Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if it’s unoccupied, perhaps become squatters or light fires inside. Or consider a pavement. Some litter accumulates. Soon, more litter accumulates. Eventually, people even start leaving bags of refuse from take-out restaurants there or even break into cars.
Source: Wikipedia Broken Windows Theory
According to the broken windows theory, a well maintained, clean and orderly environment sends a signal that vandalism, crime and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated. In contrast, the message sent in a disordered, non-maintained environment is that the area is not monitored and criminal behaviour is unlikely to be detected. The state of the urban environment may affect crime due to three factors:
1. social norms and conformity
2. the presence or lack of routine monitoring
3. social signalling and signal crime.
Now, consider that more and more young athletes who imagine becoming elite level performers are engaging in rigorous training schedules to optimise their performance. In reality, the overwhelming majority will give up and get hurt.
It’s normal…or is it?
Think again and know that here at IFS we will not let the current state of youth talent identification and development negatively impact our environment. We will continue to address each of the three factors mentioned above to ensure our college community rises to greatness!
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