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Ethical Decision
Dealing with an Ethical Decision
16 May, 2005
by Charles Land |
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Dealing With an Ethical Situation
The following is a hypothetical situation, but I would like you to treat it as if it was very real and you are the coach . . . think very carefully about every single aspect of it.
You have just been named the head coach of your archery club. Recently, you have noticed that one of the athletes seems to suffer from a left shoulder injury. You bring your concerns to the attention of the parents of this 13 year old athlete, whom you know very well. They say that they are aware of the situation and that they have called their family doctor. The physician was away but, during the telephone conversation, she told them not to worry since “this is normal for growing children” and “there should be no risk”.
You speak with the athlete who confirms that he hurts a bit, but that he will be ready for the championships that are scheduled in a few days. The athlete has a lot of talent and his name is on the provincial coach’s list of potential new recruits.
The athlete’s parents are both members of the clubs Board of Directors and they are responsible for hiring and assessing coaches. Club policy dictates that it is the coach who ultimately decides whether or not an athlete will take part in a competition. Another policy dictates that an injured athlete cannot compete, and that a written confirmation declaring that the athlete is fit to return to competition must be obtained from a medical doctor.
Since your last discussion with the athlete and the parents, you have read a recent sports medicine article dealing with the possible long-term consequences of this type of injury if the first warning signs are ignored. You have also spoken to a sport physician who strongly suggests to not take any chances in this situation, and to consult a specialist as soon as possible. These indications confirm the signs that you have observed in the athlete.
One hour before the start of the competition, the parents talk to you. They repeat what their family doctor has said, and guarantee that, first thing the next morning, you will have the required letter confirming that the child is fit to compete. The athlete mentions that the pain has increased since last time, but that he is ready to compete if the parents and yourself give the go ahead. The parents insist that their child competes because (1) he wants to and says he can, and (2) the provincial coach has made a two-hour trip to come and see him compete in order to confirm his selection. The parents leave you and walk towards the registration table with their child.
You must: (1) Establish the facts of the situation (2) From the facts, determine what is at stake
(3) Options for action or decision and potential consequences (4) Assess the pros and cons of each option (5) Select the best option for decision (6) Implement the decision and manage the consequences.
This task is a sample of the new CBET Module: Make Ethical Decisions. It is my expressed wish that, at the earliest possible time, all coach’s take this course, either from a local college or from me through the BCAA. Discuss this sample situation with other coach’s and remember, you must evaluate every detail, select the best option, and be able to justify your decisions. Do not rush to a conclusion, give it thought.
Good luck, let me know your assessment and conclusion.
Charles Land
Master Coach |
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