We warn kids at all times to not cheat but most of the time, our comments on cheating are precisely that- you don’t do it. Strangely, broader talks about why cheating is wrong are frequently absent. What are the ramifications for individuals who have been cheated? Or, because it appears like everyone cheats, what’s the big problem if I do, as well? Most children’s decisions about whether or not to cheat are primarily based on the likelihood of getting caught, in other terms, if the danger of being found guilty is minimal, the likelihood of cheating rises, and if the risk of being caught is significant, fewer kids consider cheating.
Former professional pitcher Mike Bolsinger, on the other hand, has brought a sharp reality to one of the major worries for any sportsman who is cheated against — the possibility of jeopardizing a career as a result of the opponent cheating.
Morals and cheating
Lawrence Kohlberg proposed a moral development stage theory, which provides a model for how virtues emerge and grow. The very first phase, which most youngsters are in, implies that decisions are made primarily on compliance and consequence — or, to put it another way, whether or not you will be found. This is a rudimentary interpretation of good and bad, and most individuals evolve and develop to incorporate additional factors influencing morality, such as the effect of actions on others. Kohlberg outlines how moral growth progresses in stage 4 of his model:
What is moral and immoral is frequently prescribed by a core ideal or ideas. If one individual breaks a law, likely, everyone else will as well, therefore upholding laws and norms is both a duty and a responsibility. It is ethically unacceptable when someone breaks a law; guilt is thus a major component in this stage since it distinguishes the evil from the good realms. The majority of society’s active individuals are still in stage 4, where ethics are still largely controlled by an external source.
Although it is evident that some sportsmen still function in phase one, where the sole consideration when evaluating cheating is the risk of getting discovered, it may be time to reconsider this approach and utilize a broader, more comprehensive understanding of the significance of playing sports fairly. Whether or if Mike Bolsinger wins his case, a broader point has already been created: he most certainly lost his job as a result of game-changing cheating i.e. leaving tips for pitches to batters in advance. This is a message that I believe all trainers and young athletes must receive since it emphasizes the importance of following the rules.
Increasing technologies make cheating easier
Mobile phones, the internet, Bluetooth, and video surveillance are just a few examples of modern-day innovations that have made violating regulations more convenient. Cheating has always been an attraction in sports, but thanks to current technology, the pulls are greater than ever. For these causes, more attention is required to educate sportsmen, particularly young athletes to understand the repercussions of cheating. Mike Bolsinger’s career may have been jeopardized as a result of his dishonesty. While student players may not instantly relate to Bolsinger’s situation, they will realize the broader consequences of cheating that affect them.
Consequences of cheating
Keep in mind that cheating does not happen in thin air, so there are several repercussions to contemplate, such as the following:
Shame and guilt feelings. Shame, humiliation, remorse, and guilt can all arise from purposefully participating in forbidden actions. These sentiments might linger for a long time, spilling over into other aspects of one’s personality and impeding future growth.
Opponents are hurt. Witnessing rivals suffer from despair and loss as a result of cheating is a genuine result, particularly when the competitor loses a game they shouldn’t have, fails to achieve an athletic scholarship, or loses their job like Mike Bolsinger did.
It has a negative influence on the competitive spirit. Sports competition is based on the ground of fair competition, and when that trust is lost, the ideals of hard effort and following the rules are utterly dismissed.