Law School program tackles sports issues

In the fall of 2007, former UO Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny and his wife, Stephanie, provided the funds to set in motion a new program at the UO School of Law’s Appropriate Dispute Resolution Center to promote sports as a healthy alternative to conflict and as a vehicle for teaching dispute resolution skills.

The program, Competition not Conflict, is an interdisciplinary project that seeks to reduce destructive conflict in sports and to promote the positive aspects of competition through the joining of athletics and academics. “If we work together, the combination of both groups is powerful,” said Kilkenny.

CnC is working to build a network of educators, athletes, coaches, referees, corporate leaders and public officials dedicated to promoting positive approaches to dealing with conflicts in sports.

Projects include partnering with professionals involved in youth sports, offering undergraduate and graduate courses, delivering conflict resolution workshops, hosting symposia, sponsoring research and providing service opportunities for students.

According to CnC Director Tori Klein, one goal is to prepare athletes and others to manifest their potential on the field as players, participants, and coaches, as well as off the field, as students and society members.

Prior to the Civil War football game that stamped the Ducks ticket to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl, CnC teamed up with the presidents of the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, as well as with UO Athletic Director Mike Bellotti, to prepare a positive message for fans. The video was part of a series created by the CnC project to promote positive and passionate competition and to reduce incidents of inappropriate fan behavior.