The temptation to use illegal drugs is one of the major issues that athletes nowadays must deal with. Doping is what this is. In sports, the use of illegal performance-enhancing chemicals or substances by athletes to unfairly gain an advantage over rival competitors is referred to as doping. Doping has evolved into a virus that aims to obliterate the health of athletes as well as the spirit, integrity, image, and value of athletics. Doping is therefore forbidden by all sports organizations. A ban is the penalty for doping. Finding and developing talented athletes into pros is insufficient. Important information about the risks of doping must be provided to them. Knowledge is power. Information influences decisions. Knowledge overcomes ignorance. The mind is equipped by knowledge.
There are pressures in professional or elite athletics. This holds true for various spheres of human endeavor. I have identified these factors as the primary contributors to doping in sports, particularly among African sportsmen and women. This conclusion is based on my experiences, observations, interactions, and inferences. I’ll make an effort to look at how athletes can deal with each pressure in an effort to prevent falling into the risky and powerful hands of doping and the inevitable result of getting banned. the following pressures
1. PRESSURE BASED ON ETHICS – The norms of conduct that are acceptable in a community or profession make up ethics. Here, it is required of members of the society or profession to adhere to particular standards. Doing what the law requires is being moral. Sanctions are applied to any deviations.
You should be aware that you are members of a profession as athletes. Every profession is governed by certain principles. It is intended to safeguard the profession’s integrity. The goal of laws prohibiting doping and other forms of cheating is to provide every competitor an equal chance to succeed.
How do you respond to ethically motivated pressure?
a. If you must compete as an athlete, research the ethics. Doing so will ensure that you follow the law, which is beneficial for your career.
b. Adopt the ethics and exercise discipline.
b. Keep in mind as athletes that “Winning is something, but it is not everything!” Fair involvement fosters dignity.
c. Sports officials and coaches need to actively work to mold the minds of young athletes, including those from primary schools. Early on in their careers, they should be taught the advantages of playing by the rules and the negative effects of cheating.
Expected Result: A morally upright mind will resist doping with ease.
2. EGO-DRIVEN PRESSURE – An exaggerated sense of pride in one’s perceived or actual superiority over others is referred to as having an ego. The athlete wants to constantly win in this situation. Nothing is boring. No holiday!
Talented individuals are by nature egotistical. Athletes have special talents. If they are egotistical, it is not surprising. Yet, egotism is an attitude issue that forces people to live dangerously. Your ego may cause you to reject your limitations and encourage you to utilize unfair methods to succeed.
How do you handle pressure caused by the ego?
a. Coaches are crucial in this situation. It is their responsibility to inspire young athletes to excel while also controlling their egos. While difficult, the task must be completed.
b. As athletes, you should be aware of the differences between transient phenomena like “burnout” and “bad days” and long-term phenomena like “aging” and “performance decrease.” You experience these sensations because you are a person. Do not feel embarrassed to go through any of them.
Intended Outcome – Doping won’t be necessary if momentary setbacks are accepted as inspiration to perform better the following time rather than as a shame.
3. PRESSURE BASED ON IGNORANCE – Ignorance is the absence of essential information or education. In this case, the athlete is either lacking the necessary information or is unsure of how to obtain it. Although being aware of her limitations, she cannot do anything. As a result, she may be exploited or abused when certain decisions are made on her behalf by others close to her.
Legal ignorance is not a valid defense. Every lawbreaker will claim ignorance if they are given a pass on punishment based on their ignorance. That is detrimental to society. Get ready to get “hammered” if you test positive for prohibited performance-enhancing drugs while competing in sports. No pity! It makes no difference if you accidentally or unintentionally consumed food supplements that have trace amounts of the prohibited ingredients. You can yell, sob, and beg. In the end, you continue to be barred. The rule applies. You must follow the ethics if you must be on the field or the racetrack.
How do you deal with pressure brought on by ignorance?
a. Both amateur and professional levels of doping are not well informed. Federation needs to take responsibility for providing appropriate education.
b. It is your duty as athletes or aspiring athletes to familiarize yourself with the list of prohibited substances. Running around the field every day is insufficient. Spend some time reading and exploring websites for organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency and the IAAF on the internet.
c. Take cautious with any dietary supplements you use. It might include illegal chemicals.
Expected Result: An athlete who is fully informed about the negative effects of doping will find it simple to resist it.
4. PRESSURE DRIVEN BY STOCKHOLDERS – A stakeholder is a person or organization with an interest in an athlete’s ability to achieve desired goals and win medals. Relationships, coaches, teammates, the Federation, certain officials of the Federation, sponsors, and the government are typical stakeholders for an athlete. In this case, the athlete is “kept prisoner” and used for a variety of purposes. It is crucial to keep in mind that a stakeholder whose interests are not always protected could sabotage the athlete.
As their careers and personal lives are at stake, athletes should learn to take control of their destiny. You will make important judgments and take important actions; coaches, relatives, the Federation, etc. can only provide guidance. And prepare to accept accountability for those choices and deeds.
How do you manage pressure brought on by stakeholders?
a. Act with actual professionalism. Never participate in Federation politics. You might be duped. Channel your complaints in a formal manner without needless aggression.
b. Be cautious when you argue with your coach or an official since they can retaliate by entangling you in a drug scandal.
c. Avoid letting someone drive you to the point where doping might be a possibility. If you do, you will be expelled, headlines in the media will read “Fall from grace to grass,” and family and friends will steer clear of you. Then you might become more immersed in drug use.
d. Athletes who have been banned from competition shouldn’t be left behind because at that stage they require support to recover.
Expected Outcome – If athletes are aware that they would be singled out when the spotlight is turned on for doping, they will avoid it.
5. ECONOMIC-DRIVEN PRESSURE – How individuals use their surroundings to meet their material demands is referred to as their economy. In this case, the athlete is motivated to make as much money as she can before her career is ended.
Athletes typically have dependant family members that depend on them and need money to meet their necessities. Economic pressure definitely influences criminal behavior. To stay on the straight and narrow in life, discipline and contentment are necessary.
How do you handle pressure brought on by the economy?
Athletes should be aware from the start that there is life beyond sports. Education and skill development are crucial.
b. Be astute enough to get a job as you pursue your athletic endeavors. It benefited me. You will benefit as well, I’m certain.
d. Make wise investments with any money you earn.
d. State governments and corporate entities ought to assist and financially and through job possibilities reward our athletes.
Expected Outcome: Athletes who are aware of their financial situation would never succumb to the urge to cheat.
