The purpose of this study was to examine the way young female athletes in both private and public school respond to ethical sport-specific scenarios. A secondary purpose was to investigate the main influences that affect their decisions when playing sports. In this study, female athletes transitioning from middle school to high school were examined. The research questions were: What decisions would athletes make when presented with ethical scenarios? What are the main influences on the athletes’ moral development? and Is there a difference in responses based on participation at private or public schools?
Method:
Participants were seventh and eighth grade females participating in soccer programs at a private, Christian (N= 14) and public school (N = 19). The athletes’ ages varied between 12 (N= 12), 13 (N = 20), and 14 (N = 1). The questionnaire was adapted from a previous study. Several ethical scenarios were presented that varied from taking drugs to improve performance, lying to parents and/or coaches about an injury to keep play, etc. Each question presented choices of: “Yes I would”, “Maybe”, “No I wouldn’t”, & “I don’t know” (Coded 1-3).
Analysis/Results:
Statistical analysis utilized a t-test. Six scenarios were found to have significant differences in responses between public and private school. Higher mean scores indicate an inclination to not breach ethical boundaries. Use drugs if not get caught, t (14) = 2.24, p = 0.042, Public M = 2.84, Private M = 1.93. Use drugs if parent told you to, p=0.030, Public M=2.68, Private M= 1.71. If opposing team broke rules, you would do it too, p=0.024, Public M=2.21, Private M= 1.64. Intentionally fouled and scored without getting caught you would feel good, p=0.043, Public M= 2.32, Private M= 1.86. Would explanation of ethics from parents help, p=.052, Public M= 1.89, Private M= 1.29. Does God or religion influence your ethical decisions, p=0.0001, Public M=1.79, Private M=1.07.
Conclusions:
The results showed that there were differences based on public or private school attendance. Further exploration is needed to determine why these differences exist. Parents and a belief in God are strong influences on the moral development of young women. Overall mean scores showed at least a willingness to cheat or push the boundaries of the rules. Surprisingly, athletes attending a Christian private school responded more likely to breach ethical standards more often than those at the public school.