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The ethics of sports integrity investigations and the power of sport integrity bodies to compulsorily demand information and personal devices from athletes
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Luke Cox ,
Michael McNamee
International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, Volume: 17, Issue: 3, Pages: 487 - 507
Swansea University Authors:
Julia Cook, Andrew Bloodworth , Luke Cox , Michael McNamee
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DOI (Published version): 10.1080/19406940.2025.2529203
Abstract
Despite the rise of intelligence and investigation methods in sport integrity policy and practice, there is a dearth of social scientific research around the ethics of their use. We critically examine whether these techniques are a proportionate, and thus ethically justifiable, response to sport int...
| Published in: | International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics |
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| ISSN: | 1940-6940 1940-6959 |
| Published: |
Informa UK Limited
2025
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| Online Access: |
Check full text
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa69867 |
| Abstract: |
Despite the rise of intelligence and investigation methods in sport integrity policy and practice, there is a dearth of social scientific research around the ethics of their use. We critically examine whether these techniques are a proportionate, and thus ethically justifiable, response to sport integrity threats. The aim of this interdisciplinary investigation was to explore the ethics of intelligence-led investigations, with particular focus on rules that allow integrity organisations to demand athletes’ personal information and private objects, such as phones and bank statements, from athletes during investigations. To fulfill this aim, semi-structured interviews with 15 integrity officers and 5 athlete representatives were undertaken. This qualitative study was conducted within a critical realist framework. Some Integrity Officers defended the rules, with the challenge of evidence gathering cited as necessitating them. Others, along with Athlete Representatives, conveyed ethical concerns. These novel findings have implications for integrity policy, education, and athletes’ rights. The study concludes that demand rules are not justifiably proportionate for general use in sports integrity investigations since they present athletes with a coercive offer to choose between rule-observance and career success. We recommend that integrity bodies work to develop a harmonised approach, with more precise guidance on the determination of limited situations where these rules should be applied. Furthermore, we call for greater dialogue between athletes and integrity organisations to protect athlete rights and promote trust among stakeholders. Finally, the education of athletes on investigatory powers and potential seizures of personal objects will ensure athletes are aware of their rights. |
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| Keywords: |
Sport integrity; intelligence; investigations; doping; competition manipulation; athlete rights |
| College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
| Funders: |
This work was supported by the Economic and Social Research Council, as part of the first author’s Doctoral Training Partnership. |
| Issue: |
3 |
| Start Page: |
487 |
| End Page: |
507 |