Debate: Clean Sport & Anti-Doping
A group discussion on fair play and doping, based on a short real or fictional case of an athlete using banned substances. It builds critical thinking, sportsmanship values and an understanding of the link between performance and health.
How to play
- Present a short case, for example: a teen cyclist takes a product to perform better because her coach is pressuring her; read the story in 1 minute.
- Form groups of 4 with a moderator, a note-taker and a spokesperson (30 sec).
- Groups discuss 3 questions in 3 minutes: Why does this happen? Who does it hurt? What could each person in the case have done?
- Whole-class share: each spokesperson gives one answer in 30 seconds and the teacher lists causes, consequences and alternatives on the board (3 min).
- Wrap-up: connect the case to health and fair play in class and in school sports (2.5 min).
Rules
- Respect opinions and wait your turn to speak.
- Talk about the case and ideas, not specific classmates.
- Back up opinions with reasons.
- Safety: no recommending or discussing ways to use substances; the discussion focuses on the health risks.
Variations
Easier
Pose a simple question, such as why doping is cheating, to the whole class.
Standard
Discuss the case in groups with three questions and share out.
Harder
Each group creates a slogan or a small fair-play campaign for the school.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: set up the group at the student's spot and let them choose a role.
- Shyness or autism: contribute in writing on an index card or take the note-taker role.
- Students with comprehension difficulties: provide the case in writing with short sentences and key words underlined.
Learning goals
- Reflect on the values of fair play.
- Analyze the consequences of doping for health and sports.
- Develop critical thinking by supporting opinions with reasons.
Teacher tip
Choose a case close to their age and avoid turning the discussion into a list of famous athletes. Connect it to class situations, like cheating in a game, so it feels relevant to them.
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