What counts as fair and unfair behaviour in sport, and why does it matter?
Ethics in sport: sportsmanship, gamesmanship and deviance, the difference between them, the reasons performers behave unethically, and the consequences of and responses to violence, cheating and unfair play.
A focused answer to Eduqas GCSE PE Component 1 on ethics and sporting behaviour: sportsmanship, gamesmanship and deviance, the differences between them, the reasons performers behave unethically, and the consequences of and responses to cheating, violence and unfair play.
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What this dot point is asking
Eduqas wants you to define sportsmanship, gamesmanship and deviance, explain the differences, explain why performers behave unethically, and describe the consequences of and responses to cheating, violence and unfair play.
Sportsmanship, gamesmanship and deviance
The three sit on a scale from fair to unfair. Sportsmanship is clearly fair (helping an injured opponent, shaking hands). Gamesmanship is a grey area (time-wasting when ahead, trying to put a penalty taker off): it gains an advantage but is not strictly against the rules. Deviance is clearly unfair and against the rules (a deliberate foul to injure, taking a banned drug, match-fixing).
Why performers behave unethically
Consequences and responses
The consequences of deviance reach beyond the individual: it can damage a performer's reputation and career, harm the image of the sport, and (in the case of violence) injure opponents and set a poor example for young spectators.
Why this matters
Ethics links directly to commercialisation (the money and fame that tempt performers to cheat) and to drugs in sport (a major form of deviance). Eduqas rewards precise use of the three terms, a clear reason performers behave unethically, and a balanced judgement on how well sport prevents it.
Exam-style practice questions
Practice questions written in the style of WJEC Eduqas exam questions on this dot point, with worked answer explainers. The year tag is the paper they imitate, not the source.
Eduqas 20184 marksExplain the difference between sportsmanship and gamesmanship, giving a sporting example of each.Show worked answer →
A Component 1 item testing the two terms. Award marks for each defined with a correct example.
Sportsmanship is fair, honest and generous behaviour that respects opponents, officials and the rules and spirit of the game. Example: a footballer kicking the ball out of play so an injured opponent can be treated, or shaking hands after a match.
Gamesmanship is bending the rules or using questionable (but not strictly illegal) tactics to gain an unfair advantage without actually breaking the rules. Example: time-wasting when ahead, or trying to put an opponent off before they take a penalty.
Markers reward a clear definition of each (fair and within the spirit, versus bending the rules to gain an edge) plus a relevant example.
Eduqas 20216 marksDiscuss why some performers resort to deviance such as cheating or violence, and evaluate how sport tries to prevent it.Show worked answer →
A 6-mark extended-response item, marked across knowledge, application and judgement, so it needs balance and a conclusion.
Develop the reasons: the pressure to win, the financial rewards and fame of professional sport (linking to commercialisation), the influence of win-at-all-costs attitudes, and the chance to gain an advantage if they think they will not be caught.
Develop the responses: rules and punishments (cards, bans, fines, points deductions), technology (video review), codes of conduct and fair-play campaigns, education, and role models promoting good behaviour.
Reach a judgement: punishments and technology deter and catch much deviance, but the rewards are so large that some performers still risk it, so prevention is partly effective but cannot be complete.
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Sources & how we know this
- Eduqas GCSE (9-1) Physical Education C550QS specification — Eduqas (2016)