Question 1

What is the difference between sportsmanship and gamesmanship?

Accepted Answer

Sportsmanship is about playing fairly, respecting opponents and officials, and accepting victory or defeat with grace. It involves honesty and following both the letter and spirit of the rules. Gamesmanship, on the other hand, uses tactics that are technically within the rules but are considered unethical, such as time-wasting or distracting an opponent. While sportsmanship builds integrity, gamesmanship prioritises winning at all costs.

Question 2

Why are performance-enhancing drugs banned in sport?

Accepted Answer

Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) are banned for two main reasons: they create an unfair advantage, undermining the principle of fair competition, and they pose serious health risks to athletes, including heart problems, liver damage, and hormonal imbalances. Governing bodies like WADA enforce bans to protect athletes' health and ensure that success is based on natural talent and hard work rather than artificial substances.

Question 3

Can deviance in sport ever be positive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, deviance can be positive when it involves breaking a rule to prevent harm or uphold a higher moral principle. For example, a footballer might deliberately handle the ball to stop a dangerous attack, accepting a yellow card to protect an opponent. This is called 'positive deviance' because it prioritises safety over strict rule-following. However, most deviance in sport is negative, such as cheating or violence.

Question 4

How does commercialisation affect ethics in sport?

Accepted Answer

Commercialisation can pressure athletes and organisations to prioritise profit over ethics, leading to corruption, doping, or match-fixing. For example, sponsors may demand wins, encouraging gamesmanship or drug use. However, commercialisation also funds anti-doping programmes and promotes fair play campaigns. The key is balancing financial interests with integrity, which is why governing bodies enforce strict ethical codes.

Question 5

What role do officials play in maintaining ethics in sport?

Accepted Answer

Officials, such as referees and umpires, enforce the rules and uphold the spirit of the game. They make decisions that ensure fairness, penalise unethical behaviour (e.g., diving in football), and protect player safety. Their authority is crucial for maintaining trust in sport. However, they also face ethical dilemmas, such as whether to apply the letter of the law or use discretion to keep the game flowing.

Question 6

Why is ethics in sport important for society?

Accepted Answer

Sport is a powerful social influence, especially for young people. Ethical sport teaches values like teamwork, respect, and honesty, which transfer to everyday life. When athletes behave unethically, it can normalise cheating or aggression. Conversely, positive role models inspire fair play and community spirit. Thus, ethics in sport helps build a more just and responsible society.

Ethics in sport

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How to Revise Ethics in sport — OCR GCSE Physical Education

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