About the Lehigh Valley Coalition on Sport Ethics

Our History

The history of the Lehigh Valley Coalition on Sport Ethics began at the Lutheran Church at the Holy Spirit in Emmaus.  Through surveys distributed to parents, coaches, athletes, referees, and administrators in the Lehigh Valley, questions about ethical issues in sports were raised.  From that Dr. Robert Strauss, M.D. coordinated an event in 2003 that recommended the formation of an organization in the Lehigh Valley that would bring attention to issues of sport ethics. 

In January 2004, Dr. Strauss and Bill Diehl, President of Forum for Ethics in the Workplace, established a Sport Ethics branch of the organization.  Doug Hochstetler (Assistant Professor of Kinesiology, Penn State University Berks-Lehigh Valley College) was elected President of the Board of Directors, and the Coalition was born. 

As interest grew through meetings and community outreach programs -- which included a guest presentation (Coach Harry Sheehy), a student athlete panel discussion, and a dinner with athletic directors and coaches in the local community -- the need to diversify within the organization led to the creation of a set of operational by-laws.  Approved in the Spring of 2006, the by-laws provided for a committee structure with specialized areas (Finance, Membership/PR, Programs, and Research). 

Following the lead of its parent organization (the Forum for Ethics in the Workplace), LVCOSE became a partner institute of the Salesian Center for Faith & Culture at DeSales University as of July 1, 2007.  This Salesian Center now provides administrative oversight to LVCOSE and staff resources for the management of its operations.  An advisory board of community leaders, academic scholars, and sport professionals guides the planning and programming that enables LVCOSE to fulfill its mission.

Our Vision

Our vision is to foster a positive environment and a healthy experience for youth sports in the Lehigh Valley.

Our Mission

Our mission is to serve the Lehigh Valley community by assisting youth and interscholastic athletes, their parents, coaches, administrators, and officials to promote a set of expectations, behaviors, and ethical standards that foster personal growth and character building through participation in sports.

Our OBJECTIVES

In order to achieve our mission, we will promote positive sporting experiences with the Lehigh Valley sport culture by        

• supporting research on current theories and experiences related to youth sports

• facilitating symposia on appropriate attitudes and/or behaviors in youth sports

• sponsoring public discussion about current issues in sport ethics

• stimulating public awareness through technology and the media

• providing materials to assist youth sports personnel

• acting as consultants to teams, schools, conferences, and associations

• cultivating positive relationships with youth and community organizations

• developing a prominent presence in the community

to see how we fulfill these objectives, visit our PROGRAMS pages