The Problem with Media Coverage: Winning at All Costs

The media has played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of sports, often emphasising that winning is more important than how the game is played. Stories about violence on the field, parent brawls at youth sports events, obsession with officiating and technology, and various forms of discrimination (sexism, racism, homophobia) are all too common. Additionally, issues like performance-enhancing drugs and abusive leadership behaviors tarnish the image of sports as a positive influence.

Why Sports Matter for Moral Education

One of the most significant differences between sports and everyday life is that sports condense moral experiences, exposing them in a way that makes sports an ideal context for teaching moral values. Competition, when framed correctly, isn’t about defeating others—it’s about striving alongside them to improve oneself. The word competition itself means “to strive with,” not against.

Four Key Virtues in Sports: Building Character and Integrity

At its best, sports build character by promoting virtues that are crucial for moral action. These four virtues are at the core of what sports should stand for:

1. Compassion

Compassion in sports means using reason to fully engage with others. It allows competitors to see each other as co-participants, deserving equal respect and recognition.

2. Fairness

Fairness is the foundation of any sport. Without it, the integrity of the game collapses. Fairness involves balancing engagement with detachment, ensuring impartiality.

3. Sportspersonship

True sportsmanship means staying committed to moral principles, even in the face of competing values. It’s about balancing seriousness with a sense of play and managing the tension between critique and affirmation.

4. Integrity

Integrity is about acting according to one’s convictions, even when it’s unpopular. With the prevalence of cheating, drug use, and aggressive behaviour, integrity is more crucial than ever in today’s sports landscape.

The Commercialisation of Sports and Its Impact

As sports became more commercialised, its focus shifted from personal development and moral education to entertainment and profit. Youth sports, in particular, have suffered, with many coaches adopting professional standards that don’t meet the needs of young athletes. The commercialisation of sports has also reinforced ideologies that benefit a few while disadvantageing many.

The Role of Media and Spectatorship in Modern Sports

Devereux’s analysis from the 1970s about the role of media in shaping sports culture is even more relevant today. The rise of digital platforms has amplified the focus on professional sports, turning the audience into passive spectators rather than active participants. This shift raises important questions about how modern technology influences sports and whether it’s creating more harm than good.

Conclusion: Reimagining the Role of Sports in Society

Sports have the potential to be more than just a platform for competition and entertainment. When we focus on values like compassion, fairness, integrity, and sportsmanship, sports can become a powerful tool for moral education and social justice. It’s time to reimagine the role of sports in society and ensure that it’s a space where everyone—regardless of gender, race, or background—can thrive.

At Way to Play, we believe in the transformative power of sports. Contact us today to learn how our team can help your organisation develop strategies that align with your values and create lasting change.