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Character Development or Winning at all Costs? by Andy Rudd — February 20, 2007It has long been held that participation in sport can build moral character. This is based on the belief that moral values (e.g., honesty, fairness, and respect) are the bedrock of competitive sport and as a result, participation in sport provides a unique medium for instilling moral character among its participants. However, paradoxically, there is an abundance of anecdotal and empirical evidence to suggest many athletes and coaches favor “winning at all costs” rather than competing with moral character. It is hypothesized that athletes and coaches have been socialized into believing that winning is paramount and competing with moral character is insignificant to getting the win. Because moral character involves critical judgment and reason it is suggested that typical interventions such as sportsmanship campaigns or stiffer penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct are ineffective for developing moral character. Athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, and even parents must be morally educated to appreciate the moral side of sport.To view the full-text for this article you must be signed-in with the appropriate membership. Please review your options below:
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- Andy Rudd
Florida State University
E-mail Author
ANDY RUDD holds a Ph.D. in sport ethics. He also has extensive experience with research methodology. His research has been primarily in the areas of character development and sportsmanship.
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