Every time you open a newspaper or turn on the TV you are likely to be faced with stories of controlled and uncontrolled aggression on sports fields, in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in the cities and towns of the whole world world. Aggression seems to permeate our history and our cultures. Human societies spend a lot of time trying to curb and control their citizens' feelings of aggression to ensure that social and governmental relationships function optimally in a peaceful and safe environment. Other times the flames of human aggression are fanned by societies themselves to challenge opposing societies and ideologies. Yet in war, as in sports and other social arenas, rules have been established to govern and control the worst of aggressive human behavior and hostilities. For thousands of years, sporting competitions have been organized as a legitimate avenue for nations to compete aggressively but peacefully in a controlled environment for physical dominance. The ability to control aggression largely defines an individual's success and of society, on and off the pitch. Aggression is a very controversial attitude commonly associated with physical violence. The act of aggression is used to assert power and control over others. Although seen as a negative personal characteristic in most societies, aggression is a primal instinct and a trait that often leads to success in a sporting environment. In sport it is essential that an athlete can refine and control their internal aggression to dominate their opponents. Controlled aggression is the hallmark of a successful player and a team's ability to win. Imagine a defender locking onto his target, cutting down the field at lightning speed. The counters are sl... at the center of paper... outcomes such as debilitating injuries, death, incarceration and criminal records. However, aggression does not always meet aggression. In the case of bullies, they often show aggression towards weaker targets who are not inclined to reciprocate the aggression. Many people are disinclined to respond or aggressively, choosing to avoid confrontation rather than expose themselves to the risk of injury or serious problems. Humans' primal aggressive instincts must be, and can be, channeled for good, not evil, purposes. . The discipline and teamwork of sports can be a great avenue for channeling and controlling adolescent and adult aggression into legitimate, more productive paths, while strengthening physical fitness, teamwork and self-esteem . On the other hand, uncontrolled aggression on and off the sports field is never a good thing and is not a quality to be admired.