The peculiar economics of doping in sports
Part of : Το βήμα των κοινωνικών επιστημών ; Vol.Ι, No.37, 2003, pages 117-133
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117-133
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The problem of doping in sports consists of a social dilemma situation in which, in equilibrium, each athlete consumes doping means although each one would be better off if everybody gave up taking performance-stimulating drugs. Based on a rational-choice analysis, a proposal which focuses on the «demand side» of the problem is made how this dilemma may be overcome. An abstract, non-enumerative definition of the doping offense is put forward which classifies all substances enhancing the athe- letes ' performance and damaging their health as doping means. In a multilateral «fairness compact» among all participants involved, sports associations and promoters would have to commit themselves on a life-long suspension of all athletes tested positively. Sponsors would have to provide the financial basis for an independent monitoring and enforcement agency. It is argued that this proposal not only drains the doping problem in an incentive-compatible way but also avoids the inefficiencies and inhuman consequences of actual doping practices.
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