Case Studies in Coaching Ethics: Real Dilemmas in High School, College, and Professional Sports

Coaches are placed in a myriad of ethical decision-making situations. Making decisions such as playing time, boosters, parents, social media, power differentials, scholarships, and relationships are just a few examples of what a coach may need to navigate. While many day-to-day situations are easily resolved, some are not. Therefore, how and by what process should a coach make these decisions? This book presents a variety of cases based on true stories that present some of the ethical decisions coaches must make across high school, collegiate, and professional sports.

Using a sequential system of less to more complicated, 40 case studies are presented across the sports spectrum that coaches have experienced. This is a key component of the book. Although names and situations have been changed, these cases have happened and provide real applicability to coaches. In addition, each case may contain multiple situations perhaps with no "right" answer that test a coach’s value system and ability to prioritize actions. Questions are provided at the end of each case that allow for reflection.

The primary audience for this book includes current coaches as well as students in coach education programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Timothy M. Baghurst is Professor of Education and the Director of FSU COACH: Interdisciplinary Center for Athletic Coaching at Florida State University, USA. His scholarly work has been recognized with a Board of Regents Research Award and state and national awards, and he has been honored with Fellow status by SHAPE America and the National Academy of Kinesiology. Tim has served the larger community through many organizations, including the National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education as President. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Ladies Professional Racquetball Tour and is the current Head Coach of the USA Racquetball Junior National Team.

Anthony Parish is Associate Professor in the Waters College of Health Professions at Georgia Southern University, USA. He has over two dozen article publications in both national and international peer-reviewed journals. Anthony currently serves as Editor for Strategies, a National Association for Sport and Physical Education’s (NASPE’s) physical education and coaching journal. Anthony has more than 25 years of teaching experience at all educational levels. He has actively coached a variety of sports for over 20 years. He has also worked both as a strength and training coordinator and as a certified personal trainer.