To truly understand the role that ethics plays in competition and sports it important to distinguish between sportsmanship and gamesmanship.

Winning is everything is the principle that gamesmanship is built upon. Bending the rules whenever possible is something that coaches and athletes are encouraged to do to get a competitive edge over the opponent.

Paying attention to the welfare and safety of the competition is seen as less important. Some of the gamesmanship’s key tenants include the following:

• Winning is everything.
• The end justifies the means.