Nov
27
Globalization And Sport
Filed Under Business | Leave a Comment
Jonathon Hardcastle asked:
During the 20th century, sports took on an increasingly international flavor; aside from the world championships for individual sports, like soccer’s World Cup, large-scale international meets, such as the Pan-American games and the Commonwealth games, were inaugurated. Sports have correspondingly become increasingly politicized, as shown in the boycott of the 1980 Moscow games by Western nations and the retaliatory boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles games by Soviet-bloc nations, an exchange brought on by Soviet actions in Afghanistan.
Politics directly related with economic issues, influence the course of action one country might choose against another and affect sports as they are a vital part of a nation’s role in the global scene. Individual countries during the recent past have boycotted sport events or used them for propaganda reasons and thus, imposed their political views affecting the global scene. Due to the worlds’ interest in sport, the power to influence the public becomes a huge issue and has been the reason for many ‘country-battles’ in the recent past. At the same time, the commercialism that accompanied spectator sports gradually engulfed both amateur and professional sports. By the late 20th century, the televising of athletic events had made sports big business. On the other hand, expanding public concern with personal physical health led to mass participation, not necessarily competitive, in sports like running, hiking, cycling, martial arts, and gymnastics. Athletic activity by women expanded, especially after political action in the 1960s and 1970s opened doors to many forms of competition and an increased share of public funding for sports.
Economic integration and free trade have and surely will, continue to affect the sports and fitness industry in the future. Countries use sports either to impose their economic power over others, or to elevate their current role. Due to sport’s great costs, counties’ governments engage themselves in promoting and supporting these economic needs by authorising special public monetary programs or by seeking private financing. Corporate sponsorships are today a reality, as companies spend about $6 billion annually sponsoring activities ranging from the Olympic Games to the World Cup. The popularity of sponsored events is due to several reasons. They enhance the reputation and image of the sponsor, they provide a focal point for marketing efforts and sales campaigns, and they generate publicity and media coverage. More cost-effective than advertising, sponsorships include prestige and at times target a worldwide audience. Broadcasting rights, ticket sales, merchandising, and sponsorships, are the main reasons of sport’s unique role in a country’s strategy.
Living today in the information age, with amazing revolutions in technology and communication, sport experts believe that sport is greatly influenced by the actions of individual nations, as well as by the international trends that influence the world economy. Moreover, being a spectacle, sport athletes have become professionals that through them their country’s culture is promoted and their achievements contribute to the country’s fame. Thus, the sport and fitness industries, as part of our Global Society, have become lately an issue of great concern. Studies worldwide provide valuable information about the political, geographical, economic, cultural, social, aesthetic and historical aspects of sports and it is firmly believed that they will continue ‘shaping’ one another in the years to come.
HUBERT
During the 20th century, sports took on an increasingly international flavor; aside from the world championships for individual sports, like soccer’s World Cup, large-scale international meets, such as the Pan-American games and the Commonwealth games, were inaugurated. Sports have correspondingly become increasingly politicized, as shown in the boycott of the 1980 Moscow games by Western nations and the retaliatory boycott of the 1984 Los Angeles games by Soviet-bloc nations, an exchange brought on by Soviet actions in Afghanistan.
Politics directly related with economic issues, influence the course of action one country might choose against another and affect sports as they are a vital part of a nation’s role in the global scene. Individual countries during the recent past have boycotted sport events or used them for propaganda reasons and thus, imposed their political views affecting the global scene. Due to the worlds’ interest in sport, the power to influence the public becomes a huge issue and has been the reason for many ‘country-battles’ in the recent past. At the same time, the commercialism that accompanied spectator sports gradually engulfed both amateur and professional sports. By the late 20th century, the televising of athletic events had made sports big business. On the other hand, expanding public concern with personal physical health led to mass participation, not necessarily competitive, in sports like running, hiking, cycling, martial arts, and gymnastics. Athletic activity by women expanded, especially after political action in the 1960s and 1970s opened doors to many forms of competition and an increased share of public funding for sports.
Economic integration and free trade have and surely will, continue to affect the sports and fitness industry in the future. Countries use sports either to impose their economic power over others, or to elevate their current role. Due to sport’s great costs, counties’ governments engage themselves in promoting and supporting these economic needs by authorising special public monetary programs or by seeking private financing. Corporate sponsorships are today a reality, as companies spend about $6 billion annually sponsoring activities ranging from the Olympic Games to the World Cup. The popularity of sponsored events is due to several reasons. They enhance the reputation and image of the sponsor, they provide a focal point for marketing efforts and sales campaigns, and they generate publicity and media coverage. More cost-effective than advertising, sponsorships include prestige and at times target a worldwide audience. Broadcasting rights, ticket sales, merchandising, and sponsorships, are the main reasons of sport’s unique role in a country’s strategy.
Living today in the information age, with amazing revolutions in technology and communication, sport experts believe that sport is greatly influenced by the actions of individual nations, as well as by the international trends that influence the world economy. Moreover, being a spectacle, sport athletes have become professionals that through them their country’s culture is promoted and their achievements contribute to the country’s fame. Thus, the sport and fitness industries, as part of our Global Society, have become lately an issue of great concern. Studies worldwide provide valuable information about the political, geographical, economic, cultural, social, aesthetic and historical aspects of sports and it is firmly believed that they will continue ‘shaping’ one another in the years to come.
HUBERT
Nov
26
What kind of sports underwear do they make for young boys?
Filed Under Toddler Preschooler | 2 Comments
Christopher L asked:
What kind of underwear and accessories do they have for sports for young boys? Where do they sell them?
HIRAM
What kind of underwear and accessories do they have for sports for young boys? Where do they sell them?
HIRAM
Nov
25
Robert Riles asked:
For sports fans, having an art sports piece in their house would be a matter of pride. They would proudly show off their art sports items and some might even display it on their mantle piece which would be the focal point in that room. Some of the sports fanatics go to an extent of preserving things like a worn jersey that belonged to a player that they had got at an auction or a bandana they found in the stadium. Anything and everything that reminds them of a memorable moment is considered worthy of being shown off. After a point this becomes a topic of conversation and anyone who comes home is told the story of how the person got the jersey or piece of art.
Art sports pieces are always considered to be precious and preserved by the people who have it in their homes or offices. Sometimes they might pick up a fancy photo frame and put in a picture taken during a match or a catch that they managed to capture in their camera. Anything that happened during a memorable match will be remembered and pictures and posters are a way of remembering and cherishing those priceless moments. This term is at times used to talk about creative sports activities such as gymnastics and such. Off late, they have also been gaining a lot of importance and part of the Olympic sports events.
More than sports players, it’s the fans and family members who get all excited and love talking about the sport. The games played by the players will be described in detail and every action will be recorded. There are some players who apart from playing also endorse some products or services and appear in commercials. These players are almost worshipped by some and one would find their posters and pictures pasted all over the walls. There have been many movies where this has been depicted. In some cases, again it is because the person enjoys the sport that they pick up art sports pieces whereas in others it is merely as a way of showing off the person they look upto or worship.
If a famous player is associated with a charitable organization, they might give away their personal belongings through auctions to raise money for the organization. At such times, people who enjoy that sport or worship that player will bid for the product, purchase it just so they can have possession of a shirt worn by Tiger woods during his previous tournament. Or they are now the proud owners of a racket that Andre Agassi used in the French open. Art sports are all about collecting products or objects associated with a sports person or a personality that one admires the most. These art sports pieces will become decorative or pieces that get passed down from generations preserved for future members of the family. Such is the beauty of these items that are considered collectibles and are even insured against theft.
DAVID
For sports fans, having an art sports piece in their house would be a matter of pride. They would proudly show off their art sports items and some might even display it on their mantle piece which would be the focal point in that room. Some of the sports fanatics go to an extent of preserving things like a worn jersey that belonged to a player that they had got at an auction or a bandana they found in the stadium. Anything and everything that reminds them of a memorable moment is considered worthy of being shown off. After a point this becomes a topic of conversation and anyone who comes home is told the story of how the person got the jersey or piece of art.
Art sports pieces are always considered to be precious and preserved by the people who have it in their homes or offices. Sometimes they might pick up a fancy photo frame and put in a picture taken during a match or a catch that they managed to capture in their camera. Anything that happened during a memorable match will be remembered and pictures and posters are a way of remembering and cherishing those priceless moments. This term is at times used to talk about creative sports activities such as gymnastics and such. Off late, they have also been gaining a lot of importance and part of the Olympic sports events.
More than sports players, it’s the fans and family members who get all excited and love talking about the sport. The games played by the players will be described in detail and every action will be recorded. There are some players who apart from playing also endorse some products or services and appear in commercials. These players are almost worshipped by some and one would find their posters and pictures pasted all over the walls. There have been many movies where this has been depicted. In some cases, again it is because the person enjoys the sport that they pick up art sports pieces whereas in others it is merely as a way of showing off the person they look upto or worship.
If a famous player is associated with a charitable organization, they might give away their personal belongings through auctions to raise money for the organization. At such times, people who enjoy that sport or worship that player will bid for the product, purchase it just so they can have possession of a shirt worn by Tiger woods during his previous tournament. Or they are now the proud owners of a racket that Andre Agassi used in the French open. Art sports are all about collecting products or objects associated with a sports person or a personality that one admires the most. These art sports pieces will become decorative or pieces that get passed down from generations preserved for future members of the family. Such is the beauty of these items that are considered collectibles and are even insured against theft.
DAVID
Nov
21
A Sport Betting Pro Reveals How to Win 97% of your Sport Bets!
Filed Under Football | Leave a Comment
Attila Kovacs asked:
Online sports betting (secure wagering on all sports, basketball, football, and baseball) is a fast and quick rush. You can find thousands of online sports betting sites that offer services on all genres of sports. Online sports betting is interactive and international making the odds and the winning amount very exciting. Some people do this for fun, but for others it can be a steady income.
John Morrison at SportsBettingChamp.com has discovered a spectacular sport betting system that he has used to produce an astonishing 97% winning rate on all of his sport bets. For the first time ever, John has made his revolutionary sport betting system available to a limited number of individuals.
But before you place any bets, make sure the sports book you’ll be using is trustworthy by seeing that it is a member of some well-known gambling association and its payment history and credibility are unblemished. Bet on games where the sports book’s commission is the least because this is an area that the sports book has the maximum amount of business.
You can now gain access to the same betting system that has netted John over $375,000 over the last several years. Here’s a look at John’s incredible win-loss betting record since 2003:
NBA Basketball:
2003-04 season: 68 wins – 2 Losses
2004-05 season: 71 wins – 3 Losses
2005-06 season: 66 wins – 2 Losses
MLB Baseball:
2004 season: 48 wins – 0 Losses
2005 season: 55 wins – 3 Losses
2006 season: 52 wins – 1 Loss
2007 season: 67 wins – 3 Losses
That’s an accumulated record of 427 wins and 14 losses over the last several years of betting
John has now finally broken the silence on his ingenious sport betting system. Along with the red-hot system, John will also provide you with a lifetime of free picks, an unheard-of deposit bonus offer, a “No Ifs, Ands, or Buts Personal Guarantee” as well as a dose of other splendid incentives. Head over to SportBettingChamp.com today to take a look at this limited offer while it’s still available.
This is a challenging form of betting and good sports betting relies on a great deal of skill and strategy. Your favoritism for a team should not get in the way of an intelligent bet. If you are methodical about a game and it’s players then the sports betting arena will fit you like a glove. You can develop this skill over a period of time and regular systematic betting increases your chances of winning.
Not only do you want to study the team’s performance before choosing a bet, you want to also study the range of available odds because the type of bet and the amount you will wager depends on odds. The odds must be at least in the ratio of 2:1 for the bet to be worthwhile. There are also two types of wagers: straight-up or money line bet or point spread wager. Money lines or straight-up are usually used for odds on games such as hockey, baseball, soccer or boxing. Point spreads are used in sports such as American football and basketball. So find the right website for you and enjoy your Internet betting. Teach yourself to look for value odds and over time you’ll become a pro.
If you would like more information on sports betting, Jeff Waits has revealed a system that will guarantee 97% or your sports bets here:
http://www.squidoo.com/Sport-Betting-Champ-Honest-Review
HAROLD
Online sports betting (secure wagering on all sports, basketball, football, and baseball) is a fast and quick rush. You can find thousands of online sports betting sites that offer services on all genres of sports. Online sports betting is interactive and international making the odds and the winning amount very exciting. Some people do this for fun, but for others it can be a steady income.
John Morrison at SportsBettingChamp.com has discovered a spectacular sport betting system that he has used to produce an astonishing 97% winning rate on all of his sport bets. For the first time ever, John has made his revolutionary sport betting system available to a limited number of individuals.
But before you place any bets, make sure the sports book you’ll be using is trustworthy by seeing that it is a member of some well-known gambling association and its payment history and credibility are unblemished. Bet on games where the sports book’s commission is the least because this is an area that the sports book has the maximum amount of business.
You can now gain access to the same betting system that has netted John over $375,000 over the last several years. Here’s a look at John’s incredible win-loss betting record since 2003:
NBA Basketball:
2003-04 season: 68 wins – 2 Losses
2004-05 season: 71 wins – 3 Losses
2005-06 season: 66 wins – 2 Losses
MLB Baseball:
2004 season: 48 wins – 0 Losses
2005 season: 55 wins – 3 Losses
2006 season: 52 wins – 1 Loss
2007 season: 67 wins – 3 Losses
That’s an accumulated record of 427 wins and 14 losses over the last several years of betting
John has now finally broken the silence on his ingenious sport betting system. Along with the red-hot system, John will also provide you with a lifetime of free picks, an unheard-of deposit bonus offer, a “No Ifs, Ands, or Buts Personal Guarantee” as well as a dose of other splendid incentives. Head over to SportBettingChamp.com today to take a look at this limited offer while it’s still available.
This is a challenging form of betting and good sports betting relies on a great deal of skill and strategy. Your favoritism for a team should not get in the way of an intelligent bet. If you are methodical about a game and it’s players then the sports betting arena will fit you like a glove. You can develop this skill over a period of time and regular systematic betting increases your chances of winning.
Not only do you want to study the team’s performance before choosing a bet, you want to also study the range of available odds because the type of bet and the amount you will wager depends on odds. The odds must be at least in the ratio of 2:1 for the bet to be worthwhile. There are also two types of wagers: straight-up or money line bet or point spread wager. Money lines or straight-up are usually used for odds on games such as hockey, baseball, soccer or boxing. Point spreads are used in sports such as American football and basketball. So find the right website for you and enjoy your Internet betting. Teach yourself to look for value odds and over time you’ll become a pro.
If you would like more information on sports betting, Jeff Waits has revealed a system that will guarantee 97% or your sports bets here:
http://www.squidoo.com/Sport-Betting-Champ-Honest-Review
HAROLD
Nov
16
What are some good sports cards to invest in?
Filed Under Baseball | 4 Comments
NYYanks - ‘09 asked:
Please, only collectors answer this question or only if you know what you’re talking about.
Please, only collectors answer this question or only if you know what you’re talking about.
I’ve been into collecting for about 4 months now. Baseball sports cards only. And my question is-
What are some good sports cards to invest in? Like cards that cost about $100 and are already graded PSA or BGS 10. Links to eBay would be great!
ABDUL
Nov
12
Pre-game Sports Sponsors “athletes of the Week” Segment on Watd’s “sports Exchange”
Filed Under Sports And Fitness | Leave a Comment
Nancy Sheerin asked:
Pre-Game Sports, Marshfield’s premier sporting goods retailer located in Webster Square, has honored several of these star athletes as part of the “Athletes of the Week” segment of “The Sports Exchange” program on WATD-FM 95.9.
January’s winners of the winter sports season’s “Athlete of the Week,” as selected by The Sports Exchange host Bill Wilhelm, include:
? Nicole Beresford, Marshfield High School girls basketball
? Taryn Asta, Marshfield High School girls basketball
? Ryan Joyce, Marshfield High School boys basketball
? Mike Albanese, Boston College High School basketball, Marshfield resident
Recipients appear on the “Athlete of the Week” segment of “The Sports Exchange,” hosted by Wilhelm and Arthur Boyle, airing Sunday nights from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
In addition, the Athlete of the Week receives a Pre-Game Sports custom-designed sweatshirt commemorating this achievement.
“As a local sporting goods retailer serving the greater Marshfield area, high school and youth sports are the lifeline of our business. We also work with a lot of youth sports teams and the Marshfield Boys and Girls Club. So, it’s a privilege to honor these athletes, some of whom we’ve known for years, by sponsoring “The Athlete of the Week” segment,” said Mike Seyffert, co-owner of Pre-Game Sports.
Pre-Game Sports carries full lines of equipment and accessories for all the major sports—football, baseball, basketball and hockey—as well as the up-and-coming—soccer and lacrosse as well as paintball and indoor games. Pre-Game also carries fan gear for all the Boston sports teams.
Beyond products and apparel, Pre-Game’s offers skate-sharpening services for the hockey and figure skating crowd and silk screening and embroidery services for local sports teams and companies. Pre-Game has a “no order is too large or small” policy, which is evident in the range of customers who take advantage of this service—from Clean Harbors Environmental Services to local swimming clubs to family reunions.
Pre-Game Sports is an active member of the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce and heavily involved with youth organizations in the Town of Marshfield, like the Marshfield Boys & Girls Club and the Coastal Stars youth hockey program.
Located next to the Star Market at 26 Snow Road in Marshfield’s Webster Square, Pre-Game Sports’ store hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have any questions about Pre-Game Sports’ products or services, you can visit them online at www.pre-gamesports.com or call the store directly at (781) 834-2747.
JEREMIAH
Pre-Game Sports, Marshfield’s premier sporting goods retailer located in Webster Square, has honored several of these star athletes as part of the “Athletes of the Week” segment of “The Sports Exchange” program on WATD-FM 95.9.
January’s winners of the winter sports season’s “Athlete of the Week,” as selected by The Sports Exchange host Bill Wilhelm, include:
? Nicole Beresford, Marshfield High School girls basketball
? Taryn Asta, Marshfield High School girls basketball
? Ryan Joyce, Marshfield High School boys basketball
? Mike Albanese, Boston College High School basketball, Marshfield resident
Recipients appear on the “Athlete of the Week” segment of “The Sports Exchange,” hosted by Wilhelm and Arthur Boyle, airing Sunday nights from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
In addition, the Athlete of the Week receives a Pre-Game Sports custom-designed sweatshirt commemorating this achievement.
“As a local sporting goods retailer serving the greater Marshfield area, high school and youth sports are the lifeline of our business. We also work with a lot of youth sports teams and the Marshfield Boys and Girls Club. So, it’s a privilege to honor these athletes, some of whom we’ve known for years, by sponsoring “The Athlete of the Week” segment,” said Mike Seyffert, co-owner of Pre-Game Sports.
Pre-Game Sports carries full lines of equipment and accessories for all the major sports—football, baseball, basketball and hockey—as well as the up-and-coming—soccer and lacrosse as well as paintball and indoor games. Pre-Game also carries fan gear for all the Boston sports teams.
Beyond products and apparel, Pre-Game’s offers skate-sharpening services for the hockey and figure skating crowd and silk screening and embroidery services for local sports teams and companies. Pre-Game has a “no order is too large or small” policy, which is evident in the range of customers who take advantage of this service—from Clean Harbors Environmental Services to local swimming clubs to family reunions.
Pre-Game Sports is an active member of the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce and heavily involved with youth organizations in the Town of Marshfield, like the Marshfield Boys & Girls Club and the Coastal Stars youth hockey program.
Located next to the Star Market at 26 Snow Road in Marshfield’s Webster Square, Pre-Game Sports’ store hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have any questions about Pre-Game Sports’ products or services, you can visit them online at www.pre-gamesports.com or call the store directly at (781) 834-2747.
JEREMIAH
Nov
8
Pre-game Sports Sponsors “athletes of the Week” Segment on Watd’s “sports Exchange”
Filed Under Sports And Fitness | Leave a Comment
Nancy Sheerin asked:
Pre-Game Sports, Marshfield’s premier sporting goods retailer located in Webster Square, has honored several of these star athletes as part of the “Athletes of the Week” segment of “The Sports Exchange” program on WATD-FM 95.9.
The most recent winners of the winter sports season’s “Athlete of the Week,” as selected by The Sports Exchange host Bill Wilhelm, include:
? Connor Toomey, senior, Marshfield High School boys hockey
? Eric Perry, senior, Marshfield High School boys hockey
? Maggie Burke, Notre Dame Academy, junior, hockey, Marshfield resident.
? Ryan Connors, freshmen, Marshfield High School boys basketball
? Tom Fitzgerald, junior, Marshfield High School boys basketball
Recipients appear on the “Athlete of the Week” segment of “The Sports Exchange,” hosted by Wilhelm and Arthur Boyle, airing Sunday nights from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
In addition, the Athlete of the Week receives a Pre-Game Sports custom-designed sweatshirt commemorating this achievement.
“As a local sporting goods retailer serving the greater Marshfield area, high school and youth sports are the lifeline of our business. We also work with a lot of youth sports teams and the Marshfield Boys and Girls Club. So, it’s a privilege to honor these athletes, some of whom we’ve known for years, by sponsoring “The Athlete of the Week” segment,” said Mike Seyffert, co-owner of Pre-Game Sports.
Pre-Game Sports carries full lines of equipment and accessories for all the major sports—football, baseball, basketball and hockey—as well as the up-and-coming—soccer and lacrosse as well as paintball and indoor games. Pre-Game also carries fan gear for all the Boston sports teams.
Beyond products and apparel, Pre-Game’s offers skate-sharpening services for the hockey and figure skating crowd and silk screening and embroidery services for local sports teams and companies. Pre-Game has a “no order is too large or small” policy, which is evident in the range of customers who take advantage of this service—from Clean Harbors Environmental Services to local swimming clubs to family reunions.
Pre-Game Sports is an active member of the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce and heavily involved with youth organizations in the Town of Marshfield, like the Marshfield Boys & Girls Club and the Coastal Stars youth hockey program.
Located next to the Star Market at 26 Snow Road in Marshfield’s Webster Square, Pre-Game Sports’ store hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have any questions about Pre-Game Sports’ products or services, you can visit them online at www.pre-gamesports.com or call the store directly at (781) 834-2747.
REGINALD
Pre-Game Sports, Marshfield’s premier sporting goods retailer located in Webster Square, has honored several of these star athletes as part of the “Athletes of the Week” segment of “The Sports Exchange” program on WATD-FM 95.9.
The most recent winners of the winter sports season’s “Athlete of the Week,” as selected by The Sports Exchange host Bill Wilhelm, include:
? Connor Toomey, senior, Marshfield High School boys hockey
? Eric Perry, senior, Marshfield High School boys hockey
? Maggie Burke, Notre Dame Academy, junior, hockey, Marshfield resident.
? Ryan Connors, freshmen, Marshfield High School boys basketball
? Tom Fitzgerald, junior, Marshfield High School boys basketball
Recipients appear on the “Athlete of the Week” segment of “The Sports Exchange,” hosted by Wilhelm and Arthur Boyle, airing Sunday nights from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
In addition, the Athlete of the Week receives a Pre-Game Sports custom-designed sweatshirt commemorating this achievement.
“As a local sporting goods retailer serving the greater Marshfield area, high school and youth sports are the lifeline of our business. We also work with a lot of youth sports teams and the Marshfield Boys and Girls Club. So, it’s a privilege to honor these athletes, some of whom we’ve known for years, by sponsoring “The Athlete of the Week” segment,” said Mike Seyffert, co-owner of Pre-Game Sports.
Pre-Game Sports carries full lines of equipment and accessories for all the major sports—football, baseball, basketball and hockey—as well as the up-and-coming—soccer and lacrosse as well as paintball and indoor games. Pre-Game also carries fan gear for all the Boston sports teams.
Beyond products and apparel, Pre-Game’s offers skate-sharpening services for the hockey and figure skating crowd and silk screening and embroidery services for local sports teams and companies. Pre-Game has a “no order is too large or small” policy, which is evident in the range of customers who take advantage of this service—from Clean Harbors Environmental Services to local swimming clubs to family reunions.
Pre-Game Sports is an active member of the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce and heavily involved with youth organizations in the Town of Marshfield, like the Marshfield Boys & Girls Club and the Coastal Stars youth hockey program.
Located next to the Star Market at 26 Snow Road in Marshfield’s Webster Square, Pre-Game Sports’ store hours are Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you have any questions about Pre-Game Sports’ products or services, you can visit them online at www.pre-gamesports.com or call the store directly at (781) 834-2747.
REGINALD
Nov
1
Stephen Carter asked:
Success in sports photography depends for the most part on knowing ahead of time how the action will play out. It is very rarely an accident that the professional sports photographer has his or her camera pointing in the right direction when the money shot arrives. There are happy exceptions, but no serious photographer relies upon happenstance to pay their bills.
Now, this approach to capturing great sporting images seems to run counter to our notion that sporting events are entirely unpredictable. After all, great sums of money are lost at betting exchanges precisely because no one can consistently predict the outcome of a particular sporting event.
In reality, sports photographers take advantage of the complete predictability of a given athlete’s approach to their sporting event. Nobody reaches competition-level performance without repeating the same series of movements over and over again. Repetition and choreographed movement are the norm, not the exception. Even racing horses and hounds run in a straight line!
The best sports photography is arrived at through preparation, not through the careful selection of photographic equipment, nor by ensuring an unblemished attendance record at sporting events - these are mere prerequisites which even the most unremarkable sports photographer can match.
Louis Pasteur was not known for his photographic exploits, but when he said “Chance favors the prepared mind” he captured perfectly the sentiment required for sports photography success. Before you set foot on the sports field with camera in hand, or walk into an indoor arena and cast around for the perfect vantage point, you need to have done your research.
If you will be photographing a gymnastics event you should have purchased a beginners guide to the subject and learned everything you can about mandatory movements and the sequence in which they will be executed. You should have studied hours of taped events and got to the point where you can anticipate the next move, as though it was you on that floor, beam, or set of bars, readying yourself for the signature move that will leave the crowd cheering.
Not until you understand the mindset of the athletes you are photographing, and got yourself to the point where it feels as though there is nothing they can do to surprise you, will you be ready to capture them, when the time comes, doing something completely unexpected.
In the instant when the unusual presents itself, you will recognize the moment, and capture it, as if purely by instinct, though in fact it will be your hours of preparation that has triggered your response. When other photographers catch themselves thinking “Whoa. If she does that again I’ll be ready for it” you’ll simply be nodding silently to yourself knowing that the moment has passed and will not be repeating itself, but that’s OK because you *were* ready and you did capture the moment.
Being prepared for the unexpected, and reaping the reward with a sports photograph that no-one else can claim is more than just a little exciting. When you look into your LCD screen and you see that you have captured an astonishing image, it is every bit as invigorating as if you had accidentally kicked up a gold coin from the sand while out walking on the beach one day. No matter how much you prepare for success beforehand, every great image comes as a complete surprise.
But while it may be satisfying and remarkable to get the money shot in the form of an unanticipated event captured for all eternity, it is not something you want to rely upon as a sports photographer. In fact, the money shot, more often than not, is found in the ordinary rhythms of the sporting event itself. You simply need to recognize what they are and find the best vantage point from which to capture them.
Racing, in all its forms, has a very well-defined starting point. All athletes (or racing animals) are on an exactly equal footing when they burst free of the starting blocks (or stalls) and jockey for position. This release of energy can make for explosive and timeless images of struggle. It is a moment when anything is possible and every competitor is still in the running for first place. Just five seconds later it might be a very different story.
But you will have to decide where you want to catch the action: at the starter’s blocks, or at the finish line. You will not be able to cover both angles of the event. On the other hand, it is always a good idea to take a look around and see what your competition is doing. If every other photographer is battling for a position to cover the action on the field, then that’s probably not where you want to be. Maybe it is time to look at what the sports competitors are doing *between* events.
I once captured a top-lit female gymnast sitting on the mens horse apparatus in the low light of the gymnasium while she watched the competition at the far end of the hall. It made for a serenely beautiful black and white sports photo. Had I been focused on the action I never would have noticed her. Opportunities like this present themselves all the time, so if you find you are having difficulty getting near the action, take a breather and see what else is going on around you. Sometimes the money shot is right there on the sidelines.
To help you begin your journey into sports photography, I have summarized for you my findings on the Best Digital SLR Cameras for any budget. You will also find great deals on digital cameras every day at http://www.bestdigitalcameradiscounts.com/
KAREEM
Success in sports photography depends for the most part on knowing ahead of time how the action will play out. It is very rarely an accident that the professional sports photographer has his or her camera pointing in the right direction when the money shot arrives. There are happy exceptions, but no serious photographer relies upon happenstance to pay their bills.
Now, this approach to capturing great sporting images seems to run counter to our notion that sporting events are entirely unpredictable. After all, great sums of money are lost at betting exchanges precisely because no one can consistently predict the outcome of a particular sporting event.
In reality, sports photographers take advantage of the complete predictability of a given athlete’s approach to their sporting event. Nobody reaches competition-level performance without repeating the same series of movements over and over again. Repetition and choreographed movement are the norm, not the exception. Even racing horses and hounds run in a straight line!
The best sports photography is arrived at through preparation, not through the careful selection of photographic equipment, nor by ensuring an unblemished attendance record at sporting events - these are mere prerequisites which even the most unremarkable sports photographer can match.
Louis Pasteur was not known for his photographic exploits, but when he said “Chance favors the prepared mind” he captured perfectly the sentiment required for sports photography success. Before you set foot on the sports field with camera in hand, or walk into an indoor arena and cast around for the perfect vantage point, you need to have done your research.
If you will be photographing a gymnastics event you should have purchased a beginners guide to the subject and learned everything you can about mandatory movements and the sequence in which they will be executed. You should have studied hours of taped events and got to the point where you can anticipate the next move, as though it was you on that floor, beam, or set of bars, readying yourself for the signature move that will leave the crowd cheering.
Not until you understand the mindset of the athletes you are photographing, and got yourself to the point where it feels as though there is nothing they can do to surprise you, will you be ready to capture them, when the time comes, doing something completely unexpected.
In the instant when the unusual presents itself, you will recognize the moment, and capture it, as if purely by instinct, though in fact it will be your hours of preparation that has triggered your response. When other photographers catch themselves thinking “Whoa. If she does that again I’ll be ready for it” you’ll simply be nodding silently to yourself knowing that the moment has passed and will not be repeating itself, but that’s OK because you *were* ready and you did capture the moment.
Being prepared for the unexpected, and reaping the reward with a sports photograph that no-one else can claim is more than just a little exciting. When you look into your LCD screen and you see that you have captured an astonishing image, it is every bit as invigorating as if you had accidentally kicked up a gold coin from the sand while out walking on the beach one day. No matter how much you prepare for success beforehand, every great image comes as a complete surprise.
But while it may be satisfying and remarkable to get the money shot in the form of an unanticipated event captured for all eternity, it is not something you want to rely upon as a sports photographer. In fact, the money shot, more often than not, is found in the ordinary rhythms of the sporting event itself. You simply need to recognize what they are and find the best vantage point from which to capture them.
Racing, in all its forms, has a very well-defined starting point. All athletes (or racing animals) are on an exactly equal footing when they burst free of the starting blocks (or stalls) and jockey for position. This release of energy can make for explosive and timeless images of struggle. It is a moment when anything is possible and every competitor is still in the running for first place. Just five seconds later it might be a very different story.
But you will have to decide where you want to catch the action: at the starter’s blocks, or at the finish line. You will not be able to cover both angles of the event. On the other hand, it is always a good idea to take a look around and see what your competition is doing. If every other photographer is battling for a position to cover the action on the field, then that’s probably not where you want to be. Maybe it is time to look at what the sports competitors are doing *between* events.
I once captured a top-lit female gymnast sitting on the mens horse apparatus in the low light of the gymnasium while she watched the competition at the far end of the hall. It made for a serenely beautiful black and white sports photo. Had I been focused on the action I never would have noticed her. Opportunities like this present themselves all the time, so if you find you are having difficulty getting near the action, take a breather and see what else is going on around you. Sometimes the money shot is right there on the sidelines.
To help you begin your journey into sports photography, I have summarized for you my findings on the Best Digital SLR Cameras for any budget. You will also find great deals on digital cameras every day at http://www.bestdigitalcameradiscounts.com/
KAREEM