Question 1

What is the difference between sportsmanship and gamesmanship?

Accepted Answer

Sportsmanship is about playing fairly, respecting opponents and officials, and following both the letter and spirit of the rules. Gamesmanship involves using tactics that are not illegal but are considered unethical, such as time-wasting or trying to distract an opponent. The key difference is that sportsmanship upholds the integrity of the sport, while gamesmanship undermines it.

Question 2

How does commercialisation affect sport?

Accepted Answer

Commercialisation brings money into sport through sponsorship, media rights, and merchandise. Positively, it can improve facilities, increase participation, and raise the profile of sports. Negatively, it can lead to corruption, excessive pressure on athletes, and prioritisation of profit over fair play. For example, the FIFA World Cup has faced criticism for commercialisation affecting ticket prices and host nation costs.

Question 3

Why is doping considered unethical in sport?

Accepted Answer

Doping is unethical because it gives athletes an unfair advantage, violates the spirit of fair competition, and can harm the athlete's health. It also sets a bad example for younger participants and undermines the integrity of sport. Governing bodies like WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) enforce bans to maintain fairness.

Question 4

How do social groups affect participation in sport?

Accepted Answer

Factors like gender, ethnicity, disability, and socio-economic status can create barriers or opportunities. For example, women historically had fewer opportunities, but initiatives like 'This Girl Can' have increased participation. Ethnic minorities may face stereotypes or lack of role models. Disabled individuals may have limited access to facilities. Socio-economic status affects affordability of equipment and memberships.

Question 5

What is positive deviance in sport?

Accepted Answer

Positive deviance refers to behaviour that goes beyond normal expectations but is not harmful, such as playing through injury or extreme dedication to training. While it can be admired, it may also lead to negative consequences like long-term injury. It differs from negative deviance (e.g., doping, violence) which breaks rules or norms.

Question 6

How does the media influence sport?

Accepted Answer

The media can increase the popularity of sports through coverage, create stars, and generate revenue. However, it can also put pressure on athletes, invade privacy, and prioritise entertainment over fair play. For example, the 24-hour news cycle can magnify controversies, affecting athletes' mental health.

Ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport

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How to Revise Ethical and socio-cultural issues in physical activity and sport — OCR GCSE Physical Education

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