Bok coach signs new sports ethics code

Springbok Rugby coach Peter de Villiers and other rugby celebrities signed Unashamedly Ethical’s (UE) Sportsperson’s Commitment Form which was launched at a gala dinner in Cape Town on Friday.

The new sports code which includes pledges to be a good role model on and off the field, was pioneered by UE together with former Springbok Captain Francois Pienaar.

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The MC for the event, former Springbok prop Toks van der Linde put various questions about ethical behaviour in sport and life in general to the high-powered panel comprising Western Province Premier Helen Zille, Peter de Villiers,  Graham Power from the Power construction company, Michael Louis of the Louis Group and evangelist, “Oom” Angus Buchan. Former Springbok rugbyplayers, Balie Swart and Christian Stewart also attended the event.

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De Villiers said afterwards there was a lot of pressure on sports people to perform. He said the aspiration to “win at all costs” could also add more pressure on performers. He recommended that schools think of implementing an ethics sports code.

The UE Sportsperson’s Commitment form reads:

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I commit:
01. To always sing our national anthem with pride.
02. To refuse to use banned performance enhancing substances.
03. To treat other athletes with respect and dignity, and pursue victory within the constraints of good sportsmanship.
04. To refuse to elicit, accept or pay any bribes and to report those who do.
05. To refuse to place any bets when it would be illegal or unethical to do so.
06. To be a good role model, on and off the field, and to develop others emerging in my sport.
07. To practice and compete wholeheartedly and within the rules.
08. To show respect for referees, umpires and other officials, and accept their decisions.
09. To enjoy myself while being gracious in victory and accepting defeat with dignity.
10. To collaborate with my peers to impact our community and nation.