Legalisation of Doping in Sports Samples †MyAssignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Legalisation of Doping in Sports. Answer: Sports is known to be prone to hyperbole; however, the revelation that many athletes are tested positive for performance enhancing substances, commonly known as doping, has been creating a stir within the society. The rules and regulations put forward by the respective Boards of different countries encapsulate the ethical premises that remain at the centre of current anti-doping policy in international sport. Use of substances that are known to enhance the sporting ability, and widely used by athletes, is called as cheating. Such practices erode the moral and ethical values of individuals using them. Similarly, the physical and mental welfare of the individuals is endangered while demoralisation of the whole sports community remains another vital issue (Anderson). The outwardly and seemingly benevolent concern for the athletes and their health condition, along with the spirit of sportsmanship, draws administrative and legal manifestation in the concept that is aligned to the operatio n of the anti-doping policy. The approach, termed as a presumed fault, makes an athletic tested positive for a banned substance solely responsible the substance found in his body and does not consider whether it was negligently or unintentionally consumed. Most of the policies put in place in the field of sports, at the present time, are underpinned by a generous paternalism. Such paternalism seeks to support the protection of true values of sportsmanship and the health. Such policies have the support of the idea that a person upholding libertarian rights might take on doping. It is to be argued that sicne the policies deny the right to choose substances, they violate a a core precept of liberalism, that is personal autonomy. Personal autonomy is to be respected until it does harm to others. When no harm is being inflicted upon others, individuals have the complete to have his autonomy exhibited. Speaking on a general basis, paternalism propagates the idea that a conduct or activity is justified if it is essential for preventing any form of harm to the people taking part in the activity. This might be economic, psychological or physical. Subsequently, the legal paternalist does the advocacy for what the liberal does not support. In rel ation to doping in sports, the paternalist puts forward the argument that since unregulated utilisation of substances used in doping might pose health risks, the liability approach is completely justified as it protects athletes to a great extent from themselves. Striegel et al. highlight that doping has developed into a crucial problem in high-performance and competitive sports as a result of commercialisation and increased professionalism. Sports organisations and governments are restricted with limited funds for supporting all forms of sports. The matter of doping in sports can only be solved by getting valuable feedback from athletes. Anti-doping measures can be properly achieved when the active participation of the athletes is there. An anti-doping law is commonly perceived by an athlete in different ways. Such laws must include a measure for adequately addressing corners of the public regarding health risks related to doping. Laws must also pave the way for developing methods of detection and assessment. It can be concluded that legalisation of doping in sports is a highly controversial topic. The primary reason for the ban is mainly the health risks of drugs that enhance performance. The motto behind banning doping is to uphold equal opportunities for all athletes. Anti-doping authorities have the opinion that using performance-enhancing drugs is against the "spirit of sport". Further research might throw light on unexplored areas related to this topic. References Anderson, Jack. "Doping, Sport and the Law: Time for Repeal of Prohibition?"International Journal of Law in Context9.2 (2013): 135-59.ProQuest.Web. 2 Aug. 2017. Striegel, H., G. Vollkommer, and H-H Dickhuth. "Comnbating Drug use in Competitive Sports."Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness42.3 (2002): 354-9.ProQuest.Web. 2 Aug. 2017.