While winning may be the ultimate goal, athletes who participate in unethical conduct to beat competitors are not considered successful in the eyes of most athletic organizations. Winning at all costs is not a part of the creed of winning teams. Following a code of ethics that governs their conduct, athletes typically cannot stray far from the boundaries set within their sport without receiving some sort of retribution.
Basics
Sports players are guided by a code of ethics that governs their conduct for a variety of reasons. Competitions flow fairly and misconduct is easily identified when players are directed by a written code. According to the American Baseball Coaches Association, a code of ethics ensures players remain honest, fair and loyal. The rules govern the technical aspects of a sport while the code of ethics determines personal responsibility, respect and discipline requirements.
Community
Sports often reflect the greater community and how competitors behave in a civilized society. A code of ethics helps to maintain order and teach young athletes the core features they can bring to other aspects of their lives. Social boundaries and rules for conduct learned in sporting activities encourage youngsters and adults alike to develop ethics and values they then can demonstrate in their communities.
Leadership
In addition to holding athletes accountability for fairness and respect toward other players and their competition, most organizations impose a specific code of ethics on coaches and trainers to safeguard the integrity of the sport and the well-being of the players. For example, the American College of Sports Medicine requires coaches and trainers to remain mindful of each athlete's abilities so they are not pushed beyond their capabilities. Coaches should not advise players to engage in illegal or unsafe practices, which could include drugs or doping. When taking on the position of coach or trainer, professionals who sign and agree to a code of ethics also assume responsibility for their players' behavior and hold athletes accountable to the codes. Coaches in most organizations must accept expulsion or disciplinary action when they fail to meet their own ethical obligations.
Character Building
Players and coaches accept the tenets of a group's code of ethics simply because it is the right thing to do and not out of fear of retribution, according to the National Association of Sports Officials. Ethics in sports are meant to build character and not mete out punishment. Children become involved in sports to develop strong morals, not necessarily to find a career. While sports play a role in physical development and serve as vehicles to attain physical fitness, they also lay the groundwork for teaching good judgment, fair play and sportsmanship. Young players learn how to win and lose with dignity and good temperament, skills that serve them well in school, business and personal relationships.
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