Developing moral character through sport: Delivering on the promise

For decades, parents, coaches, and popular media have contended that sport builds character. This idea is often stated as fact, suggesting that experiences in and lessons learned through involvement in sport guarantee that youth grow and develop as good citizens, not only good performers. Others have been skeptical of sport’s ability to build character, citing evidence of rule-breaking and antisocial behaviors at youth through professional levels. Even back in 1930, renowned educator C. H. McCloy remarked, “physical educators have for years claimed to be builders of character ... the evidence has not been impressive” (p. 41). McCloy deliberately used the word “claim” to highlight that character may change for the better or worse as a result of participating in sport. McCloy was not surprised that positive character results had not emerged in the research when, “… the methods used were not specifically designed to secure changes in character” (p. 41).