4. PROMOTING ETHICAL CONDUCT IN SPORT

Learning goals We are learning to see the problem of cheating in sport. We are learning to champion the concept of fair play in sport.

What does cheating in sport mean? Cheating refers to any unfair advantage in training or competition gained by a participant using methods or equipment prohibited by the rules of the sport. It is the opposite of fair play.

Forms of cheating in sport takes many forms and, despite the risks, some players and coaches seem to be forever searching for new ways to gain an unfair advantage over their opponents. For example: Influencing the decisions of match officials Using illegal or banned substances Using illegal equipment Match fixing

Owning up

downfall Lance Armstrong had been a world-class cyclist prior to winning the prestigious Tour de France a record seven consecutive times. In 2005, allegations arose that Armstrong had been using illegal performance- enhancing drugs. In 2012, after a series of investigations, the United States Anti-Doping Agency accused Armstrong of doping and banned him from participating in sports sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Deserving of a 2nd chance? Armstrong was stripped of his Tour de France wins and he stepped down from the board of directors of the Livestrong Foundation. Given the huge pressures to succeed and the many temptations to make poor choices, should a high-profile athlete who cheats be given a second chance?

Ethical conduct vs winning at all costs There are many examples of athletes in different sports who choose to act ethically despite the mounting pressure to do otherwise. In a 2009 soccer match in Italy, one player failed to return the ball to his opponents after an opposing player had been injured and instead went in to score; his team let an opposing player put the ball into an open net to even the score. Organizations such as the International Natural Bodybuilding Federation (INBF) and INBF Canada help promote steroid-free bodybuilding.

Fair play in sport Fair play comprises a number of values that are fundamental not only to sport but to everyday life: respect, friendship, team spirit, fair competition sport without doping, respect for written and unwritten rules, equality integrity, solidarity, tolerance, care, excellence, and the joy of movement. The fair play spirit was exemplified by Gilmore Junio at Sochi, who selflessly sacrificed his spot in the 1000-metre race to teammate Denny Morrison.

True sport The True Sport Movement provides programs to help schools, teams, leagues, clubs, and communities embrace integrity and shared values. True Sport has selected the values of fairness, excellence, inclusion, and fun as central to its platform. The Seven True Sport Principles are: Go For It; Play Fair; Respect Others; Keep It Fun; Stay Healthy; Include Everyone; and Give Back.

Importance of coaches and role models Coaches can help young people differentiate between acceptable and unacceptable behaviours and follow and respect rules of fair play. Individual athletes can also reinforce ethics in sport by acting as role models. The Athletes Against Bullying Alliance (AABA) uses athletes’ influence and status to help reduce bullying in schools and communities across Canada.

The NCCP’s fair play principles The Coaching Association of Canada offers the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). The NCCP has developed five key principles underlying their fair play philosophy. These key principles are based on respect, equal opportunities for all, and dignity under all circumstances.

Competitiveness and fair play

Organizations dedicated to ethical conduct in sport The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport (CCES) The Association of National Anti-Doping Organizations (ANADO) The International Committee for Fair Play (ICFP)

summary The pressures to cheat in various ways in sport to gain an unfair advantage are enormous, and some athletes and teams wish to “win at all costs.” Many athletes condemn cheating behaviours and choose instead to demonstrate ethical conduct and fair play in sport. Various Canadian and international organizations promote fair play ideals, such as honesty, honour, justice, inclusiveness, and drug-free sport.

An interesting perspective

Learning goals We are learning to see the problem of cheating in sport. We are learning to champion the concept of fair play in sport.