Putting It On:
Symbolism in Sports Uniforms
Skills practiced: Using search engines, doing keyword searches, visual literacy

1. Sports uniforms display symbolism in many different ways. Select from any country a sports team (such as the Brazilian national soccer team or the St. Anselm's College women's rugby club) that you would like to research for this assignment.

2. Use the links to major search engines below to answer as many of the following Research Questions as you can. Type keyword phrases with plus and minus signs or the words AND, OR, and NOT in the Search box of the search engine to look for the information you want. (Example: Detroit Tigers + sponsors) Find at least three relevant Web sites or online articles. Also locate two or three good photographs that illustrate the team's uniform: do this by clicking the "Images" heading near the Search box, or by modifying your keywords. (Example: Detroit Tigers + photos) Refine your searches as suggested in your textbook to get information that is as specific as possible.

Research Questions

• What is the team name? What is its origin? What qualities does that name try to suggest?
• Is there a logo or mascot? What qualities are associated with it? Has it changed over time? Is it controversial in any way?
• What are the team colors? Do they have a special meaning?
• Do the numbers on the players' uniforms have a significance or history? Have any numbers been retired?
• Do the symbols of any corporate sponsors appear on the uniform of this team or player? What is the sponsor known for? What message might the sponsor want to send by being associated with this sport or team?
• Do fans duplicate any of the uniform's elements when they dress to support their team?

Links to Search Engines
AltaVista
http://www.altavista.com

Google
http://www.google.com

MetaCrawler
http://www.metacrawler.com

Yahoo!
http://www.yahoo.com

3. Bookmark and print out your online sources, including the photographs. Write three paragraphs about what you have discovered in your research. Use quotation marks around any information taken directly from your online sources. Paste directly into your paper, or attach as a printout, the photo that best illustrates the points you are making.