Ethics in Sport Organizations

CHAPTER 4: ETHICS IN SPORT ORGANIZATIONS

KEY SPORTS ETHICS TOPICS/ISSUES

  • Corruption, gambling, cheating

    • Significance in maintaining integrity in sports.

  • Expectation for athletes to be role models/ambassadors

    • Athletes are expected to represent ethical standards both on and off the field.

  • National anthem protests

    • Example: Colin Kaepernick's protests sparking discussions on privilege, pride, and patriotism.

CONTINUED KEY SPORTS ETHICS TOPICS/ISSUES

  • Sexualization and/or exploitation of athletes

    • Examining how athletes, particularly women, are perceived and treated in media and sponsorships.

  • Violence on the field

    • Analyzing the prevalence and implications of aggressive behavior in sports.

  • Racial harassment and vilification

    • Issues around racism faced by athletes and fans.

  • Spectator violence

    • Exploring the impact of fans' aggressive behavior during events.

  • Abusive/aggressive parental behavior

    • Parental influence in youth sports and its effect on children’s experiences.

  • Eating disorders and body image

    • The pressures athletes face regarding their physical appearance.

  • Sponsorship demands

    • Impact of commercial partnerships on athletes and teams, including ethical considerations.

  • Sexuality discrimination and homophobia

    • Issues related to LGBTQ+ rights within sports.

  • Questionable game tactics

    • Ethical dilemmas in strategies employed by teams to gain advantage.

  • Media's role

    • How media coverage influences public perception and moral standards in sports.

ADDITIONAL KEY CONCEPTS

  • Professionalism

    • Expectations of conduct and appearance in sport management.

  • Equity

    • Fair treatment and opportunities for all athletes regardless of background.

  • Personnel concerns

    • Ethical issues in hiring, treatment, and relationships within sports organizations.

  • Governance and policies

    • Examination of the rules governing behavior and conduct in sports.

  • League and franchise issues

    • Ethical considerations in the operations of sports leagues and franchises.

  • Matters of social justice

    • How sports organizations can influence social change.

  • Decision-making in sports management

    • Understanding how to navigate ethical challenges and make responsible choices.

SOCIETAL ISSUES REFLECTED IN SPORT

  • Violence and Racism

    • Fan violence in Vancouver following NHL events.

    • Racial conflicts highlighted in incidents like the Xavier vs. Cincinnati basketball fight.

    • Disparities like the low number of African American general managers in professional sports.

    • Racial taunting incidents in soccer matches.

    • Cases of sexual assault, such as the allegations against Ben Roethlisberger and the conviction of Jerry Sandusky for child abuse.

MORALS VS. ETHICS

  • Definition of Morals:

    • Personal character traits that are generally unchanging.

  • Definition of Ethics:

    • A social system reflecting how morals are applied, which can change based on context.

    • Example: A lawyer may personally believe murder is wrong, but legal ethics require them to defend their client regardless of personal belief.

SPORT ETHICS PRINCIPLES

  • Respect for Persons

  • Protection from Harm

  • Development of Ethical Conduct

  • Justice, Fairness, Equity

  • Ethics of Care

    • Focus on the importance of relationships and responsibilities within sports.

  • Freedom to Enjoy

  • Respect for the Institution of Sport

CONDITIONS FOR ETHICAL CONFLICTS OR DILEMMAS

  • Significant Value Conflicts

    • Differing interests, such as gender equity conflicting with achievement-based rewards.

  • Real Alternatives

    • Options that are equally justifiable, like distributing funds or maintaining revenue for certain sports.

  • Significant Consequences for Stakeholders

    • The impact of ethical decisions on various stakeholders, notably in underfunded women’s sports.

ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING MODEL

  1. Identify the correct problem to be addressed.

  2. Gather all relevant information regarding the situation.

  3. Explore applicable codes of conduct in the relevant profession.

  4. Examine personal values and beliefs that might influence decisions.

  5. Consult with industry peers who may have faced similar issues.

  6. List available decision options.

  7. Strive for a win-win situation if possible.

  8. Consider how public perception could affect your family and personal standing.

  9. Avoid rushing to a decision; take necessary time to evaluate.

  10. Evaluate the decision's impact over time.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)

  • Definition: A management concept incorporating social and environmental concerns into business practices and stakeholder interactions.

  • Key Themes:

    • Human rights, labor, and security.

    • Economic development and business standards.

    • Health promotion and education initiatives.

    • Environmental stewardship.

    • Human disaster relief efforts.

TITLE IX COMPLIANCE AS AN EXAMPLE

  • Economic Level:

    • Compliance when coerced, focusing on financial goals.

  • Legal Level:

    • Adhering strictly to legal requirements without going beyond.

    • Typically meeting one of the three prongs of compliance (proportionality, expansion of opportunities, full accommodation).

  • Ethical Level:

    • Compliance with both the letter and spirit of Title IX.

    • Meeting all three prongs equals ethical fulfillment.

  • Philanthropic Level:

    • Proactive advocacy for Title IX, assisting other institutions in compliance efforts.