Michał Jasny - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers in English by Michał Jasny

Research paper thumbnail of The problematic nature of evaluating esports’ “genuineness” using traditional sports’ criteria: In-depth interviews with traditional sports and electronic sports journalists

Leisure Studies, 2023

Researchers often use traditional sports' theoretical frameworks to evaluate esports' 'genuinenes... more Researchers often use traditional sports' theoretical frameworks to evaluate esports' 'genuineness'. Therefore, this article shows how esports is assessed by traditional sports and esports journalists and how this is important for esports research. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 15) with the journalists representing top-tier Polish media and used inductive conventional content analysis. Three main analytical categories and ten subcategories indicate how the two types of journalists differ in their assessments of esports being or not being 'real' sport. The results highlight how problematic it is to use traditional sports as a frame into which esports needs to fit. We indicate the misconceptions of this approach and propose more inductive ones (e.g. searching for esports' distinct frameworks or revealing those used by different groups or communities). Also, our research has some practical implications and is a kind of 'map' showing the esports' new quality and its complex nature.

Research paper thumbnail of Toward Successful Esports Team: How Does National Diversity Affect Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Video Games

Proceedings of the 56th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2023, Hyatt Regency Maui, Hawaii, USA, 3-6 January 2023, Maui, Hawaii, 2023

Today, esports teams in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are often composed of player... more Today, esports teams in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are often composed of players from around the world. The paper asks whether a greater national heterogeneity of professional esports teams means their higher effectiveness. Desk research data of 13 tournaments of Dota 2 game held in 2011-2018 is used to calculate the teams' win ratio, i.e., the ratio of skirmishes (in all matches) won to the total number of skirmishes (match is a series of skirmishes). Hence, effectiveness is understood not as ranks or matches won, but as the lowest possible number of lost skirmishes. Multinational teams achieved a higher win ratio, compared to nationally homogenous teams and the analysis includes the role of coaches' nationalities. Working groups, cognitive diversity, and similarity/attraction theories are used to signal potential reasons and consequences of diversity on team performance. This exploratory study indicates future research threads on esports teams' national diversity.

Papers by Michał Jasny

Research paper thumbnail of “It Was All without Emotions, and This Wasn’t the Same Anymore”: “Replacing” Traditional Sports with E-Sports during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on both traditional sports and esports. Researchers re... more The COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on both traditional sports and esports. Researchers reported the remarkable esports growth and that it “replaced” traditional sports in many different disciplines. They claimed that in a post-pandemic world, the substitutability of sports with esports would only increase. The presented chapter evaluates such views by looking at the voice of journalists dealing with both esports and traditional sports. 15 retrospective semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, and, as it turned out, the interviewees were highly skeptical of the optimistic view presented above. For example, they emphasized the financial and organizational problems of esports during the pandemic. The chapter ends with a broader conclusion that one should be very careful when analyzing and juxtaposing esports and traditional sports as these should be understood as separate categories defined by different characteristics. This has some major consequences for managing esports and trying to anticipate its future.

Research paper thumbnail of Toward Successful Esports Team: How Does National Diversity Affect Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Video Games

Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 2023

Today, esports teams in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are often composed of player... more Today, esports teams in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are often composed of players from around the world. The paper asks whether a greater national heterogeneity of professional esports teams means their higher effectiveness. Desk research data of 13 tournaments of Dota 2 game held in 2011-2018 is used to calculate the teams' win ratio, i.e., the ratio of skirmishes (in all matches) won to the total number of skirmishes (match is a series of skirmishes). Hence, effectiveness is understood not as ranks or matches won, but as the lowest possible number of lost skirmishes. Multinational teams achieved a higher win ratio, compared to nationally homogenous teams and the analysis includes the role of coaches' nationalities. Working groups, cognitive diversity, and similarity/attraction theories are used to signal potential reasons and consequences of diversity on team performance. This exploratory study indicates future research threads on esports teams' national diversity.

Research paper thumbnail of The Prevalence and Outlook of Doping in Electronic Sports (Esports): An Original Study and Review of the Overlooked Medical Challenges

Research paper thumbnail of Kultura fizyczna a instytucjonalizacja

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 5, 2020

Rewolucjonista skoku wzwyż doczekał się pomnika. Na poziomie 224 cm, http:// www.tvn24.pl (31.01.... more Rewolucjonista skoku wzwyż doczekał się pomnika. Na poziomie 224 cm, http:// www.tvn24.pl (31.01.2020). 32 System challenge zbawieniem dla sędziów, https://www.siatkarsko.pl/system-challenge-zbawieniem-sedziow/ (31.01.2020).

Research paper thumbnail of Socjologiczna charakterystyka uczestników Warszawskiej Akademickiej Pielgrzymki Metropolitalnej na Jasną Górę

Folia Turistica / Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. B. Czecha w Krakowie, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of “Playing with injury”: the health-related aspects of a career in women’s handball

Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research, Sep 27, 2021

Health, injury, and pain within the social contexts of sports remain relevant. Sociologists have ... more Health, injury, and pain within the social contexts of sports remain relevant. Sociologists have repeatedly pointed out a set of factors that shape the sociocultural background of sports and aim to normalize the high risk of injury, pain, and negative impacts on health. The literature contains inspiring studies with valuable guidelines for conceptualizing this issue. Some researchers have focused on the social factors shaping athletes' experiences with health-related risks and have proven that it is possible to oppose the deeply rooted "culture of risk." The fact that most studies on the subject involve men's sports increases the importance of those that address health-related risks in women's sports. The literature includes few works concerning the sociocultural contexts of injury, pain, or health issues in handball. The aim of this study was to learn about the opinions and experiences of professional female handball players related to health in their discipline. Three main directions of research were followed: 1) health as a value; 2) significance of injury and pain; and 3) effect of health-related risks on a career in sports. The data were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic. The results do not reflect the opinions or experiences of the participants during the period of heightened epidemiological risk. The sample comprised female athletes (n=52) who participated in the Polish First League of women's handball and represented the highest competitive level in their category in Poland.

Research paper thumbnail of Sport w służbie osoby ludzkiej: stanowisko papieży wobec sportu

Seminare, Jun 30, 2021

The aim of the paper is an attempt to sum up the social teaching of popes on sport. The authors a... more The aim of the paper is an attempt to sum up the social teaching of popes on sport. The authors analyse the fundamental issues concerning human involvement in sport, focusing, among others, on the need for the presence of the Church in sport or on the significant role of sport in the harmonious development of young people. The following methods were used in the study: literature review, comparative, and axiological methods, as well as idiographic and nomothetic methods. The conducted analyzes show that the highest Church leaders invariably demand respect for fundamental human values, which also applies to sport, which, if properly directed, can play an important role in the process of education and promote propagation of Christian values.

Research paper thumbnail of Kultura fizyczna młodzieży na przykładzie członków Ruchu Światło-Życie archidiecezji warszawskiej i diecezji warszawsko-praskiej

Seminare, May 30, 2018

Modern teaching of the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes affirmation of the human body and man's e... more Modern teaching of the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes affirmation of the human body and man's efforts to achieve harmonious development, including physical development. The aim of the work was to analyse the axiological, health, behavioral, motivational, spectatorial and ethical aspects of physical culture of youth involved in the Light-Life Movement of the Archdiocese of Warsaw and the Diocese of Warsaw-Praga. The majority of the Movement's members make human health dependent primarily on rational actions to maintain and improve it, and strive for comprehensive development. They care not only for the spiritual, but also for social, intellectual and physical sphere. Furthermore, the majority of the "oasis" members rated sports events as socially and culturally positive. It is disturbing that the youngest age cohort of respondents reveals the lowest sensitivity to cases of breaking socio-ethical rules in sport.

Research paper thumbnail of Doping in e-sports. An empirical exploration and search for sociological interpretations

Acta Universitatis Lodziensis, Dec 30, 2020

Electronic sports is a new phenomenon in scientific research. Many issues within it have not been... more Electronic sports is a new phenomenon in scientific research. Many issues within it have not been systematically analyzed. The use of artificial substances to improve human physical abilities is most often addressed in the context of deviation in sports. E-sports partially reflects sporting functionality, but in the area of doping and anti-doping control in video game competitions, it is difficult to delineate the boundary between what is allowed and what is forbidden. The aim of this work is to reconstruct the social assessment of doping in e-sports based on the attitudes and experience of fans and players. Most players accept the use of stimulants, such as energy drinks. Some of them also observe the use of prohibited substances during games. E-sports enthusiasts usually support anti-doping controls modeled on traditional sports and emphasize the importance of structural determinants of the issue, such as allowing the use of prohibited means.

Research paper thumbnail of <i>‘Let's face it, it's not a healthy sport’:</i> Perceived health status and experience of injury among Polish professional mixed martial arts athletes

International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Aug 4, 2022

With this article we present findings from the research on professional MMA fighters and their pe... more With this article we present findings from the research on professional MMA fighters and their perception of health and injury. The frequency and types of injuries they have sustained while practicing MMA were analysed alongside self-assessment of health conditions and attitudes towards health problems. We also analyze fighters’ risk culture of neglecting pain and underestimating injuries, and the organization of health care in the event of an injury. A mixed methodology was applied. We administered a questionnaire to 88 male professional MMA athletes. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 athletes from the surveyed group. Respondents’ mean age was 27.5. They had sound MMA experience, with the most experienced competing in over 20 professional fights. Investigated athletes reported numerous health problems, high injury rate and frequent occurrence of pain. The MMA risk culture seemed to shape specific competitors’ perceptions and responses to injury and health problems and specific hierarchy of injury severity. MMA athletes showed a high level of risk acceptance regarding their health and the social and economic terms of their professional MMA involvement. They also reported inadequate medical care and oversight, and independently organised and financed medical and rehabilitation treatments. Nevertheless, for investigated athletes this risk culture seems to be internalized and considered an acceptable cost of their professional sport involvement and recognition.

Research paper thumbnail of Preparing for esports competitions: gaming communities of practice

Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Sociologica

Communities of practice are groups of people united by a passion for something, who deepen their ... more Communities of practice are groups of people united by a passion for something, who deepen their knowledge and experience in their field through ongoing interactions. This article focuses on the importance of institutionalized relationship networks and mutual recognition in preparation for esports competitions. The study represents inductive, qualitative analyses. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with players (n = 12) that have significant achievements in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) competitions. In the social world of MTG enthusiasts, numerous groups reflect the functionality of a community of practice. These groups constitute a fundamental aspect of preparation for top-level MTG tournaments. Examples of the functioning of so-called testing groups among MTG enthusiasts allow the formulation of a new analytical category – the gaming community of practice. Contrary to stereotypes, the presented study supports the thesis about the significant role of video games in the for...

Research paper thumbnail of The problematic nature of evaluating esports’ “genuineness” using traditional sports’ criteria: In-depth interviews with traditional sports and electronic sports journalists

Leisure Studies

Researchers often use traditional sports&#39; theoretical frameworks to evaluate esports&... more Researchers often use traditional sports&#39; theoretical frameworks to evaluate esports&#39; &#39;genuineness&#39;. Therefore, this article shows how esports is assessed by traditional sports and esports journalists and how this is important for esports research. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 15) with the journalists representing top-tier Polish media and used inductive conventional content analysis. Three main analytical categories and ten subcategories indicate how the two types of journalists differ in their assessments of esports being or not being &#39;real&#39; sport. The results highlight how problematic it is to use traditional sports as a frame into which esports needs to fit. We indicate the misconceptions of this approach and propose more inductive ones (e.g. searching for esports&#39; distinct frameworks or revealing those used by different groups or communities). Also, our research has some practical implications and is a kind of &#39;map&#39; showing the esports&#39; new quality and its complex nature.

Research paper thumbnail of ‘Let's face it, it's not a healthy sport’: Perceived health status and experience of injury among Polish professional mixed martial arts athletes

International Review for the Sociology of Sport

With this article we present findings from the research on professional MMA fighters and their pe... more With this article we present findings from the research on professional MMA fighters and their perception of health and injury. The frequency and types of injuries they have sustained while practicing MMA were analysed alongside self-assessment of health conditions and attitudes towards health problems. We also analyze fighters’ risk culture of neglecting pain and underestimating injuries, and the organization of health care in the event of an injury. A mixed methodology was applied. We administered a questionnaire to 88 male professional MMA athletes. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 athletes from the surveyed group. Respondents’ mean age was 27.5. They had sound MMA experience, with the most experienced competing in over 20 professional fights. Investigated athletes reported numerous health problems, high injury rate and frequent occurrence of pain. The MMA risk culture seemed to shape specific competitors’ perceptions and responses to injury and health pro...

Research paper thumbnail of Kultura fizyczna a instytucjonalizacja

CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research - Zenodo, Dec 5, 2020

Rewolucjonista skoku wzwyż doczekał się pomnika. Na poziomie 224 cm, http:// www.tvn24.pl (31.01.... more Rewolucjonista skoku wzwyż doczekał się pomnika. Na poziomie 224 cm, http:// www.tvn24.pl (31.01.2020). 32 System challenge zbawieniem dla sędziów, https://www.siatkarsko.pl/system-challenge-zbawieniem-sedziow/ (31.01.2020).

Research paper thumbnail of Sport w służbie osoby ludzkiej: stanowisko papieży wobec sportu

Seminare. Poszukiwania naukowe

The aim of the paper is an attempt to sum up the social teaching of popes on sport. The authors a... more The aim of the paper is an attempt to sum up the social teaching of popes on sport. The authors analyse the fundamental issues concerning human involvement in sport, focusing, among others, on the need for the presence of the Church in sport or on the significant role of sport in the harmonious development of young people. The following methods were used in the study: literature review, comparative, and axiological methods, as well as idiographic and nomothetic methods. The conducted analyzes show that the highest Church leaders invariably demand respect for fundamental human values, which also applies to sport, which, if properly directed, can play an important role in the process of education and promote propagation of Christian values.

Research paper thumbnail of Kultura fizyczna młodzieży na przykładzie członków Ruchu Światło-Życie archidiecezji warszawskiej i diecezji warszawsko-praskiej

Seminare. Poszukiwania naukowe

Modern teaching of the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes affirmation of the human body and man's e... more Modern teaching of the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes affirmation of the human body and man's efforts to achieve harmonious development, including physical development. The aim of the work was to analyse the axiological, health, behavioral, motivational, spectatorial and ethical aspects of physical culture of youth involved in the Light-Life Movement of the Archdiocese of Warsaw and the Diocese of Warsaw-Praga. The majority of the Movement's members make human health dependent primarily on rational actions to maintain and improve it, and strive for comprehensive development. They care not only for the spiritual, but also for social, intellectual and physical sphere. Furthermore, the majority of the "oasis" members rated sports events as socially and culturally positive. It is disturbing that the youngest age cohort of respondents reveals the lowest sensitivity to cases of breaking socio-ethical rules in sport.

Research paper thumbnail of Methodological Dysfunctionalism and E-sports – Application Perspective

Research paper thumbnail of Socjologiczna charakterystyka uczestników Warszawskiej Akademickiej Pielgrzymki Metropolitalnej na Jasną Górę

Research paper thumbnail of The problematic nature of evaluating esports’ “genuineness” using traditional sports’ criteria: In-depth interviews with traditional sports and electronic sports journalists

Leisure Studies, 2023

Researchers often use traditional sports' theoretical frameworks to evaluate esports' 'genuinenes... more Researchers often use traditional sports' theoretical frameworks to evaluate esports' 'genuineness'. Therefore, this article shows how esports is assessed by traditional sports and esports journalists and how this is important for esports research. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 15) with the journalists representing top-tier Polish media and used inductive conventional content analysis. Three main analytical categories and ten subcategories indicate how the two types of journalists differ in their assessments of esports being or not being 'real' sport. The results highlight how problematic it is to use traditional sports as a frame into which esports needs to fit. We indicate the misconceptions of this approach and propose more inductive ones (e.g. searching for esports' distinct frameworks or revealing those used by different groups or communities). Also, our research has some practical implications and is a kind of 'map' showing the esports' new quality and its complex nature.

Research paper thumbnail of Toward Successful Esports Team: How Does National Diversity Affect Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Video Games

Proceedings of the 56th Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, HICSS 2023, Hyatt Regency Maui, Hawaii, USA, 3-6 January 2023, Maui, Hawaii, 2023

Today, esports teams in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are often composed of player... more Today, esports teams in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are often composed of players from around the world. The paper asks whether a greater national heterogeneity of professional esports teams means their higher effectiveness. Desk research data of 13 tournaments of Dota 2 game held in 2011-2018 is used to calculate the teams' win ratio, i.e., the ratio of skirmishes (in all matches) won to the total number of skirmishes (match is a series of skirmishes). Hence, effectiveness is understood not as ranks or matches won, but as the lowest possible number of lost skirmishes. Multinational teams achieved a higher win ratio, compared to nationally homogenous teams and the analysis includes the role of coaches' nationalities. Working groups, cognitive diversity, and similarity/attraction theories are used to signal potential reasons and consequences of diversity on team performance. This exploratory study indicates future research threads on esports teams' national diversity.

Research paper thumbnail of “It Was All without Emotions, and This Wasn’t the Same Anymore”: “Replacing” Traditional Sports with E-Sports during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on both traditional sports and esports. Researchers re... more The COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on both traditional sports and esports. Researchers reported the remarkable esports growth and that it “replaced” traditional sports in many different disciplines. They claimed that in a post-pandemic world, the substitutability of sports with esports would only increase. The presented chapter evaluates such views by looking at the voice of journalists dealing with both esports and traditional sports. 15 retrospective semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, and, as it turned out, the interviewees were highly skeptical of the optimistic view presented above. For example, they emphasized the financial and organizational problems of esports during the pandemic. The chapter ends with a broader conclusion that one should be very careful when analyzing and juxtaposing esports and traditional sports as these should be understood as separate categories defined by different characteristics. This has some major consequences for managing esports and trying to anticipate its future.

Research paper thumbnail of Toward Successful Esports Team: How Does National Diversity Affect Multiplayer Online Battle Arena Video Games

Proceedings of the ... Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences/Proceedings of the Annual Hawaii International Conference on System Sciences, 2023

Today, esports teams in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are often composed of player... more Today, esports teams in multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games are often composed of players from around the world. The paper asks whether a greater national heterogeneity of professional esports teams means their higher effectiveness. Desk research data of 13 tournaments of Dota 2 game held in 2011-2018 is used to calculate the teams' win ratio, i.e., the ratio of skirmishes (in all matches) won to the total number of skirmishes (match is a series of skirmishes). Hence, effectiveness is understood not as ranks or matches won, but as the lowest possible number of lost skirmishes. Multinational teams achieved a higher win ratio, compared to nationally homogenous teams and the analysis includes the role of coaches' nationalities. Working groups, cognitive diversity, and similarity/attraction theories are used to signal potential reasons and consequences of diversity on team performance. This exploratory study indicates future research threads on esports teams' national diversity.

Research paper thumbnail of The Prevalence and Outlook of Doping in Electronic Sports (Esports): An Original Study and Review of the Overlooked Medical Challenges

Research paper thumbnail of Kultura fizyczna a instytucjonalizacja

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Dec 5, 2020

Rewolucjonista skoku wzwyż doczekał się pomnika. Na poziomie 224 cm, http:// www.tvn24.pl (31.01.... more Rewolucjonista skoku wzwyż doczekał się pomnika. Na poziomie 224 cm, http:// www.tvn24.pl (31.01.2020). 32 System challenge zbawieniem dla sędziów, https://www.siatkarsko.pl/system-challenge-zbawieniem-sedziow/ (31.01.2020).

Research paper thumbnail of Socjologiczna charakterystyka uczestników Warszawskiej Akademickiej Pielgrzymki Metropolitalnej na Jasną Górę

Folia Turistica / Akademia Wychowania Fizycznego im. B. Czecha w Krakowie, 2012

Research paper thumbnail of “Playing with injury”: the health-related aspects of a career in women’s handball

Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research, Sep 27, 2021

Health, injury, and pain within the social contexts of sports remain relevant. Sociologists have ... more Health, injury, and pain within the social contexts of sports remain relevant. Sociologists have repeatedly pointed out a set of factors that shape the sociocultural background of sports and aim to normalize the high risk of injury, pain, and negative impacts on health. The literature contains inspiring studies with valuable guidelines for conceptualizing this issue. Some researchers have focused on the social factors shaping athletes' experiences with health-related risks and have proven that it is possible to oppose the deeply rooted "culture of risk." The fact that most studies on the subject involve men's sports increases the importance of those that address health-related risks in women's sports. The literature includes few works concerning the sociocultural contexts of injury, pain, or health issues in handball. The aim of this study was to learn about the opinions and experiences of professional female handball players related to health in their discipline. Three main directions of research were followed: 1) health as a value; 2) significance of injury and pain; and 3) effect of health-related risks on a career in sports. The data were collected before the COVID-19 pandemic. The results do not reflect the opinions or experiences of the participants during the period of heightened epidemiological risk. The sample comprised female athletes (n=52) who participated in the Polish First League of women's handball and represented the highest competitive level in their category in Poland.

Research paper thumbnail of Sport w służbie osoby ludzkiej: stanowisko papieży wobec sportu

Seminare, Jun 30, 2021

The aim of the paper is an attempt to sum up the social teaching of popes on sport. The authors a... more The aim of the paper is an attempt to sum up the social teaching of popes on sport. The authors analyse the fundamental issues concerning human involvement in sport, focusing, among others, on the need for the presence of the Church in sport or on the significant role of sport in the harmonious development of young people. The following methods were used in the study: literature review, comparative, and axiological methods, as well as idiographic and nomothetic methods. The conducted analyzes show that the highest Church leaders invariably demand respect for fundamental human values, which also applies to sport, which, if properly directed, can play an important role in the process of education and promote propagation of Christian values.

Research paper thumbnail of Kultura fizyczna młodzieży na przykładzie członków Ruchu Światło-Życie archidiecezji warszawskiej i diecezji warszawsko-praskiej

Seminare, May 30, 2018

Modern teaching of the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes affirmation of the human body and man's e... more Modern teaching of the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes affirmation of the human body and man's efforts to achieve harmonious development, including physical development. The aim of the work was to analyse the axiological, health, behavioral, motivational, spectatorial and ethical aspects of physical culture of youth involved in the Light-Life Movement of the Archdiocese of Warsaw and the Diocese of Warsaw-Praga. The majority of the Movement's members make human health dependent primarily on rational actions to maintain and improve it, and strive for comprehensive development. They care not only for the spiritual, but also for social, intellectual and physical sphere. Furthermore, the majority of the "oasis" members rated sports events as socially and culturally positive. It is disturbing that the youngest age cohort of respondents reveals the lowest sensitivity to cases of breaking socio-ethical rules in sport.

Research paper thumbnail of Doping in e-sports. An empirical exploration and search for sociological interpretations

Acta Universitatis Lodziensis, Dec 30, 2020

Electronic sports is a new phenomenon in scientific research. Many issues within it have not been... more Electronic sports is a new phenomenon in scientific research. Many issues within it have not been systematically analyzed. The use of artificial substances to improve human physical abilities is most often addressed in the context of deviation in sports. E-sports partially reflects sporting functionality, but in the area of doping and anti-doping control in video game competitions, it is difficult to delineate the boundary between what is allowed and what is forbidden. The aim of this work is to reconstruct the social assessment of doping in e-sports based on the attitudes and experience of fans and players. Most players accept the use of stimulants, such as energy drinks. Some of them also observe the use of prohibited substances during games. E-sports enthusiasts usually support anti-doping controls modeled on traditional sports and emphasize the importance of structural determinants of the issue, such as allowing the use of prohibited means.

Research paper thumbnail of <i>‘Let's face it, it's not a healthy sport’:</i> Perceived health status and experience of injury among Polish professional mixed martial arts athletes

International Review for the Sociology of Sport, Aug 4, 2022

With this article we present findings from the research on professional MMA fighters and their pe... more With this article we present findings from the research on professional MMA fighters and their perception of health and injury. The frequency and types of injuries they have sustained while practicing MMA were analysed alongside self-assessment of health conditions and attitudes towards health problems. We also analyze fighters’ risk culture of neglecting pain and underestimating injuries, and the organization of health care in the event of an injury. A mixed methodology was applied. We administered a questionnaire to 88 male professional MMA athletes. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 athletes from the surveyed group. Respondents’ mean age was 27.5. They had sound MMA experience, with the most experienced competing in over 20 professional fights. Investigated athletes reported numerous health problems, high injury rate and frequent occurrence of pain. The MMA risk culture seemed to shape specific competitors’ perceptions and responses to injury and health problems and specific hierarchy of injury severity. MMA athletes showed a high level of risk acceptance regarding their health and the social and economic terms of their professional MMA involvement. They also reported inadequate medical care and oversight, and independently organised and financed medical and rehabilitation treatments. Nevertheless, for investigated athletes this risk culture seems to be internalized and considered an acceptable cost of their professional sport involvement and recognition.

Research paper thumbnail of Preparing for esports competitions: gaming communities of practice

Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Sociologica

Communities of practice are groups of people united by a passion for something, who deepen their ... more Communities of practice are groups of people united by a passion for something, who deepen their knowledge and experience in their field through ongoing interactions. This article focuses on the importance of institutionalized relationship networks and mutual recognition in preparation for esports competitions. The study represents inductive, qualitative analyses. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with players (n = 12) that have significant achievements in Magic: The Gathering (MTG) competitions. In the social world of MTG enthusiasts, numerous groups reflect the functionality of a community of practice. These groups constitute a fundamental aspect of preparation for top-level MTG tournaments. Examples of the functioning of so-called testing groups among MTG enthusiasts allow the formulation of a new analytical category – the gaming community of practice. Contrary to stereotypes, the presented study supports the thesis about the significant role of video games in the for...

Research paper thumbnail of The problematic nature of evaluating esports’ “genuineness” using traditional sports’ criteria: In-depth interviews with traditional sports and electronic sports journalists

Leisure Studies

Researchers often use traditional sports&#39; theoretical frameworks to evaluate esports&... more Researchers often use traditional sports&#39; theoretical frameworks to evaluate esports&#39; &#39;genuineness&#39;. Therefore, this article shows how esports is assessed by traditional sports and esports journalists and how this is important for esports research. We conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews (n = 15) with the journalists representing top-tier Polish media and used inductive conventional content analysis. Three main analytical categories and ten subcategories indicate how the two types of journalists differ in their assessments of esports being or not being &#39;real&#39; sport. The results highlight how problematic it is to use traditional sports as a frame into which esports needs to fit. We indicate the misconceptions of this approach and propose more inductive ones (e.g. searching for esports&#39; distinct frameworks or revealing those used by different groups or communities). Also, our research has some practical implications and is a kind of &#39;map&#39; showing the esports&#39; new quality and its complex nature.

Research paper thumbnail of ‘Let's face it, it's not a healthy sport’: Perceived health status and experience of injury among Polish professional mixed martial arts athletes

International Review for the Sociology of Sport

With this article we present findings from the research on professional MMA fighters and their pe... more With this article we present findings from the research on professional MMA fighters and their perception of health and injury. The frequency and types of injuries they have sustained while practicing MMA were analysed alongside self-assessment of health conditions and attitudes towards health problems. We also analyze fighters’ risk culture of neglecting pain and underestimating injuries, and the organization of health care in the event of an injury. A mixed methodology was applied. We administered a questionnaire to 88 male professional MMA athletes. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 athletes from the surveyed group. Respondents’ mean age was 27.5. They had sound MMA experience, with the most experienced competing in over 20 professional fights. Investigated athletes reported numerous health problems, high injury rate and frequent occurrence of pain. The MMA risk culture seemed to shape specific competitors’ perceptions and responses to injury and health pro...

Research paper thumbnail of Kultura fizyczna a instytucjonalizacja

CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research - Zenodo, Dec 5, 2020

Rewolucjonista skoku wzwyż doczekał się pomnika. Na poziomie 224 cm, http:// www.tvn24.pl (31.01.... more Rewolucjonista skoku wzwyż doczekał się pomnika. Na poziomie 224 cm, http:// www.tvn24.pl (31.01.2020). 32 System challenge zbawieniem dla sędziów, https://www.siatkarsko.pl/system-challenge-zbawieniem-sedziow/ (31.01.2020).

Research paper thumbnail of Sport w służbie osoby ludzkiej: stanowisko papieży wobec sportu

Seminare. Poszukiwania naukowe

The aim of the paper is an attempt to sum up the social teaching of popes on sport. The authors a... more The aim of the paper is an attempt to sum up the social teaching of popes on sport. The authors analyse the fundamental issues concerning human involvement in sport, focusing, among others, on the need for the presence of the Church in sport or on the significant role of sport in the harmonious development of young people. The following methods were used in the study: literature review, comparative, and axiological methods, as well as idiographic and nomothetic methods. The conducted analyzes show that the highest Church leaders invariably demand respect for fundamental human values, which also applies to sport, which, if properly directed, can play an important role in the process of education and promote propagation of Christian values.

Research paper thumbnail of Kultura fizyczna młodzieży na przykładzie członków Ruchu Światło-Życie archidiecezji warszawskiej i diecezji warszawsko-praskiej

Seminare. Poszukiwania naukowe

Modern teaching of the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes affirmation of the human body and man's e... more Modern teaching of the Roman Catholic Church emphasizes affirmation of the human body and man's efforts to achieve harmonious development, including physical development. The aim of the work was to analyse the axiological, health, behavioral, motivational, spectatorial and ethical aspects of physical culture of youth involved in the Light-Life Movement of the Archdiocese of Warsaw and the Diocese of Warsaw-Praga. The majority of the Movement's members make human health dependent primarily on rational actions to maintain and improve it, and strive for comprehensive development. They care not only for the spiritual, but also for social, intellectual and physical sphere. Furthermore, the majority of the "oasis" members rated sports events as socially and culturally positive. It is disturbing that the youngest age cohort of respondents reveals the lowest sensitivity to cases of breaking socio-ethical rules in sport.

Research paper thumbnail of Methodological Dysfunctionalism and E-sports – Application Perspective

Research paper thumbnail of Socjologiczna charakterystyka uczestników Warszawskiej Akademickiej Pielgrzymki Metropolitalnej na Jasną Górę

Research paper thumbnail of Free time, tourism and recreation: some sociological reflections

Ido Movement for Culture. Journal of Martial Arts Anthropology, 2017

Background and Aim. Reading the book by Wojciech J. Cynarski Czas wolny, turystyka i rekreacja w ... more Background and Aim. Reading the book by Wojciech J. Cynarski Czas wolny, turystyka i rekreacja w perspektywie socjologicznej (in English, Free time, tourism and recreation from the perspective of sociology) (2017) inspired us to analyse its content by referencing works published by adherents of a range of sociological subdisciplines, and other source materials. Methods. The methodology of this article is based on a review of the subject literature and an analysis of texts available in the media discourse. Results and Conclusion. Cynarski stresses the view that the universal needs of human nature include a rejection of authority and totalitarianism, and the unbridled desire to own and consume, which is a characteristic of capitalism. This forms part of the contemporary critical theory that expands upon the Frankfurt school of thought. Millions of people worldwide take part in sporting events, religious events and pilgrimages that are important for tourism, and all of which are neo-tr...

Research paper thumbnail of Doping in e-sports. An empirical exploration and search for sociological interpretations

Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Sociologica, 2020

Electronic sports is a new phenomenon in scientific research. Many issues within it have not been... more Electronic sports is a new phenomenon in scientific research. Many issues within it have not been systematically analyzed. The use of artificial substances to improve human physical abilities is most often addressed in the context of deviation in sports. E-sports partially reflects sporting functionality, but in the area of doping and anti-doping control in video game competitions, it is difficult to delineate the boundary between what is allowed and what is forbidden. The aim of this work is to reconstruct the social assessment of doping in e-sports based on the attitudes and experience of fans and players. Most players accept the use of stimulants, such as energy drinks. Some of them also observe the use of prohibited substances during games. E-sports enthusiasts usually support anti-doping controls modeled on traditional sports and emphasize the importance of structural determinants of the issue, such as allowing the use of prohibited means.