Amateur Sports
Sport Vilence Identified
The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport believes that for sport to deliver on its promise to Canadians it has to be values-based and principle-driven.
On the heels of the Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games, the recognition of the benefits and importance of sport is increasing in Canadian society.
With this in mind and with an eye to the future, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport would like to share what it sees as the top six threats to true sport.
It’s just a shame that this was done as a way in which to “teach us” about sport in Canada or has it been around for years and no one noticed until now?
SIX THREATS:
1) Doping continues to threaten the very integrity of sport.
2) Violence in sport is making it a game of survival.
3) Parents behaving badly – berating coaches, players and their own children from the sidelines – take all the fun out of sport.
4) Weak community sport governance, causes lack of trust and confidence in local sport organizations.
5) Lack of access and inclusion continues to limit the access to sport for those who may benefit the most.
6) Negative sport practices and behaviours in professional sport influence adults and children alike.
Violence in sport seems to be rivalling doping for top spot. Sports violence can be defined as behaviour that causes harm, occurs outside of the rules of the sport and is unrelated to the competitive objectives of the sport.
An increase in both frequency and seriousness of acts of violence has been reported. Increased violence in sport is making sport a game of survival. It is causing serious harm to athletes, young and old, and may be driving young athletes out of sport for good.
Limits on violence in sport must be established: limits that reflect Canadian values and our tolerance for violence outside of sport. Canadians must engage to help set the limits and to help define violence in sport and to express their level of tolerance.
As a result, the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport will traverse the country hosting community conversations on violence in sport.
“We heard from Canadians about their feelings on the issue of violence in sport,” said Paul Melia, President and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport.
“We believe that working with Canadians across the country will help us to make recommendations to communities, sport and governments on effective ways to mitigate violence in sport.”
The Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport is an independent, national, not-for profit organization.
We recognize that true sport can make a great difference for individuals, communities and our country.
We are committed to working collaboratively to activate a values-based and principle-driven sport system; protecting the integrity of sport from the negative forces of doping and other unethical threats; and advocating for sport that is fair, safe and open to everyone.