Socio-cultural Influences: Ethical and Socio-cultural Issues in Sport - Worksheets, Questions and Revision

15 original exam-style questions - 6 pages of questions with a full mark scheme - free printable PDF.

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This topic is chapter 3 of GCSE Physical Education: Socio-cultural influences Practice Book.

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6.3 Socio-cultural Influences: Ethical and Socio-cultural Issues in Sport

AQA 8582 · Calculators not allowed · about 55 minutes

Total Marks

Name: _______________________________ Date: ____ / ____ / ______

Answer ALL questions. Show all your working.

Which term describes bending the rules of a sport to gain an advantage, without technically breaking them (for example, deliberately wasting time to protect a lead)?

A) Sportsmanship
B) Gamesmanship
C) Deviance
D) Etiquette

(Total for Question 1 is 1 mark)

Which of the following is an example of deviance rather than gamesmanship?

A) A basketball player calling a timeout to disrupt an opponent's momentum
B) A cyclist using a banned blood-doping substance to improve endurance
C) A tennis player taking the full allowed time between points
D) A footballer appealing for a decision they privately doubt

(Total for Question 2 is 1 mark)

State two reasons why a performer might choose NOT to use a banned drug, despite its potential performance benefit.

(Total for Question 3 is 2 marks)

A tennis player is jeered and booed by a section of the crowd after arguing with the umpire about a decision.

(a)State one way that spectator behaviour, such as booing, could affect a performer's performance.(1)

(b)Suggest two ways that governing bodies or event organisers try to manage spectator behaviour at sporting events, to reduce incidents like this one.(2)

(Total for Question 4 is 3 marks)

Suggest one reason why violent behaviour by players might be more common in some sports than in others.

(Total for Question 5 is 2 marks)

Performers can behave in ways that fall into different ethical categories.

(a)Describe what is meant by 'sportsmanship', giving a sporting example.(2)

(b)Describe what is meant by 'gamesmanship', giving a sporting example.(2)

(c)Describe what is meant by 'deviance' in sport, giving a sporting example.(2)

(Total for Question 6 is 6 marks)

For each behaviour below, state whether it is best classed as sportsmanship, gamesmanship or deviance.

(a)A rugby player helps an injured opponent to their feet after a tackle.(1)

(b)A snooker player deliberately takes the maximum time allowed before every shot, to increase pressure on their opponent, without breaking any time-limit rule.(1)

(c)A boxer uses anabolic steroids during training to increase muscle mass ahead of a title fight.(1)

(d)A footballer appeals loudly for a throw-in that they know went off their own team, hoping to influence the referee's decision.(1)

(Total for Question 7 is 4 marks)

Table 1 names four types of banned performance-enhancing drug.

(a)State the main effect of anabolic steroids on a performer's body.(1)

(b)State why β blockers might be used, and banned, in a precision sport such as archery or shooting.(1)

(c)State the main effect of stimulants on a performer's body.(1)

(d)State why diuretics might be used by a performer in a weight-category sport such as boxing.(1)

(Total for Question 8 is 4 marks)

The use of banned drugs in sport raises several ethical and practical concerns.

(a)State two reasons why the use of banned drugs is considered unethical in sport.(2)

(b)Explain three negative consequences that using a banned drug can have for the performer themselves.(3)

(Total for Question 9 is 5 marks)

Violent behaviour by players is a socio-cultural issue that affects sport at all levels.

(a)Explain two possible causes of violent behaviour by players during a sports match.(2)

(b)Explain two possible consequences of violent behaviour for the player involved.(2)

(c)Explain one possible consequence of violent behaviour for the sport itself.(2)

(Total for Question 10 is 6 marks)

Tomasz is a professional road cyclist who has tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO), a banned blood-doping substance, after winning a major international road race.

Discuss the reasons why performers such as Tomasz might be tempted to use banned performance-enhancing drugs, and evaluate the impact that drug use can have on the performer, the sport and society.

(Total for Question 11 is 9 marks)

High-profile drug and violence scandals involving elite performers are often widely reported by the media.

(a)Explain how media coverage of a scandal involving an elite performer could negatively influence young, amateur participants in that sport.(2)

(b)Explain one way that governing bodies try to reduce deviant behaviour such as doping in sport.(2)

(Total for Question 12 is 4 marks)

Two football captains behave differently in a similar situation. When an opponent is injured, Captain A immediately kicks the ball out of play so the opponent can receive treatment. Later in the season, Captain B's team keeps playing and scores a goal while an opponent from the other team is injured on the pitch.

(a)Identify which captain's behaviour is an example of sportsmanship, and explain your answer.(2)

(b)Discuss the possible consequences for Captain B's team of continuing to play and scoring in this situation.(3)

(Total for Question 13 is 5 marks)

Explain why gamesmanship, unlike deviance, does not usually break the written rules of a sport, using an example.

(Total for Question 14 is 3 marks)

Explain how the punishment given to a high-profile performer found guilty of doping might act as a deterrent to other performers.

(Total for Question 15 is 3 marks)

Mark scheme · 6.3 Socio-cultural Influences: Ethical and Socio-cultural Issues in Sport

Question 1

B1 B (gamesmanship)
Answer: B (gamesmanship)

Question 2

B1 B (using a banned blood-doping substance)
Answer: B (using a banned blood-doping substance)

Question 3

B1 one reason, e.g. the serious health risks associated with the drug, oe
B1 a second distinct reason, e.g. the risk of being caught and banned/losing sponsorship, or a personal/moral objection to cheating, oe
Answer: For example, concern about the drug's health risks, and the risk of being caught and banned (or a personal moral objection to cheating).

Question 4

(a) B1 it could increase the performer's anxiety/anger and reduce their concentration, negatively affecting performance, oe (also accept: for some performers it could increase determination/motivation, if well explained)
(a) Answer: It could increase the performer's anxiety or anger, reducing their concentration and negatively affecting their performance.
(b) B1 one method, e.g. a code of conduct for spectators, or stewarding/security at venues, oe
(b) B1 a second, distinct method, e.g. banning or fining spectators found to have behaved unacceptably, or working with the media to promote positive spectator behaviour, oe
(b) Answer: For example, a spectator code of conduct backed by stewarding/security at the venue, and banning or fining spectators found to have behaved unacceptably.

Question 5

B1 some sports involve more physical contact/collision by their nature (e.g. rugby, ice hockey), so aggressive contact is more likely to spill over into deliberate violent play, oe
B1 some sports also have a stronger cultural history/tolerance of physical confrontation, or higher stakes/rivalries, which can further increase the likelihood of violent incidents, oe
Answer: Sports that involve a higher level of physical contact by their nature (such as rugby or ice hockey) give more opportunities for aggressive contact to spill over into deliberate violence, and some sports also have a stronger cultural tolerance of physical confrontation.

Question 6

(a) B1 fair play; following both the written rules and the unwritten spirit of a sport, respecting opponents and officials, oe
(a) B1 sporting example, e.g. a footballer kicking the ball out of play when an opponent is injured, or shaking an opponent's hand after a defeat, oe
(a) Answer: Sportsmanship is fair play: following both the written and unwritten rules of a sport and respecting opponents and officials, for example a footballer kicking the ball out of play when an opponent is injured.
(b) B1 bending the rules to gain an advantage without technically breaking them, oe
(b) B1 sporting example, e.g. a bowler in cricket deliberately taking a long time between deliveries to unsettle the batter, or unnecessary time-wasting when leading late in a match, oe
(b) Answer: Gamesmanship is bending the rules to gain an advantage without technically breaking them, for example a team deliberately wasting time when leading late in a match.
(c) B1 rule-breaking or cheating behaviour that goes against the rules/ethics of a sport, oe
(c) B1 sporting example, e.g. deliberate foul play intended to injure an opponent, or using a banned performance-enhancing drug, oe
(c) Answer: Deviance is rule-breaking or cheating behaviour, for example using a banned performance-enhancing drug.

Question 7

(a) B1 sportsmanship
(a) Answer: Sportsmanship.
(b) B1 gamesmanship
(b) Answer: Gamesmanship.
(c) B1 deviance
(c) Answer: Deviance.
(d) B1 gamesmanship
(d) Answer: Gamesmanship.

Question 8

(a) B1 increase muscle mass/strength, allowing harder training and faster recovery, oe
(a) Answer: They increase muscle mass and strength, and allow harder training and faster recovery.
(b) B1 they reduce heart rate and control tremor/anxiety, steadying the performer's aim, which gives an unfair advantage in a precision event, oe
(b) Answer: They reduce heart rate and control hand tremor/anxiety, steadying aim, which gives an unfair advantage in a precision sport.
(c) B1 increase alertness, reduce fatigue and increase heart rate, useful for sports needing short bursts of speed or power, oe
(c) Answer: They increase alertness, reduce fatigue and raise heart rate, useful for sports needing short bursts of speed or power.
(d) B1 diuretics increase the rate of urine production, helping a performer lose water weight quickly to make a lower weight category (they can also dilute urine to help mask other banned substances), oe
(d) Answer: They increase urine production, helping a performer lose water weight quickly to make a lower weight category.

Question 9

(a) B1 gives an unfair advantage over competitors who do not use them (against the principle of fair competition), oe
(a) B1 goes against the written rules/spirit of the sport, oe
(a) Answer: It gives an unfair advantage over clean competitors, and it goes against the written rules and spirit of fair competition.
(b) B1 serious health risks, e.g. steroids linked to liver/cardiovascular damage, or EPO/blood doping linked to increased blood-clotting risk, oe
(b) B1 disqualification/loss of medals or titles, and a lengthy ban from competition, if caught, oe
(b) B1 loss of sponsorship/income and lasting damage to personal reputation, oe
(b) Answer: Health risks (e.g. liver or cardiovascular damage from steroids), disqualification and a lengthy ban if caught, and loss of sponsorship/income and reputation.

Question 10

(a) B1 one cause, e.g. high financial/competitive stakes creating pressure, or provocation/rivalry between opponents, oe
(a) B1 a second, distinct cause, e.g. aggressive role models/team culture, influence of a hostile crowd, or frustration at poor officiating decisions, oe
(a) Answer: For example, high competitive/financial pressure and provocation from an opponent, or an aggressive team culture and frustration at officiating decisions.
(b) B1 one consequence, e.g. being sent off, reducing their team to fewer players, or a ban/suspension from future matches, oe
(b) B1 a second, distinct consequence, e.g. a fine, loss of sponsorship, or damage to personal reputation, oe
(b) Answer: For example, being sent off (reducing their team to fewer players) and a subsequent ban, or a fine and damage to their reputation.
(c) B1 negative media coverage/bad publicity can damage the sport's public image and reduce spectator attendance or broadcast interest, oe
(c) B1 it can also encourage copycat aggressive behaviour among young or amateur participants who look up to elite performers as role models, oe
(c) Answer: Negative media coverage can damage the sport's public image and reduce spectator/broadcast interest, and it can also encourage copycat aggressive behaviour among young players who look up to elite performers.

Question 11

Level 3 (7-9): A detailed and coherent response that gives well-explained reasons for drug use and evaluates the impact on the performer, the sport and society, applying the discussion specifically to Tomasz's situation (a professional cyclist, EPO, an international road race). Reaches a balanced, well-reasoned judgement. Sustained, accurate use of socio-cultural/ethical terminology throughout.
Level 2 (4-6): Some accurate explanation of reasons for drug use and some evaluation of impact, with partial application to Tomasz's specific situation, but coverage of performer/sport/society may be incomplete or underdeveloped, and the evaluation may be one-sided.
Level 1 (1-3): Basic or generic statements about drugs in sport with little or no application to Tomasz's specific situation, and little or no evaluation of impact.
Level 0 (0): No relevant content.
Indicative content:
- Reasons: pressure to win at all costs in elite/professional sport, given the large financial rewards (prize money, sponsorship) and status associated with winning a major race such as the one Tomasz won.
- Reasons: EPO increases the number of red blood cells, boosting the blood's oxygen-carrying capacity, which gives a significant, measurable advantage in an endurance event such as professional road cycling, where aerobic capacity is critical.
- Reasons: pressure from team management or sponsors, or a sporting culture in which doping has historically been common (real or perceived), can normalise the decision to dope.
- Impact on performer: if caught, Tomasz risks disqualification, loss of the race title, a lengthy ban from competition, loss of sponsorship/income, and lasting damage to his personal reputation.
- Impact on performer: health risks of EPO include increased blood viscosity (thickness), which raises the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart problems.
- Impact on the sport: doping scandals damage the public's trust and credibility in the sport of cycling, and can reduce sponsorship and spectator/broadcaster interest if results are widely believed to be untrustworthy.
- Impact on the sport: it is unfair to the clean athletes Tomasz competed against, who trained without doping and may have been denied victories, prize money or career opportunities as a result.
- Impact on society: high-profile doping cases can set a poor example to young or amateur athletes who look up to elite performers as role models, potentially normalising drug use further down the sport.
- Evaluation: anti-doping testing and bans act as some deterrent, but the financial pressure and rewards of elite sport mean the temptation to dope is unlikely to be eliminated completely.
- Evaluation: how effective anti-doping measures are in practice depends on the strength of testing and enforcement and the wider culture within a sport, so their impact varies between sports and over time.

Question 12

(a) B1 young performers who look up to elite athletes as role models may see the reported behaviour and be more likely to copy or normalise it (whether doping or violent conduct), oe
(a) B1 especially if the elite performer is perceived to have got away with it or remains successful/wealthy despite the scandal, oe
(a) Answer: Young performers who see an elite role model's behaviour reported may be more likely to copy or normalise it, especially if that performer still appears successful despite the scandal.
(b) B1 random/regular drug testing, both in and out of competition, oe
(b) B1 imposing bans/sanctions on performers found guilty, and educating performers about the risks and rules, which act as a deterrent, oe
(b) Answer: Governing bodies use random, regular drug testing (in and out of competition) and impose bans on those found guilty, both of which act as a deterrent, alongside education about the risks and rules.

Question 13

(a) B1 Captain A
(a) B1 stopping play to allow treatment follows the unwritten rules/spirit of fair play, even though it is not legally required by the laws of the game, oe
(a) Answer: Captain A. Stopping play to allow treatment follows the unwritten spirit of fair play, even though the laws of the game do not require it.
(b) B1 strong criticism from fans, media and opponents for poor sportsmanship, oe
(b) B1 the goal might be disputed, or there could be pressure for it to be disallowed/replayed depending on the competition's customs, oe
(b) B1 damage to the team's/captain's reputation for fair play, which could affect how they are perceived by opponents, officials and fans in future matches, oe
(b) Answer: Captain B's team could face strong public criticism for poor sportsmanship, the goal itself might be disputed or come under pressure to be disallowed, and their reputation for fair play could be damaged for future matches.

Question 14

B1 gamesmanship works within the letter of the written rules, exploiting a grey area or the unwritten spirit of the game rather than breaking a stated rule, oe
B1 deviance directly breaks a written rule (e.g. a banned substance rule, or a deliberate foul), which is why it is punished as cheating rather than tactics, oe
B1 example that correctly illustrates the distinction, e.g. deliberate time-wasting within the allowed time limit (gamesmanship) compared with using a banned drug (deviance), oe
Answer: Gamesmanship stays within the letter of the written rules while exploiting a grey area or the unwritten spirit of the game, for example deliberate time-wasting within the allowed time limit; deviance, such as using a banned drug, directly breaks a written rule and is punished as cheating.

Question 15

B1 a high-profile case receives wide media coverage, so other performers become clearly aware of the consequences of doping, oe
B1 seeing a well-known, previously successful performer lose their title, income and reputation shows other performers that the potential costs of being caught are severe, oe
B1 this can make the perceived risk of doping outweigh the perceived benefit for other performers considering it, reducing the likelihood they will do the same, oe
Answer: Wide media coverage of a high-profile case makes the severe consequences (lost titles, income and reputation) highly visible to other performers, which can make the perceived risk of doping outweigh its perceived benefit, discouraging others from doing the same.

Socio-cultural Influences: Ethical and Socio-cultural Issues in Sport - Worksheets, Questions and Revision

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