Doping And Drugs In Sport

Question 1

What are ethics

Answer 1

• Ethics are rules that dictate an individual’s conduct
• they form a system of rules upon which society is judged
• ethics in sport would be sticking to the spirit of the rules of the game
• blood doping is an example of deviance (behaviour that differs from the perceived social norm)

Question 2

What is blood doping

Answer 2

• a process that increases a persons red blood cell count
• more RBCs = higher volume of haemoglobin
• extra oxygen can be transported to the working muscles
• allows a higher level of performance
• involves the removal of 2 pints of blood, the blood is frozen, thawed and re injected prior to competition
  It is used by endurance athletes eg Lance Armstrong charged with blood doping and EPO use stripped of his Tour de France trophies

Question 3

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using legal supplements

Answer 3

Advantages
- dietary supplements claim to help build muscle, increase stamina and control weight etc
- ergogenic aids claim to increase strength, performance and recovery eg creatine helps performance during high intensity exercise
- staying hydrated by drinking water and energy drinks can improve and aid performance
Disadvantages
- some supplements could be contaminated with illegal supplement
- long term use of some aids such as creatine have been suggested such as effect on the digestive system and links to cancer
- energy drinks have a high level of sugar which contributes to obesity and tooth decay

Question 4

What are the reasons why elite performers use illegal drugs and doping

Answer 4

• pressure to win can affect performers decisions
• pressure from coaches
• political pressures eg the 2016 Russian doping scandal
• high monetary rewards and sponsorship deals
• some performers think everyone is doping so they don’t see it as cheating just keeping up with everyone else

Question 5

What are the societal, sporting and performers consequences for drug taking in sport

Answer 5

Societal
- society seen as corrupt and full of unethical citizens who will do anything to win at all costs
- illegality: some us are illegal in society
- negative publicity for the nation
Sporting
- scandal/ bad publicity
- negative role modelling
- results that can’t be trusted/ meaningless results
- undermines values of a healthy lifestyle
Performer
- improves performance
- danger to health and well being, doping increases blood clots
- a ban or disqualification
- damages mentally eg mood swings, depression

Question 6

What strategies are in place to prevent the taking of illegal drugs or doping

Answer 6

• WADA draws up a list of banned substances, it provides assistance to countries anti doping programmes and funds research
• drug testing is carried out in and out of the competition
• drug education can be provided for athletes and their coaches
• punishments are more harsh in 2015 WADA doubled the banning length