Introduction
Most people can agree that sport is for enjoyment and competition but sometimes the latter can lead to decisions related to enhancing performance that bring ethics into question. What is the difference between increasing skill and performance by training, and taking drugs? If it is the use of personal effort rather than outside help, then where is the proverbial line to be drawn? What is more ‘fair’ – the use of a team of sports specialists or a simple pill? What about athletes with naturally elevated hormone levels such as hyperandrogenic women and how that differs from transgender participation in sports? What is the difference between training at altitude and taking erythropoietin to achieve a similar effect? What about the strips of adhesive plaster on the nose – believed to increase oxygen intake – versus a drug which reduces airway resistance?” Or a swimming suit that decreases drag in the water?
Discussion Directions:
Initial Post: (400 word minimum)
The introduction touches on some of the hottest topics debated in athletic competition today. While you don’t have to discuss all of these issues, address how physiology and “performance aids” impact competition. How do you feel about the use of “aids” (steroids, nutritional supplements, equipment, and drugs) by athletes who want to enhance their performance? Does this differ from physiological anomalies and mixed gender participation? Please support your response with research, critical thinking, and real life examples. Identify the valid “cons/drawbacks” to your opinion (as seen by the opposing side)?
Response Post:
After you type your initial post, then read through the other entries and reply directly to at least two classmates (50 word per response) regarding something that caught your attention from the topic or article they chose. When you reply, ALWAYS type the name of the classmate you are responding to, and your name at the bottom of the message. Make sure to use professional grammar and punctuation in this college level course in all correspondence. Please avoid “text” or “twitter speak” when corresponding.
Click on REPLY when you are prepared to submit your response to the topic.
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