Introduction
Many people participate in athletics, which has penetrated the globe’s farthest corners, becoming one of the most popular sports in the world. Athletics was the first sport in which competitions were held, and some elements of athletics form the basis of many modern marks. A code of ethics was created to regulate the norms and rules of conduct in a particular field. The code contains the most important principles and expectations of all persons involved in the area. This paper will examine the Mississippi Code of Ethics and how its components relate to athletics.
Standard 1: Professional Conduct
This section addresses educators’ ethical and unethical conduct, and it applies directly to athletics, specifically athletes and coaches. In the same way as educators, they must demonstrate behavior consistent with generally recognized professional standards. It is vital for athletes and coaches to be respectful and supportive of colleagues, not lower their competence, and demonstrate professionalism in their work and interactions with competitors, trainers, and staff.
Standard 2: Trustworthiness
This section of the code has to do with fairness. It states that an educator must demonstrate honesty and integrity in professional practice (Mississippi Department of Education, 1998). Likewise, a player in athletics should understand his role in building and maintaining a culture of openness and high standards of ethics, especially in training, competition, and performance. Cheating and tampering should not be acceptable for the sport. People involved in the field should strive to raise the prestige of athletics.
Standard 3: Unlawful Acts
This section deals with unlawful acts of various kinds related to instruction and what items constitute unethical behavior. It notes that an educator must comply with federal, state, and local laws and not commit crimes of various kinds (Mississippi Department of Education, 1998). Athletes, coaches, and trainers must also comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the standards of the World Athletics Association and the European Athletics Association.
Standard 4: Educator/Student Relationships
This section raises the topic of professionalism, subordination, and the overall educator-student contact. While looking at this sector in athletics, it is essential to note that there must also be a professional work environment with safe and healthy working conditions. Inappropriate behavior or harassment in the relationship between a coach and an athlete is unacceptable. It is vital to take relevant action to avoid any form of discrimination, physical, verbal, or emotional bullying, and other insults.
Standard 5: Educator/Collegial Relationships
This sector addresses the topic of educator-collegial relationships: educators should keep a professional connection with their co-workers. Similarly, in athletics, athletes should treat their colleagues with respect and avoid discrimination on any grounds, for example, race, gender, or sexual orientation. It is necessary to refrain from exceeding one’s official duties and not to abuse one’s authority. An important point is the proper handling of confidential, medical, and other information protected by personal data protection laws.
Standard 6: Alcohol, Drug and Tobacco Use or Possession
This section deals with the use of alcohol and other drugs. Knowledge of anti-doping rules is an unconditional duty of all members of the athletics community. In sports, it is considered unacceptable to distribute or use illegal substances and to use non-prescription drugs in the workplace. Athletics does not tolerate any form of abuse during training, competition, or other events while under the influence of different intoxicants. Such conduct is considered unethical and may harm the reputation of athletics.
Standard 7: Public Funds and Property
This section addresses the attitude of educators toward public stocks and resources: a teacher shall not purposely use funds, personnel, or equipment in their possession. Athletes, in turn, should ensure that the property and sources of the athletics sector, including intellectual resources, are preserved, and used as efficiently as possible. The finance of this sporting sector must be handled with care to ensure that they are not misused or misappropriated illegally.
Standard 8: Remunerative Conduct
This sector addresses the issue of exemplary behavior of educators toward colleagues, students, and parents. In athletics, bribery and corruption are unacceptable in any form. Athletes, coaches, and others in this sector should deal honestly with the state and public officials, avoiding corrupt practices. Athletes should not give or accept gifts or other tokens of business hospitality in exchange for work opportunities, services, and other benefits.
Standard 9: Maintenance of Confidentiality
This section raises the topic of maintaining confidentiality and discusses aspects that relate to ethical and unethical behavior. Athletes must respect and protect confidential information and comply with data privacy laws. Applicable personal data protection laws should only share information with those authorized to receive it. Under no circumstances should data be shared on public forums, social networks, or any other platforms that are publicly available.
Standard 10: Breach of Contract or Abandonment of Employment
This section addresses the violation of a contract or abandonment of a job. An educator must comply with all the terms and obligations outlined in the contract they have entered (Mississippi Department of Education, 1998). People associated with and involved in athletics through an employment contract must respect all terms and conditions stated in the document. Refusing to work, and not complying with specific clauses without a valid reason is unethical and shows unprofessionalism.
Conclusion
This paper examined the Mississippi Code of Ethics and how its components relate to athletics. Based on the study, it can be concluded that the main aspects of ethical and unethical behavior of athletes are closely intertwined with elements that relate to the conduct of educators in the field of education. Adherence to ethical standards makes athletics attractive and accessible to all, develops a culture of clean and fair sport, and organizes work based on professionalism, trust, and openness.
Reference
Mississippi Department of Education. (1998). Mississippi educator code of ethics and standards of conduct. Web.