New report examines threats to the integrity of sport

The Examination of Threats to the Integrity of Sports was commissioned by the EU Sports Platform and has been launched in European Parliament. The report, elaborated by Danish research institute Oxford Research, outlines the key problems and also examines what can be done to combat the threats.

The EU Sports Platform uses the report to make the case that, sport has an ever expanding social, economic and entertainment role in society. Even rough data makes it clear that factors such as participation and employment in sport and the beneficial effects of sport on GDP and turnover, make sport a sector in society that deserves attention. Since sport is so important, any questions about its integrity can have damaging side effects. 

To this end, the threats that could jeopardize the integrity of sport must be looked at and solved. The report identifies ten main threats to the integrity of sport, they are:

1. Transfer of young players across borders
2. Cheating
3. Money laundering
4. Sporting motivated match fixing
5. Betting motivated match fixing
6. Management related financial irregularities
7. Sporting related financial irregularities
8. Espionage
9. Illegal performance enhancing technology
10. Doping

It is the conclusion of the report that these threats should not be examined just on speculation and opinion; instead they should be evaluated using concrete examples and statistics.

The threats
The report talks of two threats, doping and betting related match fixing, which have actually received some media attention. However, the report also details eight other threats that pose a serious threat to the integrity of sport. These are just a couple of examples:

Illegal performance enhancing technology
This threat relates more directly to the likes of motor sports and cycling where certain restrictions are placed on the equipment to level the playing field. This allows the spectator to be reassured that success comes from the operator and not an advantage in equipment.

Seen most commonly in Formula 1 teams have been caught with unauthorized software and illegal engine components that boost the performance of a car. However, a more ethical side of this threat lies in sports such as swimming. In 2009, FINA (swimming’s international governing body) banned full body swim suits since only some utilized them.

Espionage
Espionage generally relates to the illegal procuring of sensitive information related to a team/player. This threat again affects the notion that the competition is being executed in an open and fair manner.

A recent case from 2007 discovered that Formula 1 team McLaren had been passed confidential technical information. McLaren was punished in several ways, most notably in the form of a $100 million fine.

How to combat the threats
The report’s research has found examples of each threat taking place. The report also discovered the ways that have been the most effective in combating the threats. The EU Sports Platform displays in the report that three steps must be implemented in order to successfully begin to fight these threats to the integrity of sport, they are:

Clear guidelines: The adoption of rules, a code of conduct, a memorandum of understanding or a code of practice that defines what is wrong and what is right for all involved with the particular sport. Punishments for breaking the rules must also be clearly laid out.
Testing and surveillance: After the creation of guidelines an authoritative body must observe if they are being obeyed. Special units have been created which test or gather and analyze intelligence.
Education: Perhaps the most important step, implementation of education programs for participants and others centrally involved in sport in order to prevent them from engaging in improper behavior. Also education that stresses the rules and consequences associated with breaking the rules is recommended.

The report asserts that the challenges can also be successfully tackled if all involved uphold responsibilities, share information and work together.

To view the entire report click here