Social media headlines read “Coach Krakus leads volleyball team to league’s championship game for 1st time in coaching career.”
Coach Krakus is completing his 13th year as head coach of a co-ed junior league (i.e., 13–15-year-old participants) volleyball team. Yesterday, Coach Krakus’ team won their semi-final game and will be playing in the championship tomorrow night. During this morning’s practice session, a player on the team, Pat, notified Coach Krakus a teammate, Marion, has being gambling (i.e., placing financial wagers/bets) on the team’s games.
Gambling – the wagering of money and/or something else of value, on an event with an uncertain outcome with the intent of winning additional money and/or thing(s) of value.
Generally, gambling involves all three of the following elements:
» Prize – Any item of value that is offered to the winner. This could include money, other goods or services and/or any other thing of value, regardless of the amount of such value.
» Chance – The “winner” of the prize is uncertain at the time the wager is made. The use or exercise of skill, strategy, and/or knowledge, unless it completely negates the element of chance, does not convert an activity into something other than gambling.
» Consideration – In order to receive a chance to win the prize, the participants provide or risk something of value.
The volleyball league’s code of ethics clearly indicates “Gambling by League administrators, coaches, officials (i.e., referees), and/or athletes is prohibited. Violations of this policy constitute conduct detrimental to the League and will subject the involved team and/or person(s) to appropriate disciplinary action by the League’s president. Such disciplinary action may include, without limitation, severe penalties, up to and including termination of employment, forfeiture of volleyball games, suspensions from participation, and expulsion from the League.
Cite at least three (3) literary publications to support information discussed within your summary. Do not count any of the publications (i.e., “additional resources” listed below toward the minimum three (3) literary publications required.
Decision making entails a cognitive, moral, and social process. Therefore, provide information in the following order within your summary.
- Introduction
- Communication with team members. How should Coach Krakus address this ethical dilemma with Marion (i.e., allegedly gambling on team’s games)? How should this ethical dilemma be discussed with team’s remaining members?
- Communication with other individuals associated with team – Explain Coach Krakus’ ethical responsibility with respect to notifying others (i.e., Marion’s and Pat’s parents/guardians, remaining team members’ parents/guardians, volleyball league’s executive administrators (i.e., president, championship event’s director) and team’s opposing coaches.
- Education – Explain how Coach Krakus could educate his team members about sports gambling. Provide at least one (1) example in order to support explanation.
Full Answer Section
Gambling is the wagering of money and/or something else of value, on an event with an uncertain outcome with the intent of winning additional money and/or thing(s) of value.
Generally, gambling involves all three of the following elements:
- Prize: Any item of value that is offered to the winner. This could include money, other goods or services and/or any other thing of value, regardless of the amount of such value.
- Chance: The “winner” of the prize is uncertain at the time the wager is made. The use or exercise of skill, strategy, and/or knowledge, unless it completely negates the element of chance, does not convert an activity into something other than gambling.
- Consideration: In order to receive a chance to win the prize, the participants provide or risk something of value.
The volleyball league’s code of ethics clearly indicates “Gambling by League administrators, coaches, officials (i.e., referees), and/or athletes is prohibited. Violations of this policy constitute conduct detrimental to the League and will subject the involved team and/or person(s) to appropriate disciplinary action by the League’s president. Such disciplinary action may include, without limitation, severe penalties, up to and including termination of employment, forfeiture of volleyball games, suspensions from participation, and expulsion from the League.”
Literary Publications
- Ethics in Sport by Joseph A. Luxbacher
- The Sports Ethics Handbook by Michael W. Messner and David A. Giardina
- Gambling in Sport: A Global Perspective by Ian McDonald and Kevin Walton
Decision Making
Decision making is a cognitive, moral, and social process. In the context of this scenario, Coach Krakus must make a decision about how to handle the information that Marion has been gambling on the team’s games.
There are a number of factors that Coach Krakus must consider when making this decision, including:
- The volleyball league’s code of ethics
- The potential consequences for Marion and the team if it is discovered that she has been gambling
- The impact that the decision will have on the team’s morale and performance
- His own personal values and beliefs
Coach Krakus must also consider the following ethical principles:
- Autonomy: The principle of autonomy respects the right of individuals to make their own decisions, even if those decisions are bad.
- Beneficence: The principle of beneficence requires us to act in ways that will benefit others.
- Non-maleficence: The principle of non-maleficence requires us to avoid harming others.
- Justice: The principle of justice requires us to treat all people fairly and equitably.
Conclusion
Coach Krakus has a difficult decision to make. He must weigh the potential consequences of his decision for Marion, the team, and the volleyball league. He must also consider his own personal values and beliefs, as well as the ethical principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.
There is no easy answer to this question. However, by carefully considering all of the relevant factors, Coach Krakus can make a decision that is in the best interests of everyone involved.
In addition to the ethical principles listed above, Coach Krakus may also want to consider the following factors when making his decision:
- The age and maturity of the players on the team
- The relationship between Coach Krakus and Marion
- The severity of the gambling problem
- The potential for the gambling problem to impact other players on the team
Coach Krakus should also consult with other coaches, administrators, and/or experts in the field of youth sports to get their input on how to best handle the situation.
Ultimately, the decision of what to do about Marion's gambling problem is up to Coach Krakus. However, by carefully considering all of the relevant factors and taking the time to consult with others, he can make a decision that is in the best interests of everyone involved.