Case Study #1_ Playing an Injured Athlete
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School
California State University, Northridge *
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Course
KIN 300
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
Pages
1
Uploaded by GeneralUniverse10046
It’s the high school state basketball championship, and your starting center Maggie has
sprained her knee due to you pushing her hard for a “championship practice”. The trainer
suspects a Grade II sprain, which means the ligament is stretched and has some slight tearing.
With some portions intact, Maggie is able to function at about 65%. With a full rehab she would
be able to avoid surgery, but if she plays there is a chance at a full tear and surgery. The trainer
has advised you against playing her due to the potential for long-term damage.
After speaking with Maggie, she wants to play. Her reasoning is that it is the
championship and the last game of her high school career. Even though she is going on to college
to play, she is willing to sign whatever waiver she has to in order to forego your liability. Her
parents say they trust you to make the best decision for her future, and you know if she plays the
chances of winning greatly increase.
1) Would you let Maggie play & what are your deciding factors?
As a coach, my primary responsibility is to prioritize the well-being and long-term health
of my players. In this situation, considering the advice from the trainer and the potential
for long-term damage to Maggie's knee, I would not allow her to play in the
championship game. Despite the pressure of the championship and Maggie's desire to
play, the risks of aggravating the injury and potentially requiring surgery are significant.
Winning a championship is important, but the health and future of the players should
always take precedence.
2) If Maggie was retiring after high school, would that change anything?
If Maggie were retiring after high school, the decision would still be influenced by the
potential long-term consequences of playing with a Grade II knee sprain. While the
emotional aspect of it being her last game may add another layer of complexity, the
fundamental concern for her health and future well-being would remain. The decision
would not change, as the responsibility to prioritize the player's long-term health is
paramount.
3) What does your decision reveal about your coaching philosophy?
This decision reflects my coaching philosophy that places the well-being of the players
above short-term success. It emphasizes a duty of care to the athletes, considering not
only their immediate desires and goals but also their long-term physical health. It
demonstrates a commitment to ethical coaching practices and a focus on developing
athletes not only as competitors but also as individuals with a lifelong relationship with
sports. While winning is important, it should not come at the expense of the players'
health and future prospects.
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