Fairness and Etiquette in Sport

Performer and Spectator Behaviour

In this course, Dr Philip Hurst (Canterbury Christ Church University) explores performer and spectator behaviour. In the first lecture, we think about fairness and etiquette in sport and exercise. In the second lecture, we think about methods and consequences of gamesmanship and cheating in competitive sport. In the third lecture, we think about some prohibited substances in competitive sport. Next, we think about the health, performance and wider effects of doping. In the fifth and final lecture, we think about the negative impacts of cheating and improper intervention by spectators in competitive sport. Photo by Omar Ram on Unsplash

Fairness and Etiquette in Sport

In this lecture, we think about fairness and etiquette in sport and exercise, focusing in particular on: (i) understanding that values in sport refer to the beliefs and principles that individuals hold; (ii) the importance of upholding values when athletes are seen as role models for others; (iii) the values and principles promoted by organisations such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) being excellence, friendship and respect; (iv) the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality; (v) understanding etiquette in sport to refer to the codes and customs adhered to by those involved in the sport, with some key examples discussed; (vi) defining sportsmanship as fair and generous behaviour that incorporates the etiquette of the sport; (vii) grace in both victory and defeat as a key pillar of good sportsmanship; (viii) the story of Nikki Hamblin and Abbey D’Agostino in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics as a demonstration of great sportsmanship; (ix) contract to compete, defined as an athlete’s agreement to abide by the written and unwritten rules of the sport; (x) the story of Jack Sock’s challenge to the umpire during his match with Lleyton Hewitt in 2016 as a key demonstration of an athlete adhering to their contract to compete.