Ethical factors in sports - AQAThe contract to compete
Sport requires people to follow written and unwritten rules to make it fair. It expects people to behave responsibly to ensure respect, fairness and safety. In this way, it promotes social values.
This is a non-written and assumed relationship that all sporting performers have with their sport and with the other participants. Some people would argue that the contract to compete is actually the definition of sport and that, without it, the fair play model of sport would be entirely lost.
The contract to compete has the following components:
displaying sportsmanship at all times
fully complying with all rules
showing etiquette to teammates, opponents and officials
commitment to a level playing field for all competitors
always trying one's best
Deviant behaviours such as doping completely break this contract and are considered to be cheating. It is clear why so many people are disgusted when doping or match-fixing occur because these behaviours break the very essence of what sport is supposed to be.
It can also be seen that even not trying hard or 'loafing' breaks the contract to compete. In this scenario, a teammate or coach might feel let down by the performer who didn't try or gave up too easily.
The contract to compete is the value system of sport and physical activity and those who uphold it are always seen as role models for others. In this way, the sporting culture continues and is passed on to the next generation.