Author(s): MORITA, H., Institution: OSAKA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND SPORT SCIENCES, Country: JAPAN, Abstract-ID: 461

Introduction:
In Japan, extracurricular activities in schools play a major role in the development of competitive sports and athletes. However, in 2012, a high school student who participated in an athletic club activity committed suicide due to suffering from corporal punishment by his instructor. This incident brought corporal punishment and harassment in sports to the forefront as a significant social issue. Unfortunately, however, corporal punishment and harassment in sports continue to be major problems in Japan. Since then, similar incidents have occurred repeatedly. This study aims to investigate measures needed to alleviate this problem.
Discussion:
First, I review the history of the introduction of extracurricular activities to schools in Japan. Extracurricular activities in schools in Japan were modeled after those in public schools in England. Meanwhile, Japanese schools only adopted the system of extracurricular activities. They ignored the elements of student autonomy and independence. When it comes to performances in competitions, the overall performance of the school was considered more important than individual achievements. Even within schools, teams and teamwork are often prioritized over individuals. The post-war sports education system ended up reproducing the premodern pseudo-patriarchal community. In closed communities, the likelihood of people resorting to violence is often observed.
Differences in childrens sports between Japan and the United States include the (1) seasonal system, (2) tryout system, and (3) the number of games played. In Japan, coaches and athletes form extremely close relationships. Compared to the United States, it is said that there are fewer individuals in Japan who excel in both academics and sports. In the past, it was said in Japan that one could not excel as both a scholar and an athlete simultaneously. In contrast, in the United States, there are individuals known as scholar-athletes who excel in both academics and sports.
Result:
So, what should we do? Changing the current school system and athletic activities instantaneously is difficult. However, we need to assume that corporal punishment and harassment in sports can occur at any time under the current state. We also need to clearly distinguish sports from education.Cultivating a culture that promotes excellence in both academics and sports is essential. "Harassment happens all the time in competitive sports," and "Education through sports is unattainable, because sports are intended for ranking and differentiation."
Currently, schools are endeavoring to transition sports team activities in their schools to community-based programs. This transition could potentially allow athletes to choose their coaches in the future. This change is then expected to mitigate the excessive closeness between coaches and athletes and break down the closed nature of sports teams in schools.