Research paper Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Research paper - Case Study Example The use of drugs is a major problem in the world of sport. Many athletes have been found out using performance enhancement drugs in order to compete or win in their designated sport or area. Hence, â€Å"in today’s competitive sports market, players want to hit more home runs, score more touchdowns, or jump higher than their competitors because their performance will most likely be directly tied to their next playing contract or endorsement deal.† (Pampel, 2007) Drug abuse and performance enhancement drugs (PEDs) is considered as one of the most disputed argument in the world of sport. Therefore, doping is considered as a disruptive behavior from an individual. Also, it is a very secretive behavior. However, it is a very common action that the athletes deny the use of drugs and dopes. For instance, there were many cyclists in the Tour De France of 1998, who had actually doped themselves in order to have an edge over their competitors but they refused this claim when the officials found out. The cyclists had to undergo various tests and many of them were caught using drugs. Basically, drugs in sport are cheating and the combination of drugs and sport do not mix well too. Athletes use drugs in order to have an edge against their competitors and improve and make their performance better which is cheating. This act would not make them better or tell them if they are, to some extent, better than their competitors. â€Å"The use of substances to improve performance in sport has been recorded from as early as the third century B.C. – Greek physician Galen used medicinal preparations to treat disease and illness, and noted that many Olympic athletes at the time used stimulants and diet modification methods to enhance their performance.† (White W and Laura S, 1991) The two controversial debatable points which leads to the conclusion that why performance enhancement drugs (PEDs) and doping should be banned in competitive sports are, firstly, t he factor of fair play from any game and competition is eliminated when an individual is used to take such pills and medication. It helps an individual to improve physical performance and abilities which is contrary to one of the most important aspect of sport which is fair play. â€Å"Athletic competitions, it is argued, are designed to demonstrate the best performer on a level playing-field reflecting natural capacities. It is, therefore, unfair if a particular resource, such as performance enhancing drugs, is available to some competitors but not others† (Sabini & Monterosso, 2005). The second argument to this topic is the disadvantages of such drugs and medication. It is concerning that these pills are damaging and injurious to athlete’s health. As there are various types of drugs which individuals use to enhance their performance include drugs such as anabolic steroids, erythropoietin (EPOs), and human growth hormones (HGOs). All of these have different and harmfu l side effects which could affect the athletes in their future. Cardiovascular and mental health problems, depression and higher risk of heart attack, hypertension, cardiac disease, and overgrow hands, feet, or head. The use of performance enhancement medication allows athletes to perform better than the other. If this is made legal then any sports will not be an even playing field and no