Sports Rivalries 1

RUNNING HEAD: The Effects of Sports Rivalries

The Impact of Rivalries on the Sports Community

Sports Rivalries 2
Introduction
Growing up in a society focused on being the last one standing and living up to ones full
potential has fostered the rise of extreme competition. From a young age, kids are placed in
cleats and in an endless supply of jerseys and are thrown on the sports field expected to succeed.
They are taught to love their classmates in school, yet despise them on the field or court.
Individuals grow and develop in this kind of environment: one where success is
demanded. This craziness of competition and rivalry has quickly transformed and has begun to
take over the entertainment world. The World Series, Stanley Cup, Super Bowl, and March
Madness all make individuals, both athletes and fans, crazed. Schools and club level teams form
rivalries from constant communication and reencounters with one and other. Competitions begin
to take a whole new level when these two entities meet face to face. A burning fervor and rage
resonates forming what a rivalry is known as today.
This hatred, passion, and heated nature has been brought forth to the forefront of society
making the focus of rivalry vital in allowing athletes to understand their past in order to better be
prepared for the future. Rivalries harness strong emotions and impact athletes physically,
mentally, and emotionally, thus altering their motivation and mentality to succeed in the sports
community.
Causes
It cannot be denied that rivalries in the sports world exist, as they are all around us
UNC and Duke, Virginia and Virginia Tech, Redskins and Cowboys, Red Sox and Yankees, the
list goes on and on (10 Greatest Rivalries, 2016). Thus, it is important to bring forth why these
feelings and associations of rivalry form in the first place in order to further understand how

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rivalries affect those on the sports field. Researchers have managed their time seeking to
determine the true reasoning as to why rivalries are created and have begun to theorize a myriad
of explanations. For example, Rodriguez found that the three main components to evolving
rivalries are repeated competition, similar skill levels, and history and geographic location.
However, Rodriguezs research of rivalries is also unique in that she explains why they grow in
intensity over time (Rodriguez, 2012). She blames the growth of the sports industry for this
sudden increase in the presence of rivalries in the sports community, as sports has become a way
of life for many families and individuals.
The increase in rivalry intensities is a result of the growing sports culture all around the
world. Both attending games and watching them on the TV has become a way of life for many
families, a stress reliever on the weekends, and a popular social gathering. Beyond this social
aspect, the growth can also be attributed to time. Rivalries have been allotted the time and
freedom to grow, as history is known to repeat itself. Rodriguez further shows through various
studies of athletes that these intensified rivalries on the sports field push these individuals harder,
making them want to succeed not only for themselves and for the coaching staff, but for the fans
and devotees that have encouraged this rivalry to exist (Rodriguez, 2012).
In turn, it can be suggested that rivalry tends to form predominantly across organizations
who hold similar values or are geographically close together. Teams play each other over and
over throughout history, which allows these relationships to flourish. For example, within the
National Football League, there are two conferences each composed of four divisions. Teams
within these divisions tend to form rivalries, like Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens in the
AFC North division, as a result of this familiarity and proximity. Being geographically close

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together allows for these two teams to play each other several times a year, making both the
athletes and fans familiar with one and other.
The formation of rivalries is a natural phenomenon that has been brought forth more into
the publics line of vision as a result of this greater emphasis of sports in the media and in
peoples lives. It is said to be something that exists solely in the mind of the competitor, yet
others can still enable these individuals to perform at an even higher level by connecting these
competitors to their past (Kilduff, 2010, pg. 945). In the end, it is how the athlete visualizes and
perceives the rivalry and how much they allow the past to influence the present.
A rivalry is healthy in a proper dosage. However, if legacy and history take over ones
mind, it does not allow the positive attributes of rivalry to shine through. It is important for
athletes to visualize rivalry as a challenge rather than as a necessary win.
It may seem obvious that a rivalry alters ones overall capacity to succeed, but the ability
to conceptualize how rivalries impact one as an individual is what will truly alter performance. It
is all about ones mentality come game time. According to Converse, one must be careful to not
be overeager because that may cause less fluidity (McNally, 2016). It is important for leaders
of teams and athletes to use rivalry to motivate in a creative manner, whether that be through
trying a new play or taking a risk with lineups. Sometimes players who have not touched the
field or court all season end up in the mix because of their mental and physical toughness, as
well as because of the lack of pressure placed on them.
Mentality
Most people generalize rivalry simply as a form of competition elevated on a higher
platform. It strikes the heart almost as much as the mind. In a more definite manner, a rivalry can

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be described as extreme competition and hostility in which individuals are driven by attitudes
rather than stakes (Thies, 2001, pg. 695). Thies further describes rivalry as an actor dimension
meaning that the platform in which one stands on is motivated by the past and the opponent
rather than one specified stake or goal (Thies, 2001, pg. 695). Rather than natural progression of
seeking the inevitable end prize, an exaggerated component drives one to perform under this
immense amount of pressure.
Reeves studied this component of rivalry as he evaluated individuals, athletes in
particular, on their performance and psychological stimulation within a competitive setting. Prior
to evaluation, the athletes described and labeled what a rivalry meant to them individually. Most
subjects indicated teams or organizations within a close radius to where they were situated or
who had a high relevance to their past (Reeves, 1985, pg. 329). These athletes evaluated
presumed a high self-identification within their school or club team, meaning that they saw
themselves as a vital part of the success and spirit of their institution (Reeves, 1985, pg. 329). In
this study evaluating high school athletes during their sports seasons, it was determined that the
majority of students performed at a much higher level when competing against a team whom
they characterized as a potential rival (Reeves, 1985, pg. 330). Gaining a sense of group
identification thus allows for these rivalries to prosper and flourish within athletic organizations
and generates a stronger response when athletes are placed in a competitive setting.
Ones emotions are directly affected by the presence of rivalry. Therefore, it is important
for all to be aware of potential rival matchups from the athletes themselves to all those behind
the scenes, as these games lend themselves to establishing a unique game plan. When preparing
for a rivalry game, athletes and coaching staff tend to take a more eager or risk-taking
approach (McNally, 2016). It almost seems counterintuitive. Prior to and during rivalry

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matchups, athletes tend to rely on their instincts and gut feelings more than practice and
preparation (McNally, 2016). For example, when making decision about lineups, formation, or a
new play, coaches and players tend to utilize their heart over their mind. They act with emotion
rather than thinking through situations logically. Both motivation and performance are bettered,
but ironically, this reduces preparation time put into the matchup. Athletes, coaches, and even
fans become eager and willing to do whatever it takes to be successful. Risks and change are
seen in a more positive light when winning a rival matchup is at what is the ultimate reward.
Psychological Impact
The simple answer as to why the concept of rivalry exists is revenge or a hunger to win,
but in reality it is something much more extreme. The past resonates in ones mind. Athletes and
fans remember the games where the team lost in the last couple of seconds or when an incorrect
call gave the other team the victory. These memories and experiences prompt a sense of urgency,
meaning a pressing passion to succeed, and an eager [ness] that is not consequently generated
by an ordinary field of play (McNally, 2016). In turn, performance and motivation are
heightened. However, these results are carried out as a result of the desire to succeed. Rivalries
bring out athletes biggest instincts, helping them to maximize their mentalities.
Competition drives human nature. However, when rivalry comes into play, an athletes
motivation to perform at a high level goes above and beyond an ordinary competitive spirit
(Kilduff, 2010, pg. 943). For athletes, this means the need to understand the stakes and see these
competitive events at a higher significance. They become more focused and obsessed with
their performance levels (Kilduff, 2010, pg. 943). Over time, these rivalries tend to grow and
become defined by how teams perform against one and other. Rivalries begin to run athletes lives

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to the point - in Larry Birds words The first thing I would do every morning was look at the
box scores to see what Magic did. I didnt care about anything else (Kilduff, 2010, pg. 943).
Schedules, where the whole season is laid out before an athletes eye, begin to generate
nerves rather than the physical games themselves. Words matter more than preparation and how
one performs on any given day. For example, Magic Johnson, a pro basketball player for the Los
Angeles Lakers, felt and had a long standing rivalry with the Boston Celtics. To him, it was those
two games against Boston and then the other eighty games (Kilduff, 2010, pg. 943). Seeing
these games in this stream of light as a separate entity from the rest of the competitive events
truly puts into perspective how rivalry impacts one psychologically. The real objectives of the
sporting events become irrelevant, as the matchups and end results become what really matters.
Every team or athlete has that one other team or group that they focus all of their energy on
during the season, to Johnson it is the Celtics.
Furthermore, McNally explores how these rivalries are generated among universities.
College is a time where pride and passion is at a new level. Dr. Converse, a professor of public
policy and psychology at the University of Virginia describes one such rivalry Virginia and
Virginia Tech as one that triggers a unique psychological response, meaning that the students
are impacted at an even more extreme level than the ordinary rivalry (McNally, 2016). Like any
rivalry, this one is transformed as a result as a feeling of strong competition amongst the two
entities, more than any other institution. They bring out both the worst and best in people, school
spirit reaches a new high, and passion is elevated.
Physical Impacts

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Not only does the prevalence of rivalry impact an athletes way of thinking and
motivational levels, but it can alter the bodys way of functioning. Hormonal levels are altered,
as testosterone is increased, and muscles are tensed (Jarrett, 2012). It is also important to note
that rivalry requires excess energy in comparison to ordinary competitive events, making rest and
nutrition before the big game even more of a necessity.
In a study done in Spain, race car drivers, who consider themselves rivals, took part in a
speed race. Within these competitive contexts, it was revealed that there was an increase in
adrenaline as a result of a higher blood pressure and heart rate (Jarrett, 2012). These heightened
levels tended to remain above normal in winners and consequently drop in losers. In the same
study, it was also revealed that within rivalry competitive contexts, hormonal and cortisol levels
were increased.
The competitive context was associated with higher testosterone and cortisol levels prior
to and during the bouts, relative to the non-competitive context (Jarrett, 2012).
Thus, this study displays the idea that rivalry impacts that body in more ways than one,
impacting athlete performance on a literal scale changing the bodys way of function.
Mood is also directly related to the outcome of the rivalry competitive event. It is of
general knowledge to state that mood is almost always bettered as a result of a favorable result,
but it goes beyond this simplicity. Physically, performance is increased in the presence of
competition, rivalry in particular. For example, basketball players at the University of WisconsinMadison campus took part in a free throw contest both alone and against others (Jarrett, 2012).
The results of these two were compared and it was shown that having athletes compete against
one and other primarily those defined as rivals by the other elevated performance, thus

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lending the athlete to enjoy the sport more (Jarrett, 2012). The enhanced mood is not only more
beneficial for the athletes well-being, but for their motivation and engagement with the activity
at hand (Jarrett, 2012). Seeking reason and happiness through athletics can be done through
competition with one and other. The physical impacts that rivalry creates enables one to gain a
new perspective and build the proper mental state.
Communal Involvement
Rivalries are not just simply a hatred between two teams on the sports field or court: it is
history, it is tradition. They are the bridge between generations as different groups of people
begin to share a common ground on something of both the past and present (Markman, 2011).
People who live in different areas begin to feel closer and more connected through this sharing of
a common rivalry. The community comes together both literally and figuratively to cheer on their
team and show their pride and spirit.
Through the studying of the amount of individuals wearing their institutions spirit wear
on the day of or day after a big game, it was shown that people tend to identify themselves to a
particular group through the involvement and rise of competitive events (Reeves, 1985, pg. 330).
On a university campus, the amount of school related clothing was analyzed and evaluated
before, during, and after a matchup against a rivalry institution. Prior to and during the game, the
amount was much larger than after. But the question that remained was: why? The group came
together to show pride for their community, but if the results wanted were not generated, a wellexecuted game in this case, this identification slowly diminishes (Reeves, 1985, pg. 330). Rivalry
prospers when competition seems manageable and when fans are reminded of their past and why
they are in the stands cheering on their local team. All of the emotions that arise through this
concept of competition through the players, coaches, and fans are generated as a result of

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tradition, knowing that the past influences ones future. However, the differentiation of rival and
non-rival schools is what generates this athlete mentality.
Further, Smith and Schwarz studied more in depth students' identification of themselves
to a group within the context of rival and non-rival schools or institutions. Their goal as
researchers was to determine how the word "rival" impacted students' reactions when asked
questions about different schools, including the school in which they currently attend. Data was
found that suggested that sports rivalries increase the perceptions that these students have on
themselves, meaning that they begin to see their "self," a student at their home school, as more
unique and successful when compared to those of the rival school (Smith & Schwarz, 2003, pg.
351). They see potential and passion in themselves and in their own school and a lack thereof in
the rival institution.
Today, rivalry exists as an even more potent level. Memories have lasted lifetimes,
creating a sense of unity and a common hatred amongst groups towards other institutions. But
the problem now is that the community is becoming too involved. Teams, like the once Saint
Louis Rams, are being relocated to towns Los Angeles in this case that know nothing about
the struggles and triumphs of this team. Divisions have been realigned and playoff organizations
altered in a way to generate more revenue (Markman, 2011). The NBA season has been
shortened because scheduling and contracting amongst organizations have created conflict
(Markman, 2011). Even teams like Texas and Texas A&M no longer play each other in college
meetings because of the Big 12 Conference change (Markman, 2011). The people outside of
these athletic communities are amending this connection of players and fans that sports generate
amongst a community.

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The past of rivalry matchups between universities Texas and Texas A&M as the prime
example has started to become insignificant because of the peoples lack of understanding of
what rivalry does for a community. It creates traditions and rituals that make others feel closer
together and generates memories and relationships that will last forever (Markman, 2010).
Alumni relations with current students are much stronger when rivalries are present, as they
allow for the past and present to come together and make an impact on their community sports
team through pride, spirit, and passion.
Many feel as though that competition has been researched fully and almost to its entirety,
leaving rivalry in the dark (McNally, 2016). Bringing up well-known opposing relations between
schools and/or groups like Virginia and Virginia Tech helps enable one to fully understand how
extreme and complex rivalry can become. Its research is of such difficulty to gain because it is
more subjective, as one must gain a better understanding of each individual relationship and
why they care prior to experimentation of being observed (McNally, 2016). In order to
differentiate rivals from competitors, an extreme connection where the stakes are always high
must be present. In the context of Virginia, McNally establishes that the Cavaliers may feel
competitive with Duke, but has a rivalry with Virginia Tech.
Are UVA fans perceiver fans, who might feel really competitive with a bunch of other
fans about all games? Are they more likely to feel competitive with other teams than
average fans? If so, it may just be that UVA fans feel competitive with everybody. Thats
not rivalry, thats just a perceiver effect (McNally, 2016).
But, why does this matter?

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Rivalry matters because it forms a legacy. People begin to think about reputation and
how they are going to be remembered, rather than simply putting their best foot forward for that
individual game or event (McNally, 2016). The game becomes important because of the past
both victories and defeats and athletes seek to generate a new memory that can be remembered
for a while in the future. Sporting organizations like the NFL, NHL, and NCAA are starting to
utilize the peoples focus on rivalry to benefit their institutions. Today, more than ever, people are
not only coming together to root and tailgate for their home team, but to make sure their rival
performs in a poor manner. The performance of these rival teams stands at a greater importance
because if the opponent crumbles under pressure, the home team that everyone is cheering for is
automatically crowned champion, no matter their greatness on the field or court that given day. It
has become the fans duty to encompass a hatred towards rivals in order to carry over the past
traditions into the future. Laying over legacy has become vital within the sports community even
with modernization and changes made to organizations.
Conclusion
Rivals are what has kept athletics on the front page of newspapers and as a main talking
point among people with no similarities other than coming from the same town or college.
Alumni are able to consolidate once again together for a common cause, rooting against the rival.
For example, going back to the UNC and Duke rivalry, ESPN Sports analyst Dick Vitales
claims that this rivalry is the best rivalry in all of sports, not just college basketball (Boozell,
2016). Whenever these two teams meet together, craziness immerses itself. No outcome can ever
be predicted. That is what makes rivalry such a large part of many peoples lives.
Everyone can remember that one game where they lost in the final seconds to a team that
they could not stand. For some it was a header off of a beautiful cross or a three pointer that is

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made out of pure luck, to others it was a penalty kick or free throw that had no business being
taken. This happened just this month on the national stage. The University of North Carolina:
Chapel Hill had just tied the National Basketball Championship game up with four seconds to
go. The game looked as if it were heading into overtime and to become one of the longest, most
talked about games in NCAA March Madness history. But, there was no overtime, as the
Villanova Wildcats pounced their way to victory in the final seconds. It hurt. Tears were shed.
Hearts were broken. This is what makes sports so enticing to so many people. Rivalry and
competition are so relevant because it mimics lifes triumphs and obstacles. People feel for the
opponents. Others laugh. Rivalry has become a large part of sports culture that will never fade
away in the dark.

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References
Boozell, J. (2016, February 19). College basketball: Five of the best rivalries in college hoops.
NCAA. Retrieved from http://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2016-0218/college-basketball-five-best-rivalries-college-hoops
Jarrett, C. (2012, July). Faster, higher, stronger! The Psychologist. Retrieved on March 21, 2016,
from https://thepsychologist.bps.org.uk/
Kilduff, G. J., Elfenbein, H. A., & Staw, B. M. (2010). The psychology of rivalry: A relationally
dependent analysis of competition. Academy of Management Journal, 53(5), 943-969.
Markman, A. (2011, December 31). The Psychology of Sports Rivalries. Statesman. Retrieved
from http://www.statesman.com
McNally, K. (2016, February 08). 'Hoos vs. Hokies. UVA Today. Retrieved
from https://news.virginia.edu/
Reeves, R. A., & Tesser, A. (1985). Self-Evaluation Maintenance in Sports Team Rivalries.
Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society, 23(4), 329-331.
Rodriguez, A. (2012, August 31). Do college rivalries go too far? USA Today. Retrieved from
http://college.usatoday.com/
Smith, R. A., & Schwarz, N. (2003). Language, social comparison, and college football: is your

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school less similar to the rival school than the rival school is to your school?. Communication
Monographs, 70(4), 351-360.
Thies, C. G.. (2001). A Social Psychological Approach to Enduring Rivalries. Political
Psychology, 22(4), 693725. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org/
10 Great Rivalries. (2016, January 3). ESPN. Retrieved from
http://espn.go.com/endofcentury/s/other/bestrivalries.html