersoek het bevind dat taakbetrokkenheid positief verband hou met die globale, persoonlike, en sosiale self. Egobetrokkenheid hou negatief verband met die fisieke self, en positief verband met kompetisie-angs. / The research investigated, in the literature and empirically, the possible relation between the goal orientation of male adolescent rugby players and their self-concept. The literature study indicated that goal orientation has two components, namely task involvement and ego involvement. In task-involved sport participation, skills development is emphasized, evaluation of achievement is self-referenced, and success experienced when learning takes place, a task is mastered, or when there is improvement in the execution of tasks. Success is attributed to effort. In ego-involved sport participation objective outcomes are emphasized (i.e. winning), evaluation of achievement is norm-based, and success experienced when own achievements are favourably compared to those of other sport participants. Success is attributed to natural ability. The empirical study indicated a positive relation between task-involved sport participation and the global, personal, and social self. A negative relation between ego-involved sport participation and the physical self, and a positive relation between ego involvement and competition-anxiety was found. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Spesialisering in Voorligting)