E-Thesis 508 views 1582 downloads
An Ethical Analysis of the Use of Intelligence and Investigations within Sports Integrity / JULIA COOK
Swansea University Author: JULIA COOK
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUThesis.69218
Abstract
Sport faces threats from integrity issues, such as doping, competition manipulation, corruption and abuse. The use of intelligence and investigations has been introduced to aid integrity organisations with the prevention, deterrence, detection and sanctioning of integrity offences. This research aim...
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Swansea University, Wales, UK
2025
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| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Bloodworth, A., and McNamee, M. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69218 |
| Abstract: |
Sport faces threats from integrity issues, such as doping, competition manipulation, corruption and abuse. The use of intelligence and investigations has been introduced to aid integrity organisations with the prevention, deterrence, detection and sanctioning of integrity offences. This research aims to assess the global use of intelligence and investigations within sports integrity. This includes analysis of ethical questions, e.g., what the functions of sports integrity organisations are, what an ethical investigation is, issues surrounding reporting integrity issues, what the appropriate powers for sport integrity are, with an overarching question of whether sports integrity in its current form can justify these investigative methods. The data for this research was collected via semi-structured interviews with 20 participants. 15 participants were ‘Integrity Officers’ employed within different integrity organisations. 5 participants were Athlete Representatives. This study was conducted within a critical realist framework. This research found the use of investigative methods and intelligence varied. Differing powers are available to integrity organisations, including contentious regulations that allow organisations to demand objects and information. Participants displayed concerns with the use of these rules. Reporting integrity issues is an important source of intelligence, however, Athlete Representatives expressed concerns that athletes are not protected when reporting, whereas Integrity Officers considered protections to be in place. Overall, the methods currently used in sports integrity are not wholly justifiable. This is due to concerns from the participants with these methods, the fact that much wrongdoing in sport is not criminal in nature, and due to the coercive offer of some regulations. These findings indicate the need for further dialogue between athletes and integrity organisations, particularly around powers and protections, and the need for enhanced, unified investigative regulations. This could be supported by the creation of an independent, global integrity governing body. |
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| Item Description: |
A selection of content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis to protect sensitive and personal information. |
| Keywords: |
ethics, integrity, sport, anti-doping, competition manipulation |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
ESRC Doctoral Training Program |