ETHICS IN SPORTS

EDEX 172

Dr. Janet M. McMahill, Dean

Drake University

School of Education

Des Moines, Iowa

Course Description:

Ethics in Sports is a graduate level distance learning course for teachers and others who guide youth in sports.  The instructors raise sociological and ethical questions while illustrating how philosophical analysis can clarify and help to resolve the difficult moral and conceptual issues at stake in American sports.

Format: 

The Ethics in Sports course is formatted onto videotape, along with a study guide, required readings and written assignments.

Dates/Times:

Ethics in Sports is offered year-round, and each student’s transcript will reflect the semester in which they enroll (i.e. Spring, Summer, Fall).  Students have one year from the date of registration to complete the course.

Credit Hours:

One semester hour of graduate credit

 Instructors:

Author and Lecturer:  Dr. Pamela Richards, Professor, Exercise Science Department, Central College

 Master Lecturer:  Dr. Jim Verlengia, Director, Educational Services, Heartland Area Education Agency

 Lecturer:  Dr. Jon Ericson, Professor Emeritus, Rhetoric &n Communication Studies, Drake University, Founder and Director of The Drake Group,

 Lecturer:  Lisa Stone, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Drake University; USA Women’s Basketball Coach

 Course Objectives:

After viewing the videotape and reading the assigned materials, participants will be able to identify the specific characteristics and behaviors of ethical coaches.  They will recognize that social problems are evident in American sports, just as they are evident in every other American social institution.  They will identify American values that are developed by athletes in sports and will develop their own Professional Philosophy based on their understanding of ethics in sports.

Course Outline: 

A. Sports, Values and the American Dream           

                  1.  Traditional Values in American Society

2. Reinforcement of American Values Through Sport

B.   Disillusionment in American Sport 

1.      Nature of Social Issues

2.      Drug Use in Sport

3.      Violence and Aggression in Sport

a.   Causes of Aggression

b.   Forms of Aggression

c.    Violence Against Officials

d.     Spectator Violence 

4.      Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse in Sport

5.      Cheating in Sport

                        a.  Normative vs Non-normative

b.  Cheating by Coaches, Players, Officials & Parents 

C.  Making Sound Ethical Decisions 

1.      Kretchmar’s Model 

a.   Becoming Sensitive to Moral Issues

b.   Respecting and Loving Yourself

c.   Cooling Out

2.      Loving Yourself Psychologically

3.      Looking for Win-Win Solutions

4.      Respecting and Loving our Crafts

5.      Looking for Moral Excellence

 

Sample Assignments include:  Developing a Professional Philosophy and philosophical exercises. 

Evaluation and Grading:

Grade                                     Percentage

A                                             100 – 90

B                                             089 – 80

C                                             079 – 70

D                                             069 – 60

F                                             059 – 00

 References: 

Kretchmar, R.S., Practical Philosophy of Sport, Human Kinetics, Champaign, IL, 1994.