George is a senior track and field student-athlete who is having his best season ever – recently qualifying to compete in the men’s long jump finals at the statewide high school track and field championships.  Prior to the track and field championships, the #1 seed in the men’s long jump on George’s high school’s rival team is injured in a near-fatal car accident and is forced to pull out of the competition. George has lost to the rival #1 seed in every other competition. George goes on to win the long jump competition easily and is awarded the coveted long jump title trophy. While George’s track team, coaches, and school are thrilled to have their first-ever long jump title trophy to display prominently in the high school’s trophy case, George feels compelled to pass the award along to the courageous athlete fighting for his life in the hospital.

Discussion questions:

Should George give up his trophy to the other athlete or go ahead and placate his coach, school, and teammates?

Would the situation be different if the two teams weren’t involved in a heated rivalry?

What options does George have?

How would your coach respond to this act of sportsmanship and integrity? Your family and peers?

How important is winning? Awards and trophies?

What would you do?