Bench Players: Do Coaches Have a Moral Obligation to Play Benchwarmers?

Benchwarmers are athletes who rarely play in actual games or play only for short periods when the game outcome has been decided. Typically, these are the younger, less seasoned, and less skilled individuals. Coaches may have strategic reasons to use their entire bench, but these motives and decisions do not speak directly to moral duties or responsibilities. Clearly coaches have strategically sound reasons for playing reserves. Consequently, it is both ethical and smart for coaches to give meaningful playing time to all or most of their bench players. For purposes of this analysis, this chapter focuses on the ethical requirements for such a decision. The chapter argues that concerns over winning and excellence should be toned down in favor of better meeting the rights and interests of the players to get on the court or field.