Written by Penn State’s first Director of Ethics and Compliance, Chief Ethics Compliance Officer, former FBI Special Agent, and long-standing member of the Board of Directors for the US Center for Safe Sport, Regis Becker joins Wes and Mike this week in the latest Culture in Sports podcast to discuss ethical aspects of sporting culture.
With a master’s degree in Law Enforcement, a Juris Doctorate, and extensive legal experience, Becker is supremely qualified to make value assessments on the motives and circumstances surrounding ethical misconduct in sport. He discusses the huge impact that a scandal and its treatment can have on the culture of an organization. A negative culture of resigned despondency can develop if the transgression is not adequately investigated and dealt with. Conversely, individuals in an organization seen to actively deal with issues will feel safe and supported.
In Becker’s experience, the collaborative nature of policy decisions in the academic sector promotes a healthier environment and a more compliant culture than the corporate situation where there is simply a management directive issued without consultation. The benchmarking and conferencing with other tertiary institutions also establishes an inclusive sharing of knowledge and innovation.
The primary consequence of all this consultation is the implementation of informed decisions that ensure the ongoing support for the collegiate athletes. A safe environment is established where the athletes know that their claims of harassment and bullying, or abuse will be fairly investigated by an independent body. This then will prevent the favoritism and negligence that has been prevalent in the past. An example is the inadequate investigation into the misconduct of Osteopathic Physician Larry Nasaar and his dealings with the US Olympic gymnastics team.
Another aspect is the education of the young athlete as he or she grapples with their popularity. Many are drawn into showboating and aggressively promoting their ‘brand’ as they chase sponsorship. This activity can lead them perilously close to misconduct and cause a lack of cohesion in the team.
Ultimately the establishment and alignment with ethical codes of conduct will cultivate a protective culture dedicated to the fair-minded assessment of potentially damaging situations. Learning how to recognise the red flags of abuse and mistreatment and promoting the fair and just treatment of the people accused of the misconduct regardless of their position is essential. This honesty and transparency can transport the secretive and insidious culture of the past to a healthier and more positive one moving forward.