ETHICS AND SPORT

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER
At what point does science and technology surpass the athletes natural or own performance? Should we be advocating and supporting the use of practices that might be detrimental and dangerous to the health and well-being of athletes using them? How Do you question the athletic feats/stats/abilities of sport stars due to growing concerns over drug issues? Or does it not matter? Should certain drugs be OK given that many seem to be using illegally?

Dopings Historical Frame

Gaining advantage has been part of sport since its inception Early Greeks and Romans used various oils and supplements that were thought to increase ability Early tribal sportsmen often used animal parts to enhance performance 19th Century athletes used cocaine, alcohol, nitroglycerine, and caffeine Post-WWII growth in amphetamines and steroids use

WHY DO ATHLETES TAKE DRUGS?

The drug itself The athlete
The Athletes environ ment

Side effects Ease of availability Legal status Physical dependency

WHY DO ATHLETES TAKE DRUGS? the athlete

Psychological dependency stress, depression socialisation Lack of knowledge about side effects A win-at-all-costs mentality Personal pride and the need to retain a hero status

WHY DO ATHLETES TAKE DRUGS? the environment

Friends or peers using drugs Culture of the sport Pressure to win from coach, parents, public and media Prestige and fame Influence of role models National honour and pride

ILLEGAL ERGOGENIC AIDS/PRACTICES

Stimulants Narcotic analgesics Anabolic steroids Beta-blockers Diuretics Polypeptide hormones and analogues EPO (erythropoietin) Blood-doping Alcohol

ETHICAL DILEMMAS IN SPORT

In recent times ethical issues have confronted sport regarding various ergogenic (performanceenhancing) practices: Intravenous drips Use of pain-killing injections Vitamin-supplement injections Performance-enhancing drugs and methods Genetic therapy and manipulation

YES?
In making a decision to use an ergogenic practice in sport the following should be addressed: Is it safe? Is it effective? Is it legal? Is it ethical? It is only when the answer to each question is yes that the ergogenic practice can be considered as an appropriate aid to sport performance