Evaluation of a sports integrity course for university students

Abstract

Objectives

The need to combat sport corruption is increasingly growing. The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a university course aiming to increase knowledge regarding key sport integrity issues in pre-service coaches, covering sport integrity issues such as match-fixing, doping and whistleblowing.

Methods

Participants were 39 pre-service coaches who underwent a 13-session course involving issues like corruption, good governance, doping, match-fixing, and whistleblowing. The course comprised of interactive lectures combined with practical activities. For the assessment of the courses’ effectiveness participants completed questionnaires pre- and post-course and underwent interviews.

Results

Post-course, coaches exhibited significant improvement in understanding ethics and integrity in sports, especially in corruption and mechanisms for upholding clean sports. In addition, there was an increase in their readiness to address sport irregularities. Nevertheless, there was no observed significant change in attitudes towards the course. There was a positive evaluation for the user-friendliness of the course, and qualitative feedback supported its impact on enhancing knowledge and commitment to sports integrity.

Conclusion

The results of the study underline the potential of a university course in promoting sport integrity among pre-service coaches. In addition, they suggest the need for more interactive and sport-specific approaches in future endeavors.