Ethics and Deviance in Sport
Welcome to your study notes on Ethics and Deviance in Sport! This chapter is a fascinating part of the Sport and Society section of your PE A Level. We are going to explore the "good," the "bad," and the "ugly" of modern sport. We’ll look at why athletes feel the need to win at any cost, how they cheat, and what the world is doing to keep sport fair. Don't worry if some of these terms seem new; we will break them down step-by-step!
1. The Basics: Sportsmanship vs. Gamesmanship
Before we look at cheating, we need to understand the two main ways people approach sport.
Sportsmanship
Sportsmanship is the "ethical" way to play. It involves following the spirit of the game, showing respect for opponents, and being honest. Example: A tennis player pointing out that their opponent’s shot was actually "in," even if the umpire called it "out."
Gamesmanship
Gamesmanship is a bit different. It’s often called "bending the rules without breaking them." It is the "win at all costs" mentality. Example: A footballer "time-wasting" by walking slowly to take a corner, or a "sledging" cricketer trying to distract a batsman.
The Impact of Commercialisation: As sport has become a multi-billion pound industry, the pressure to win has moved from Sportsmanship toward Gamesmanship. When there are millions of pounds in sponsorship and prize money on the line, athletes often feel they cannot afford to lose.
Quick Review: Sportsmanship = Fair play and respect. Gamesmanship = Bending rules to gain an advantage. Commercialisation = The "Big Business" of sport that increases the pressure to win.
2. Understanding Deviance
Deviance is any behavior that goes against the established norms or rules of a society or a sport. In PE, we focus on Negative Deviance, which is behavior that has a harmful effect on the sport.
Why do they do it? Pressures on Performers
It’s easy to say "cheating is bad," but why do elite athletes risk their careers? 1. Financial Rewards: Huge prize money and "bungs" (secret payments). 2. Fame and Status: The desire to be a global superstar. 3. Pressure from Coaches/Sponsors: Feeling that you must win to keep your job or funding. 4. "Everyone else is doing it": The belief that you can't win fairly if others are cheating. 5. Patriotism: Winning for your country (nationalistic pride).
Pressures on Spectators
Spectators can also be deviant. Factors like alcohol, tribalism (intense loyalty to a team), and frustration with officials can lead to violence or hooliganism.
Key Takeaway: Deviance happens because the rewards for winning (money and fame) often feel bigger than the risk of getting caught.
3. Forms of Deviance: The "Cheater's Toolkit"
The syllabus requires you to know these specific types of deviance. Let's look at them clearly:
Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs)
1. Anabolic Steroids: Used to increase muscle mass and power. 2. Diuretics: Used to lose weight quickly (e.g., in boxing) or to "flush" other drugs out of the system to hide them. 3. Blood Doping and Transfusions: Increasing the number of red blood cells to carry more oxygen. This helps endurance athletes like marathon runners or cyclists. 4. Pain Relief: Using strong, illegal medication to play through an injury.
Corruption and Match-Fixing
1. Simulation: Also known as "diving." Trying to trick the referee into giving a foul or penalty. 2. Bribery and "Bungs": Giving or taking money to influence a result or a player's transfer. 3. Match-Fixing and Betting Syndicates: When players or officials agree on the result of a game before it starts to make money through gambling.
Memory Aid: The "S.B.M." Trick Simulation (Diving) Bribery (Money) Match-fixing (Gambling) These are the "Big Three" of non-drug cheating!
4. Combatting Deviance: Who is the Police of Sport?
Governments and sporting bodies use three main tools to stop deviance: Technology, Legislation, and Organizations.
The Role of WADA
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the most important organization here. What they do: - Create the Prohibited List (what drugs are banned). - Perform random drug testing (both during competitions and at athletes' homes). - Promote the "Whereabouts" rule (athletes must tell WADA where they are for one hour every day).
The Role of Technology
Technology is a double-edged sword. It helps cheats, but it also helps catch them. 1. Better Testing: Labs can now find tiny traces of drugs from years ago. 2. Monitoring: "Biological Passports" track an athlete’s blood data over time to spot weird changes. 3. Officiating: Technology like VAR (Football) or Hawk-Eye (Tennis) helps catch Simulation and ensures the right decisions are made.
Responses by NGBs and the Law
National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and governments have stepped up: - Life Bans: Some sports ban cheats forever. - Fines and Points Deductions: Teams can be relegated or fined millions. - Criminal Law: In some countries, match-fixing or possessing certain PEDs can lead to prison time.
Don't worry if this seems tricky! Just remember that WADA handles the drugs, while NGBs and The Law handle things like match-fixing and violence.
5. Summary and Quick Review
Sportsmanship is about the "Spirit of the Game," while Gamesmanship is about "Winning at all costs."
Commercialisation has increased the pressure on athletes to move toward Deviance.
Deviance includes PEDs (like steroids), Blood Doping, and Corruption (like match-fixing).
WADA is the global leader in stopping drugs in sport.
Technology and Criminal Law are increasingly used to keep sport fair and safe.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't confuse Sportsmanship with Gamesmanship! Just remember: Sportsman = The Good Guy. Gamesman = The Sneaky Guy.
Did you know? WADA can re-test samples from the Olympic Games up to 10 years after the event. This means an athlete who cheats today might not be caught until years later!