Benefits of Playing Basketball: Ethical Values in The Sport

Introduction

Many sports and games are played on a daily basis, both at the international level and in smaller groups. With these sports and games come rules that not only define the nature of the game but also promote important ethical values. Some sports and games place more emphasis on ethical rules to ensure smooth conduct both within and outside the game. Among the many sports, I believe basketball stands out with its numerous rules that promote ethical values. One of the most vital rules that encourages ethical behavior in the game is the principle of 'showing respect for players, officials, and other coaches.' This rule not only enhances the integrity of the game but also reinforces the benefits of playing basketball, such as teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth.

Ethical Values in Basketball

Many times, there are games where this is not implemented. Basketball however works to make sure players show respect for each other. Not only does that mean for players on their own team but the opposite as well. If there is any sort of physical or oral abuse between players of opposite teams, then players are given penalties in which they can receive punishments as strict as being kicked out of the team. What does this do? Well this in turn creates respect for others. It raised the ethical value of not only caring for oneself but for others as well. Problems come into play when players feel as if they are superior to others and as if they need to disrespect their opponents to be able to win. Where as in basketball this is strictly forbidden. One may argue as to in which sport this is appreciated? Well look at football. The NFL. A game, which the whole on the United States along with plenty of the world loves. However, in reality what does it stand for? Do its ethical values come into play or not? Well not in the rule which I am talking about. As compared to basketball, football is a sport in which players hurt other players, they use physical as well as oral abuse, to defeat their opponents, and in turn, even the public eye appreciates and likes the player, which is the most aggressive and abusive against others.

Respecting Others in Basketball

Where are the ethical values here? Why must sports need aggression to be something great? Basketball does not allow this. The players of opposite teams abide by their ethical rules by not being able to touch each other. Is they may collide in any way in the wrong manner, and then penalties are given in turn. What this does is that it creates a sense of respect of players for each other. Not only do players know they will be penalized but they know it is ethically wrong as well. Coming to these values. Sports as I mentioned is watched by the whole world. A sport like basketball having such ethical rules would in turn encourage people who watch the sport to be nice and treat their opponents with respect. The more practiced player will win. The use of abuse is not a factor, which shall add to the victory. People need to learn and look at this. Basketball encourages this ethical value in its players and audience as well.

Benefits of Playing Basketball for Children

A part of this rule also focuses on having respect for officials and coaches. Now who are these officials? Well everyone who is involved in the game. People guiding the players. All of the members around the court are the officials. This creates an ethical ground for the players. They are being taught to be surrounded by respect and in turn giving it as well. Officials from both sides of the team are to be looked upon with respect and treated that way. When such an environment is created players and audience develop a moral and ethical value themselves. Children playing in small courts near their homes may due to a rule make more friends play with other children treat their opponents with respect. People who oppose the rule and feel that players should be abusive and should have anger against each other are wrong. There is nothing in this world, which is done right without respect. Ethical values need to be put right and taught in order for there to be a friendly and good environment.

The final part of the rule talks about treating coaches with respect. Coaches are like parent figures for players on the court. A coach is someone who has taught you things, polished you made you a better player. They must be treated with respect. Ethically it is accepted for one to treat their coaches with respect. Someone who has taught you something has the right to have your respect no matter what, and that is what basketball teaches. Not only is one's coach to be treated with respect but so is the coach of the opponent team as well. Looking at the NBA, players from team to team are switched and made to work with other coaches and players. Imagine being rude and abusive to members of other teams, and then ending to work with them? It would be a disaster, hence basketball has lay down, and such rules that even if a player from one team was to play with another team, they would be able to fit right in.

Conclusion

This rule of basketball, “showing respect for players, officials and other coaches” I feel is the one, which gives basketball an ethical value. Ethics teach us to care for others. Do things, in such a manner that they will not hurt or effect others. This rule works to diminish that. Players are given strict orders and they must follow them. Shaking your opponent’s hands before and after the game. Is it a part of ethics as well, to show that the sport is friendly? There is still love between the players and no hatred. For children watching the game, this would mean a lot. It would create ethical values they would carry with them throughout life.  

Works Cited

1. Brooks, David. 'The Role of Ethics in Sports.' Journal of Sport and Social Issues, vol. 39, no. 1, 2015, pp. 3-14. doi:10.1177/0193723514561946.
2. Coakley, Jay J. Sports in Society: Issues and Controversies. 12th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2018.
3. Loland, Sigmund. 'The Ethics of Sports Spectatorship.' The Routledge Handbook of the Ethics of Sport and Athletics, edited by Xavier E. Cohen and Mike McNamee, Routledge, 2016, pp. 313-326.
4. Palmer, Clare. 'The Role of Sport in Character Development: A Look at High School Athletes' Perceptions.' Journal of Applied Sport Psychology, vol. 25, no. 2, 2013, pp. 177-192. doi:10.1080/10413200.2012.733569.