Competitive Sport, Winning and Education

Abstract

Competition in education, school sport in particular, remains a controversial issue. The author recognizes that competition is a contested concept and examines both the ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ critiques against the moral desirability of having competitive sport as a part of the compulsory curriculum. The questions of selfishness and of winning are discussed, before the role of the teacher is examined. The author concludes that competitive sport is not per se a form of mis‐education. It can be rather, if taught with understanding and skill, a form of education in which moral values are not only inherently demanded but are encouraged in practice.

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Notes on contributors

Peter J. Arnold

Dr Peter Arnold is Head of the Education Department and Director of BEd Studies, Moray House College of Education, Cramond Campus, Cramond Road North, Edinburgh, EH4 6JD.