Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should doping be allowed in sport?
Position2 of 3

No, doping should not be allowed in sport

This position holds that doping should not be allowed in sport. It argues that permitting performance-enhancing drugs would turn competition into a contest between drugmakers, undermine the fair test of ability, endanger athletes' health, and expose even children to coerced drug use.

Supporting arguments · 4

  1. Doping runs counter to the spirit of professional sport
    At the heart of professional sport is the spirit of fair play. Doping removes any notion of fair play.
  2. Doping poses a health risk to athletes
    It is the responsibility of governing bodies to minimize risk to athletes where possible. Allowing doping would run counter to this responsibility.
  3. Children are involved in elite competitive sport
    Children are often involved in sport at the highest level. It would be irresponsible to allow coaches and parents to push children into taking performance enhancing drugs.
  4. Doping would turn sport into a race to concoct the most powerful drug
    Instead of a competition of athletic performance, sports would center on the capacity to concoct the most potent drug. Doping would allow the cultivation and perfection of drugs that enhance an athlete's abilities, and the more powerful and effective the drug, the more companies will want to compete for their versions of the best PED out there.