What is a typical purpose of sanctions in sport deviance?

• A. To deter rule violations and maintain fair play.
• B. To reward rule-breakers.
• C. To increase media attention.
• D. To change fans' opinions.

Answer: (A)

Sanctions in sport are designed to deter rule violations and uphold fair play. When governing bodies impose penalties—like fines, suspensions, or bans—they create a clear consequence for breaking rules, which makes players, teams, and officials think twice before cheating. This deters deviance by raising the perceived cost of cheating and helps preserve the integrity of the competition, safety, and trust in the sport.

Rewards for rule-breakers would undermine fairness, so that isn’t the aim. While sanctions can attract attention or influence perceptions in the short term, their primary purpose is not to increase media exposure or to change how fans feel, but to deter wrong conduct and maintain a level playing field.