Time for a change

Time for a change: Why rule-based ethics are problematic for the NCAA

Presenters:
Sharon K. Stoll, Department of Movement Science
Justin Barnes, School of Journalism and Mass Media

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013 | 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Whitewater Room, Idaho Commons

Abstract 
This session will discuss the fallacy that rule-based ethics can mythically solve ethical violations of rules within the NCAA. The current rule deontic philosophy utilized by the NCAA and other organizations generally leads to ethical dilemmas being resolved in court or protracted legal maneuvering, i.e., Lance Armstrong and USADA. When this occurs, ethics become legalized and are classified in yes or no terms. However, ethics can be useful and practical when all collateral fibers of an issue are considered. Unfortunately, as now formulated, the NCAA may never reform itself nor use a different basis of reasoning. The NCAA is unwieldy in its administrative structure and its ethical position is questionable considering its argument that athletes in revenue producing sport are amateurs. We will discuss some present solutions offered by experts in the fields whereby ethics could actually be practiced.


Biographies
Justin Barnes is an assistant professor of advertising in the School of Journalism and Mass Media. Before joining the faculty at the University of Idaho, Dr. Barnes was a clinical assistant professor in the Sport Management Program at Washington State University. Dr. Barnes previously worked in New York City for Ruder Finn, Inc., where he assisted clients in public relation, advertising, branding, and integrated marketing campaigns. His most recent research projects address the impact of athletic success on the perception of a university’s academic quality, enhancing the goals of general education through a pedagogical approach, and women’s corporate advancement through golf participation.

Sharon K. Stoll is Director of the Center for ETHICS* at the University of Idaho. She is considered one of the leading authorities in competitive moral education intervention techniques for college-aged students in America. A former public school teacher, coach, and athlete, Dr. Stoll holds a Ph.D. in Sport Philosophy from Kent State University, and is the creator and director of one of the few programs in America that is directed toward moral education with competitive populations. Dr. Stoll is well known for her knowledge in teaching and methodology as applied to pedagogy in moral education and character development. Many of Dr. Stoll's students have developed measurement evaluation tools and other curriculum designs that are impacting the knowledge of moral development in sport. She is the author of eight books including, "Who Says It’s Cheating?", "Sport Ethics: Applications for Fair Play", and “Practical Ethics in Sport Management.”


*Ethical Theory and Honor In Competition and Sport