No matter in what field of sports someone is pursuing a career in, at some point or another they might be confronted with ethical dilemmas. Taking this class has not only taught me to become more aware about some of these dilemmas, but from the perspective of an international student has also helped me to get a better understanding about the American sports system.
The most astonishing difference in terms of sport ethics between my home country and the US is the importance of codes of ethics. Even though I have participated in various sports leagues either as a player or coach, I have never been confronted with a code of ethics, while it seems as if almost every American sports league or organization has their own codes. Working on our assignments has furthermore helped me to gain an understanding how useful codes of ethics can be. I consider it important, especially when involved in a setting with kids or young adults, to have certain guidelines available and to make sure that all participants involved in an organization or sports league (i.e. parents, coaches, children) are at the same page from the very beginning.
Moreover, during the course of this semester I was able to identify some of the ethical issues that are unique within the American sports system. As a basketball fan I have been following the NCAA Tournament for years, however, I have never fully understood all of the regulations of college sports. Reading about “oversigning” ,“negative recruitment” or about the academic scandal at UNC has definitely helped me to get an insight into the intercollegiate sports system and some of the issues that arise with it.
To sum it up, I have thoroughly enjoyed taking this class, our lively discussions and having the chance to meet students who are involved in different fields of sports.
Andreas
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