HISTORY & ETHICS OF SPORT

“The use of so-called performance-enhancing drugs should not be forbidden. Using drugs is no different to employing a dietician or using a scientifically-designed kit in order to try and get the edge over the opposition.” Discuss.

Name: Adam (Paddy) Henderson

Course: BA Sports Journalism

Institution: University of Gloucestershire

Date: 10/05/2017

Introduction

The domain of ethics centers on the study of moral values and standards, shaping the principles that determine human conduct (Collins, 2017). As in every professional field, the sports arena too reverberates with the echoes of ethical dilemmas. Athletes must navigate their careers with an understanding that their actions carry consequences for both themselves and the larger sporting community (Rosa, 2015). A pivotal ethical quandary in sports today revolves around the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). This essay delves deep into the ethical implications surrounding PEDs, juxtaposing them against the consultations with dieticians and the usage of scientifically designed sports equipment.

Steroids and Drug Use

PEDs empower athletes to transcend their natural limits, often stirring debates on fairness and ethics in competitive settings. When an athlete resorts to such drugs, they tread the line between strategic advantage and the universally despised act of cheating. It is vital for sports to be perceived as a level playing field where every athlete stands an equal chance based solely on talent and effort (Mill, 2015).

However, the demarcation between doping and medical necessity can often blur. For instance, while surgical procedures might necessitate certain drugs that are otherwise banned in sports, does their usage then classify as doping or a medical requirement (BBC, 2014)? Here, the ethical responsibility shifts to the athlete, making choices that align either with the sporting spirit or with personal gains.

There exists a prevalent belief that the unethical element isn't the drugs themselves, but rather the inequitable access to these drugs (Mill, 2015). For instance, the permissibility of a footballer using an inhaler contrasts starkly with a sprinter being barred from using TGH, a muscle-enhancing steroid (BBC, 2014). Such inconsistencies highlight the complexity of doping regulations.

In light of these ambiguities, some scholars advocate for a liberal approach, suggesting that doping should be permitted to ensure a more even playing field (Kirkup, 2015). They argue that a controlled, public, and regulated use of PEDs could potentially reduce the health risks associated with them.

Dietary Supplements and Modern Athletes

The burgeoning world of dietary supplements mirrors the PEDs universe in several ways. The exponential rise in supplement manufacturing has muddled the waters, with athletes often unsure about the contents they're consuming (Rodriguez, DiMarco & Langley, 2010). While the primary objection to PEDs lies in their potential health risks, certain dietary supplements have shown to be equally hazardous.

Unscrupulous manufacturers often mislead consumers, packaging banned substances under the guise of 'safe' dietary supplements. Thus, if the potential harm to an athlete's body is a consistent metric, there's little to differentiate between PEDs and some dietary supplements.

Ergogenic Aids: Science Meets Sport

Ergogenic aids, defined as techniques or tools that enhance performance, represent another facet of this debate (Kreider et al., 2010). These aids, including scientifically designed kits, aim to bolster an athlete's efficiency, resilience, and recovery. Notably, their core function—to empower athletes to exceed their natural abilities—aligns with the purpose of PEDs. Thus, if one were to strictly judge by functionality, the line separating ergogenic aids from PEDs seems exceedingly thin.

However, it's essential to remember that not all ergogenic aids carry potential health risks. Therefore, while their performance-enhancing benefits might be comparable to PEDs, their health implications might differ significantly.

Conclusion

Ethics remains the backbone of every professional sphere, guiding actions and decisions. The sports industry, with its myriad of challenges, is no exception. As athletes grapple with the temptations of PEDs, dietary supplements, and ergogenic aids, the onus is on regulatory bodies to provide clear guidelines and ensure fairness.

The very essence of sports—a celebration of human potential and spirit—gets diluted if artificial enhancements overshadow natural prowess. While there are arguments in favor of allowing PEDs, doing so could rob sports of its quintessential charm. In this complex landscape, it's crucial to remember that while PEDs, dietary supplements, and ergogenic aids might offer short-term advantages, the long-term implications—for health, fairness, and the very spirit of sports—require thoughtful consideration.

References

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Rodriguez, N, R., DiMarco, N, M, and Langley, S. 2010. ‘Nutrition and Athletic Performance.’ Medscape. [Online] available from http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/717046_11 [Accessed on 4 May 2017]

Rosa, B, A., 2015. ‘Ethics in Sport – Guideline for Teachers.’ [Online] available from http://www.pned.pt/media/31479/Ethics-in-Sport-Guidelines-for-Teachers.pdf [Accessed on 4 May 2017]

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