What constitutes deviance in sport and common policy responses?

• A. A: Following rules or fair play.
• B. B: Doping and match-fixing and aggression.
• C. C: On-field mistakes.
• D. D: Poor sportsmanship.

Answer: (B)

Deviance in sport refers to actions that violate formal rules or the widely shared norms of fair play, safety, and integrity in competition. Doping, match-fixing, and aggression are the examples most often treated as deviant because they undermine fair competition, threaten athlete health, or damage the sport’s credibility. Policy responses typically include testing and sanctions (like bans or suspensions), disciplinary hearings, and education and integrity programs designed to deter such conduct and maintain public trust in the sport.

Following rules or fair play isn’t deviant; it embodies the expected conduct. On-field mistakes are part of performance and not violations. Poor sportsmanship can be problematic, but it’s narrower and doesn’t necessarily constitute the same level of rule-breaking or systemic threat to the sport’s integrity that doping, match-fixing, and aggression represent.