The Sports Archives – Stadiums Of The World!

Posted on September 9, 2014 by thesportsarchives

There are a now a large number of sports venues which are built from precast concrete. Precast concrete is a cement product which is precast in a mold and then cured in a controlled environment for primary use in construction. The finished shape is transported to the construction site and lifted into place by a crane. Contrast this method with standard concrete which is cement that is poured and cured at the site.

Some of the advantages of using precast concrete are that it is much easier to mass produce certain types of molds and shapes and that curing in a precast concrete plant allows for a more environmentally controlled process with sophisticated monitoring systems. Production is usually performed at ground level which affords higher safety standards. All of these benefits allow for lower production costs. The disadvantage is planning the transport and placement of large precast concrete structures.

Aviva Stadium, located in Dublin, Ireland holds a capacity of 51,700 and is an example of a stadium built using precast concrete. The stadium, located next to the Lansdowne Road railway station, opened on 14 May 2010 and is home to the Republic of Ireland football team and the Irish rugby union team.

The following infographic is brought to you by Banagher Precast Concrete and showcases some interesting stadiums from around the world!

Related Blogs:
Top 10 Biggest Sports Stadiums in the World!
Britain’s Rugby Stadiums: A Brief History
Top 5 Largest Football & Soccer Stadiums Worldwide

Banagher Precast Concrete UK

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The Sports Archives – Where the Rubber Meets the Road: Auto-Racing as a Sport!

Posted on September 6, 2014 by thesportsarchives

Nascar Green Flag and Sonoma Raceway 2 photo D Ramey LoganPeople drive cars; this is an irrefutable fact of 21st Century America. As time progresses, we can only expect to see more automobiles – for transportation, for recreational purposes, and even competition. While it lacks the longevity of a sport like baseball or football (predominantly due to the need of an automotive vehicle) auto-racing officially began its record as a sport as early as the 1800’s in Europe. From there, it quickly spread to the United States, slowly and steadily developing in popularity until it had become the iconic sport that it is today. With so many forms of auto-racing and popular franchising companies auto-racing can be a bit difficult for many people to understand. Like any sport, however, the roots of auto-racing can be easily understood by analyzing the fundamental rules, mechanics, and history of the sport.

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, known more popularly by its abbreviated name, NASCAR, was founded in 1947 by the dream to unify the world of competitive car racing. Incidentally, the movement to bring NASCAR to life was not originally conceived by the United States, but rather, one of the first European nations to endorse the sport: France. This proud country would assist the program’s kick-off in its earlier years, providing financial assistance with many projects, including the implementation of the Daytona International Speedway. Time and investing has only resulted in a dramatic increase in auto-racing’s international popularity.

Daytona International Speedway 2011“So, what’s so significant about racing?” Many people have difficulty in getting behind a cultural phenomenon that doesn’t live up to what they believe about sporting activities. Rest assured, auto-racing is a sport! Although it may not be physically tasking to the driver, keeping control of a high-speed vehicle for hundreds of laps and hours at a time is no simple feat. The driver must constantly be looking for opportunities to surpass his opponents in front of him without sacrificing his position to those behind him.

Additionally, the car which a competitor drives is not completely invincible – with such harsh conditions like high-speed and road wear being pressed on the vehicle for hours at a time, maintenance mid-game is mandatory!  Perhaps the use of BMW tyres at Tyre-Shopper.co.uk or the brands at National.co.uk tyres and autocare will be able to stand up to the wear and tear of these conditions!  To top it all off, NASCAR is considerably strict regarding what vehicles are allowed to compete – they require fully stock cars to be used by every competitor, and only allow minute modification to these vehicles. As a result, getting the advantage over an opponent becomes even more difficult and won’t come by merely “using a better car.”

3-Time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart on two wheels in 2005 at Infineon Raceway

3-Time Sprint Cup Champion Tony Stewart on two wheels in 2005 at Infineon Raceway

Ultimately, the competitive nature, equalization of vehicles, and difficulties impressed on the competitors are what truly define Auto-racing as a sport. Everybody who loves auto-racing does so for a unique reason; this statement is true of any sporting activity. What continually amazes many minds is how a new sport develops in significance around the world. Take e-sports, for example. E-sports were born out of the invention of high-speed computer software and video games. As time passes, they will only grow more popular internationally. The development of auto-racing is, in truth, no different. Competitive auto-racing is here to stay, and the reason we have such an inspiring sport today is thanks to one simple fact; people drive cars.

Photo Credits:  Wikipedia Commons

Other Sources:
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/guides/Sports/Auto-Racing.pg_0.html
http://www.nascar.com/en_us/news-media/articles/about-nascar.html

Related Blogs:
Founding the Competition – What Makes a Sport?
The World’s Most Inspirational Racing Drivers!
Bob Tullius: Life After Racing

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The Sports Archives – Football (Soccer) Superstars!

Posted on September 3, 2014 by thesportsarchives

The 2014 World Cup has come and gone and Germany will defend her title in 2018. We saw many of the well-known veterans like Argentina’s Lionel Messi , Germany’s Thomas Muller, and Netherland’s Robin van Persie display their talents on the pitch. We also saw many younger players such as Columbia’s James Rodriguez and Brazil’s Neymar, who will attempt to shine once again in 2018.

Soccer has had many famous names and continues to have shining stars. We would like to present to you, the infographic below which briefly describes a few of the great names of football (soccer) and a few interesting facts about some of the players.

For instance, did you know that Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer was nicknamed Der Kaiser because of his elegant style? Perhaps, you did not know that England’s Wayne Rooney was the youngest scorer in Premier League history. At age 11, Argentina’s Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency that required expensive treatment.   Finally, as of the present, Argentina’s Diego Maradona holds the record for suffering the most number of fouls in a World Cup – 53!

This infographic is brought to you by www.sport4kids.biz, a Children’s Soccer Coaching Academy.  Enjoy!

Related Blogs:
Children’s Soccer Coaching Academy
From Football (Soccer) Player To Legend!
Why Is Football (Soccer) The World’s Most Popular Sport?

Soccer Superstars Infographic

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The Sports Archives – The 10 Commandments Of Surfing

Posted on September 1, 2014 by thesportsarchives

  1. Don’t Drop In

One wave, one surfer. When you paddle for a wave, always look inside before you take off, just in case someone else caught it before you.

  1. The Surfer on the Inside has the Right of Way

Once a surfer is up and riding on the inside, he has the right of way.

  1. Wait Your Turn

If someone has been waiting longer than you, they have first choice for the next wave. At a pointbreak, the surfer who has been waiting longest usually paddles closest to the first possible take-off spot, which is called “the inside” of the wave. On a beach break he/she waits their turn at “the peak”.

  1. Don’t Snake

If someone’s already paddling for a wave and it’s their turn, don’t paddle inside them and try to claim the wave out of turn. That’s called “snaking”.

  1. Don’t Paddle Out Through the Break

Do not paddle out through the line-up or where the breaking area/impact zone of the waves are. By paddling around the breaking or surfable part of the wave, you will not interfere with another surfers ride.

  1. Don’t Hog The Waves

Don’t try to catch every single wave that comes through. You will only create animosity amongst the others in the line-up and will be seen as a wave pig or hog.

  1. Communicate

In case you are one of two surfers sitting in the middle of the peak and the wave opens to both sides, you should tell the other surfer if you are going right or left.

  1. Keep Control of Your Equipment

Never attempt a maneuver that will cause you to land or smash into someone else and always keep an eye on crew paddling out.

  1. Check Your Equipment

Always check that your equipment is in good shape. Try and get all dings (damage) fixed on your surfboard that has fiberglass protruding to avoid damage to yourself and others.

  1. Respect the Beach and the Ocean

Never leave garbage in the sand and water and respect all sea creatures.

The Infographic below adds more about Surfing lingo and is brought to you by www.totalsurfingfitness.com.

Related Blogs:
Surf Science: Learning The Theory Behind The Sport Of Surfing!
Top 10 Waves – The Surfer’s To Do List!
What Are The Benefits Of Windsurfing?

Total Surfing Fitness IG

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The Sports Archives – Famous Yacht Races To Watch!

Posted on August 21, 2014 by thesportsarchives

Cabo_San_Lucas Race Start 2013 photo D Ramey Logan

Photo by D Ramey Logan

There are hundreds of yacht races taking place all around the world every year; many of them take place on different courses and waters. Each race represents the high quality of sailors and exciting courses with participants from racing families, sailing schools and yacht clubs taking part. Offshore yacht racing is strictly controlled with regards to safety regulations. Below is a list of the most popular races to watch, or if you are looking for a thrilling race, you should consider taking part. You do not need to be a professional to take part, just have the skill and determination to be the very best.

Olympic Games

As one of the greatest sporting events in the world, the Olympics have produced great sailing legends such as Ban Ainslee, Ian Percy and Torben Grael. It is also a great spectacle as the entire world watches the heart racing competition.

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The Sports Archives – What Afterschool Sport Would Be Beneficial For My Children?

Posted on August 18, 2014 by thesportsarchives

It is important to keep kids active, even after school. Getting your children involved in an afterschool sport will not only aid in their social skills, but will greatly benefit their health. Research has proven that physical activities, especially in teams, will promote confidence as well as the ability to socially function by building upon these life skills. Physical education at school can aid in this, but afterschool sports teams can place them in an environment without the pressure of the classroom. A benefit of encouraging your children to be a part of clubs outside of school allows them to pursue their interests and try new things.
Most schools provide a range of after school sports blubs consisting of football, netball, swimming, rugby or cricket. Each one has its benefits, but what one to choose from?

Netball

BKP Netball TourneyA fantastic and fun sport, aimed at focusing on hand eye coordination and teaching ball skills, footwork and match play. Within the sport there is also a position that will suit everyone and can contribute to developing spatial awareness. Seen as more of a female sport, it can encourage young girls to take part in sports and like football it can improve the body’s fitness. It is also a fast paced, fun sport that improves the flexibility of the body and nimbleness.

Swimming

SwimmingGetting your child involved in afterschool swimming activities is an excellent activity where they can reap health benefits. An ideal aerobic exercise, the activity engages several body parts in an environment that does not stress the joints. Developing this relationship with the water and adapting to it can open up a whole range of other sport related water activities such as water polo.  The other health advantages include those with juvenile arthritis can benefit from the weightlessness of the water and allows for small, low-impact exercises.

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The Sports Archives – The Three Most Financially Irresponsible NBA Players Ever!

Posted on August 14, 2014 by thesportsarchives

As it stacks up against the other major sports, no professional athlete makes more than a professional basketball athlete. According to this article by USA Today, National Basketball Association players make an average of $5.15 million. While the average career length (4.8 years) is less than that of the next two in line (Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League), the average career earnings of an NBA player is nearly $25 million, $7 million more than second most highly paid athletic profession. If this is the case, why are NBA players so likely to be in debt after their careers are over? Let’s take a few snapshots of some of the most irresponsible NBA players and you can have an idea of what goes through the minds of some of these professional basketball players.

The Answer?

Scoring over 24,000 points and averaging over 26 points per game over his career, no one will ever question Allen Iverson’s ability on the basketball court. But, like many athletes it isn’t the on-the-court performance that gets them into trouble, it is off-the-court. Iverson’s infamous line of “We talkin’ about practice,” after missing practice in May 2002, is iconic to Iverson’s brainless actions when not in uniform. Making over $200 million over his 17 seasons, Iverson was banned from casinos across the United States, he pays over $125,000 in credit card payments per month, his large home in Atlanta was foreclosed on, and he pays about $10 grand going out to restaurants. Perhaps he should have practiced some basic personal finance strategies.

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The Sports Archives – The Golfer’s Weapon of Choice: Getting a Handle on Golf Clubs!

Posted on August 8, 2014 by thesportsarchives
Antique Golf Clubs

Antique Golf Clubs

From its Scotland roots amid the 1400’s, golf has developed into an international sporting phenomenon, and has achieved status among millions of people from various age and ethnic groups. However, despite its acquired positive reputation, millions more still remain perplexed by golf, or find it so odd that they dislike the sport entirely. While golf, at a glance, may seem straightforward, it is actually an incredibly complex sport, composed of just as many (if not, more) intricacies as more renowned sports, such as football. Once of these intricacies revolves around the primary tool utilized by the golfer – the golf club.

All types of golf clubs are composed of the same key components, including the lance (the shaft by which the player wields the club) and the head (utilized in propelling the ball itself). However, the effect on gameplay is directly linked to the varieties of each component and how they work to benefit the golfer in a diverse selection of scenarios. Most people know that the goal of golf is to get the ball from a starting tee to an end hole. In this instance, the type of golf club controls the ebb and flow of that process, in which the golfer must move his ball to the goal. While additional types have occasionally been suggested or mentioned, there are but 4 official categories defining a model of golf club, classified by their general focus in-game and differing function/appearance: Woods, Irons, Wedges and Putters.

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The Sports Archives – When1913 Umpire Bill Klem Had Last Word!

Posted on August 6, 2014 by thesportsarchives

Umpire MeetingWe all understand the importance that umpires and referees play in the outcome of sports games.  We have seen the defining calls that have turned games lopsided and while half the spectators agree on the call when it is in their favor; the other half now have someone to blame for their team’s woes.   We have all been in that situation.

Bill Klem, the father of baseball umpires, in 1914

Umpire Bill Klem in 1914

It was the early stages of the 1913 baseball season during a scoreless match between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies when Home-Plate Umpire Bill Klem did what he felt was the right call.

It was the 10th inning and the New York Giants had runners in scoring position with a chance to win the game.  The Giants sent Frank McCormick up as a pinch hitter to finish the Phillies off.  In those times, it was the Umpire’s job to announce a change in batters to the crowd.

What followed next is one for the record books.  Umpire Bill Klem turned around so that he can announce Frank McCormick.  Whether McCormick was ready to hit before or after Klem turned his back is irrelevant, because Philadelphia star pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander was eager to get on with it.  Alexander pitched a fast ball which McCormick jumped on before Klem got back to calling balls and strikes.

The ball sailed into left field for a hit and the Giant’s Fred Merkle scored the winning run before a startled Bill Klem.  McCormick was on his way to the celebration committee when Klem called him back to the batter’s box.  He ordered both teams back on the diamond and explained that his introduction of Frank McCormick as a pinch hitter was deemed a timeout and that the ball was dead until he announced it was back in play.  Umpire Bill Klem would have the last word and the play was officially nullified.

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The Sports Archives – How to Help Your Kids with Their Soccer Training!

Posted on August 2, 2014 by thesportsarchives

Youth soccer IndianaExercise is a very important part of a child’s development. As well as keeping them fit and healthy it is a great way for them to make friends, to develop leadership and communication skills, and to learn about winning and losing. Soccer training is generally only once of twice a week and there are a number of things you can do to guide and encourage your kid while they learn to play.

Be Part of the Training Sessions

The greatest way of instilling a love of Soccer for Kids is to engage with them and with it. So instead of simply driving those to the Kids Soccer Training session go with them. Stand on the sideline and watch them, your kid is more likely to be excited by the sport if he or she thinks you are too.

Take Some Lessons Yourself

Have a chat with your Kids Soccer Training coach. Most of these coaches teach multiple sessions for multiple age groups, you may be able to join a beginners group or even book a private one-to-one taster session. This is great way for you to improve your own fitness and gain an understanding of the basic rules of play, which will allow you to train with your kid at home.

Go To a Professional Game

Soccer is one of the most popular and widely played games in the world and most cities have a professional football team. As a treat, take your kid to one of these games. By now you should have a basic understanding of the rules and seeing a professional play the sport, with his or her own eyes, will spark their imagination and show them the potential for success this game has.

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