The Lombardian Ethic.

AS and A Level Physical Education (Sport & Coaching)

The Lombardian Ethic

The Lombardian Ethic -"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing
Win at all costs

The first, which has been attributed to legendary NFL coach, Vince Lombardi, asserts that "winning isn't everything, it is the only thing." This ethic has been around for many years, and emphasizes that athletics should be product oriented, with excellence of outcome as the first, and perhaps only, justifiable goal. Normally, as Scott conveys, this ethic has been associated with a rigid structure in which an authoritarian coach has absolute control over every aspect of the activity. This often extends from a team's grooming and dress code, to the way its plays are selected and implemented. As well, such a belief system is consistent with an environment in which self-sacrifice is applauded and often manifested by such things as participants subjugating all other activities to athletics, performing while injured, and using illicit drugs to enhance performance. Furthermore, coaches who ascribe to such an ethic typically teach their athletes that opponents should be viewed as obstacles or enemies to be overcome, rather than as persons to be appreciated for the necessary and important challenges they present. In assessing the impact of this product oriented ethic, Scott asserts that it has been associated with great success and been responsible for much of the excellence we see in sport. On the other hand, he also feels that it has been responsible for the many abuses we read and hear about, including the dehumanization of athletes, college recruiting violations, good coaches being fired for not winning championships, and the wide use of so-called "performance enhancing drugs." As well, we have become aware over the years, how such an ethic has led to the systematic elimination from sports of individuals possessing less talent (many of whom are young children) or unwilling to make the total commitment required by such a standard.

Counter Cultural Ethic

In contrast to this win at all cost notion, a counter-cultural ethic has evolved which stresses the importance of sport as a medium for human development. In Leonard's (1975) words this contrast to the Lombardian ethic might be conveyed by the phrase "Winning isn't everything, it's nothing." Within such a framework the most important question put to the individual is "how did it feel" rather than "who won"? Since the process is emphasized, in contrast to the outcome, there is less rigidity by the coach in decision making. In fact, within such a framework players are encouraged ...