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Athlete Maltreatment as a Wicked Problem and Contested Terrain

Author

Listed:
  • Haewan Park

    (School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
    New Zealand Centre for Sport Policy and Politics, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand)

  • Michael P. Sam

    (School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
    New Zealand Centre for Sport Policy and Politics, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand)

  • Steven J. Jackson

    (School of Physical Education, Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
    New Zealand Centre for Sport Policy and Politics, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand)

Abstract

Athlete maltreatment in organized sport has attracted considerable attention from governing bodies, stakeholders and the general public. Despite numerous studies and policy proposals from various countries, the problem remains unresolved due to its inherent complexity. Drawing upon the concept of ‘a wicked problem’ widely utilized in policy analysis, this study first identifies the wicked features of maltreatment, focusing on: (1) the difficulty of establishing a definition of maltreatment; (2) the challenges of identifying its causes; and (3) the impediments to identifying solutions in a context of embedded stakeholders and unintended consequences. To provide further analysis, we compare athlete maltreatment with other issues in sport such as doping and match-fixing, to suggest that lessons can be drawn from other wicked problems in the same contested terrain. Overall, given the complex interplay between maltreatment and the maintenance/legitimization of sport systems, this paper calls for continuing attention and evaluation of existing research/policies and advocates for a more multidimensional view that acknowledges maltreatment as a wicked problem.

Suggested Citation

  • Haewan Park & Michael P. Sam & Steven J. Jackson, 2024. "Athlete Maltreatment as a Wicked Problem and Contested Terrain," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 13(7), pages 1-16, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:13:y:2024:i:7:p:376-:d:1439460
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Terry Engelberg & Stephen Moston & James Skinner, 2015. "The final frontier of anti-doping: A study of athletes who have committed doping violations," Sport Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 18(2), pages 268-279, April.
    2. Gretchen Kerr & Bruce Kidd & Peter Donnelly, 2020. "One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: The Struggle for Child Protection in Canadian Sport," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-16, May.
    3. Victoria Roberts & Victor Sojo & Felix Grant, 2020. "Organisational factors and non-accidental violence in sport: A systematic review," Sport Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(1), pages 8-27, January.
    4. Emma Kavanagh & Adi Adams & Daniel Lock & Carly Stewart & Jamie Cleland, 2020. "Managing abuse in sport: An introduction to the special issue," Sport Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(1), pages 1-7, January.
    5. Roslyn Kerr & Gretchen Kerr, 2020. "Promoting athlete welfare: A proposal for an international surveillance system," Sport Management Review, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(1), pages 95-103, January.
    6. Roberts, Victoria & Sojo, Victor & Grant, Felix, 2020. "Organisational factors and non-accidental violence in sport: A systematic review," Sport Management Review, Elsevier, vol. 23(1), pages 8-27.
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