Values-based Sport
The aim of this learning module is twofold: on the one hand, to show you how values-based sport allows you to encourage and protect children, adolescents, and adults; and, on the other hand, to explain how to act in cases of uncertainty or boundary violations.The aim of this learning module is twofold: on the one hand, to show you how values-based sport allows you to encourage and protect children, adolescents, and adults; and, on the other hand, to explain how to act in cases of uncertainty or boundary violations.Sports promotion in Switzerland centres on the individual, their dignity, and their integrity. This applies to both youth and adult sports. As a leader for youth and adult sports, you are expected to
- promote values-based sport.
- identify risks and challenging situations, assess them carefully, and address them with courage.
- continuously reflect on your actions, seek advice in situations of uncertainty, and report any ethics violations.
To meet these expectations in a sustainable manner, it is essential that you and your participants regularly reflect on relevant values during your activities.
The aim of this learning module is twofold: on the one hand, to show you how values-based sport allows you to encourage and protect children, adolescents, and adults; and, on the other hand, to explain how to act in cases of uncertainty or boundary violations.
The Swiss Olympic Ethics Compass helps you assess when sport is values-based, when a situation needs to be discussed, when a report is necessary, and when action is required. The compass consists of four colours that provide guidance for assessing different situations; click on the respective colours to learn what they stand for.
Research shows that boundary violations, misconduct, and abuse are most often linked to, and mutually influenced by, matters of power, ideals, proximity, and pressure (Dodd et al., 2023; Roberts et al., 2020). For instance, proximity-related boundary violations always involve an abuse of power as well. Reports submitted to Swiss Sport Integrity further confirm the influence and interconnectedness of these four aspects.
Folglich gliedert sich der Kompass in diese vier Themen.
Power
Ideals
Proximity
Pressure
In sport, ethical behaviour requires collective reflection on finding the appropriate balance between power, ideals, proximity, and pressure. As a leader, it is important that you examine your own mindset and behaviour in this regard.
It is within the green and grey zones of the Swiss Olympic Ethics Compass that you have the greatest freedom of action.
But what do you do when someone violates the positive values of sport (grey, orange, or red zone)?
Based on key terms, practical examples, and tips, the Ethics Compass supports you in assessing a situation and determining an appropriate course of action.
In the “Good Practice” chapter, you will have the opportunity to practise assessing various example situations.
> Siehe auch Erklärvideo: System «Wertvoller Schweizer Sport» ((Der Satz ist nicht übersetzt und das Video ist nicht auf E vorhanden.))
You now know how to use the Ethics Compass as a tool in the context of values-based sport. Ethical conduct requires ongoing dialogue, consistent reflection, and intentional action.
- … being aware of your responsibility as a role model. Protect the dignity of others by treating them with respect and appreciation, showing empathy and solidarity in your interactions. Provide feedback and honour the boundaries of those around you.
- ... attentively and closely observing others’ behaviour, as well as your own. Consistently advocate for respectful, values-based behaviour. observing others’ behaviour, as well as your own. Consistently advocate for respectful, values-based behaviour.
- … protecting yourself and others. Encourage participants to take responsibility and make decisions, while also setting clear boundaries. Address values in sport as part of your activities, advocate for them, and require participants to adhere to them. Recognise risks related to power, ideals, proximity, and pressure in your sport, and manage them in a transparent and thoughtful way.
- ... contacting Swiss Sport Integrity if you observe or suspect a violation of the Statutes on Ethics. Be aware that, as a leader, you are considered a “person with a special duty of care and supervision.” If you are a member of a club or association that is affiliated with Swiss Olympic, you are obliged to report any form of malpractice or irregularity.
- offers initial consultations via hotline in case of questions or doubts related to ethics in sport.
- is open to anyone wishing to report any form of ethics violation or malpractice in sport. ((Alternativ Link der Übersetzung, der ist auf En, der originallink ist nicht auf En vorhanden.))
- can be reached via hotline at +41 31 550 21 31 or through the online reporting form.
- can be contacted anonymously.
J+S-Leitbild ((Absatz wurde nicht übersetzt.))
J+S-Leiterinnen und -Leiter fördern Kinder und Jugendliche durch wertvollen Sport.
Die Grundsätze und Werte des Leitbilds dienen dir dabei als Orientierung und Wegweiser. ((Link nicht auf En vorhanden.))
In the following recommendations for action from the Y+S/esa set of cards (particularly the “Encouraging” and “Communicating” sets), you will find specific tips on how to actively promote desired values in sport. Explore the selected examples by clicking on the cards below.
Encouraging respectful and fair interaction
Shaking hands after a game expresses respect and decency. Lead by example.
Promoting team spirit
Appreciative communication forms the foundation for your team’s success. Strengthen the team’s sense of unity and encourage participants to become aware of their roles and responsibilities and to be considerate toward one another.
Encouraging dealing with conflicts in a constructive manner
Use conflicts that arise as opportunities to learn how to manage emotions. Discuss the situation and encourage participants to talk about their feelings.
Living diversity
Your group consists of people from a diverse range of social backgrounds, religions, disabilities, genders, and age groups. Embrace this diversity as an opportunity and a source of inspiration.
Learning from mistakes and recognizing opportunities
Create an environment where mistakes are tolerated, encouraging participants to try out new things. This paves the way for progress.
Valuing and respecting participants and treating them fairly
Do as you would be done by. Set an example of how to treat others with respect and appreciation by listening actively and ensuring fairness and equal treatment.
«Als Team Aufgaben lösen», «Klar kommunizieren» oder «Regelverletzung und Fairplay» von cool and clean
If you are interested, you can find more practical ideas on mobilesport.ch. Take inspiration from different game formats by cool and clean – such as “Solving tasks as a team,” “Clear communication,” or “Rule violations and fair play” – and incorporate these values into your Y+S/esa activity. An example can be found in the next chapter. ((Siehe Word für Kommentar der Übersetzung. Keiner der Links ist auf En vorhanden.))
By following the recommendations above, you can prevent incidents and have a positive influence on others. But what should you do if someone disregards these principles and violates the positive values of sport? Read the following examples and think about how you would respond in these situations. The Ethics Compass can help you assess the situation.
You observe a conflict escalating between two adolescents. A harsh insult causes one of them to burst into tears. How do you respond ?
Grey zone = Discuss and reflect on the situation together: As a leader, it is your duty to intervene as quickly as possible. Discuss the situation with those involved and explain how such conflicts can be resolved in a non-violent manner. Clearly communicate that this kind of behaviour is not acceptable among members of your training group. There is no need to report the incident to Swiss Sport Integrity.
You overhear a new participant mention that her former coach sent her a message containing a nude picture. How do you respond?
Red zone = Report: Such behaviour goes against the principles of youth and adult sport and must not be tolerated. As a leader, you are obliged to report this situation to Swiss Sport Integrity. This can also be done anonymously.
A dance group composed of participants spanning a broad age range is invited to perform at an event. Shortly before the performance, Franziska, an older dancer, is instructed to stand at the very back so as not to disrupt the “perfect picture.” How do you respond?
Grey zone = Discuss and reflect on the situation together: According to the principle of equality, no one should be discriminated against because of their age. As a leader, it is important to question problematic attitudes within the sports system and to reflect on your own actions and habits.
You can find many more examples in the Swiss Olympic Ethics Compass.
Reflect upon yourself and your actions as a Y+S/esa leader. In which moments do you embody the positive values of sport? In which moments do your actions and behaviour help promote participants’ dignity?
How do you promote a sport characterised by fairness and mutual respect in your activities? Do you implement any of the ideas described in the “Principles” chapter?
Plan a leadership evening
Discuss which values you, as a team, consider important in your work with participants. Write these values down in a few sentences and have everyone sign them.
Plan a parents’ evening
Present the values and principles of your club to the parents or legal guardians. Choose a situation from the Ethics Compass that involves parents and discuss it together. Talk about how parents and legal guardians can contribute to values-based sport.
Continuously reflect upon your own mindset and the appropriate balance of power, ideals, proximity, and pressure in your Y+S/esa activities to contribute sustainably to values-based sport.