Sometimes the line between ethical and unethical conduct is fine indeed. The scenarios below are designed to get you thinking
about decisions you may have to make. Ask yourself what effect each choice might have on your players. Discuss the scenarios with
them. Exposing young people to the moral dilemmas sometimes encountered in sport will help establish a more acceptable code of ethics
for sports participation and for life.
Case 1
Basketball teams are frequently coached to set up plays that cause opponents to foul, particularly when the fifth (disqualifying)
foul is next.
a) Players should use such action and coaches who direct their players in such a way are clever.
b) The players should tell their coach they don't approve of such plays, but use them if the coach insists.
c) Players should refuse to play for coaches who insist they use such tactics.
d) Officials, coaches and players could agree not to use such tactics.
Case 2
During a tennis game played without an umpire, you smash a shot deep into your opponent's back corner. You clearly see
the ball land just inside the court line, but your opponent calls it out-of-bounds.
a) You dispute the call and, knowing you are right, insist that your opponent change it.
b) You refuse to accept your opponent's offer to replay the point.
c) You accept the call without comment or argument.
d) You consult the spectators to see what they think the call should be.
Case 3
When a visiting-team base runner takes long leads off first base, your pitcher makes a throw to first that causes the runner to dive
headfirst back to the bag. The first baseman catches the ball, but she and the right fielder sprint down the right field line in what
appears to be an effort to retrieve a wild throw. The base runner looks up, sees the frantic activity and heads for second base where
she is thrown out.
a) NO baseball rules have been broken, the tactic is excellent and the coach's strategy is commendable.
b) The fault lies In the ineptitude of the base runner and the first base coach - although the strategy is somewhat questionable.
c) You suggest to the umpire that the tactic was unsportsmanlike and that the runner should be allowed to return to first base.
d) The league should rule a game forfeiture to the visiting team and adopt a rule change to prohibit such behavior.
Case 4
With a minute to play in the provincial football semifinals and the game decided in the home team's favor, their star receiver pulls
down a spectacular catch at the sidelines. The referee calls it incomplete, saying the player was out of bounds. The player throws
a temper tantrum, swears at the referee and is ejected from the game. After the game, the Coach announces the player has been
suspended for the championship game.
a) Unless previously agreed upon as a training regulation, such discipline Is unwarranted.
b) This behavior should not be punishable by prohibition of future playing time, but by other measures.
c) A team vote should decide the fate of the player.
d) The coach's action is justified.
Case 5
Participation on the school volleyball team is dependent on maintaining a C grade average. The day of the league championship,
one of the starting six is given a note from a teacher. It is addressed to the coach and points out that this player has dropped to a D.
a) The coach receives the note, but instructs the player to say she left it on the coach's desk (where it wouldn't be found until the
next day) and to report for the game.
b) The coach asks the teacher to redate the note to the following day, saying the rest of the team should not be penalized by losing
a top player for the championship game.
c) A team meeting is called, the issue is discussed and a team decision is made.
d) The coach removes the player from the roster.
