Physical Education Teachers

7. Ethical approaches in inclusive sport

The reflection on ethics in PE and sport concerning all actors from the sports scene such as athletes, educators, coaches, parents and spectators refers particularly to inclusive sports. The idea to consider physical education and sport from the inclusive point of view contributes to the promotion of ethical values, since the concept of fairness and inclusion involves treating everyone equally and impartially. Inclusive education opens opportunities for authentic social relationships based upon mutual respect and ability to feel and show empathy to “disadvantaged” athletes. Sport can either serve as a positive facilitator for inclusion or reflect prejudice that affects the fundamental integrity of sport. PE teachers need to create pedagogical spaces for discussions on various types of attitudes to dignity-related affairs and ethical professional practice in inclusive sport contexts. Ethical dilemmas may arise when a PE teacher has to choose between truth and loyalty, individuals and community, short and long-term outcomes or between justice and mercy.
The Online Resources will help users to get an overview of the topic, explore the issue in depth deriving benefits from researches, experiences and reflections of people involved in inclusive education.

Learning Objective

This topic aims at providing reflection on ethical values in sport in relation to inclusive education and at inspiring PE teachers to think ethically in their professional practice.

Online Resources

• Adhering to Ethical Principles When Teaching Students with Disabilities in Physical EducationThe Article includes ethical guidelines and recommendations for PE teachers dealing with inclusive education.
• Friendship in Inclusive Physical EducationThis study aims to investigate friendship in inclusive physical education from the perspective of students with and without disabilities. It extends the knowledge base of friendship and physical activity in three interconnected ways: personal development, the nature of friendship, and practice in adapted physical education.
• Teachers Talk About… experiences of inclusive physical activityThis tool was prepared in the framework of the project “Willing and Able: PE and Sport for Young People with Disabilities” implemented by the Australian Sport Commission. It includes PE teachers’ experiences and reflections concerning their teaching practices in the area of inclusive PE with many references to ethical issues.
• Thinking Ethically About Professional Practice in Adapted Physical ActivityThe paper provides an analysis of the above topic with focus on two themes: disability as subject and reflective instruction. Other publications available on the webpage: Changing Physical Education Teacher Education Curriculum to Promote Inclusion, Thinking ethically about inclusive recreational sport: A narrative of lost dignity.