Overview
Naomi is the star player on her soccer team heading into the championship. She has a sprained ankle that could get worse if she plays. Her team depends on her, but playing injured might cause long-term damage.
The Choice
Should Naomi play injured in the championship or sit out?
Quick Stats
- Grade Band
- Grades 6-8
- Reading Level
- Level 8.703683412985196
- Word Count
- 373 words
- Published
- Mar 23, 2026
The Dilemma
Naomi's soccer team has worked all season to reach the championship game. She is the team's leading scorer and playmaker. During the last practice, she badly sprained her ankle. The doctor says she can play if she wants to, but warns that pushing it could turn a minor sprain into a serious injury that keeps her out for months. Her teammates are counting on her. The backup player is less experienced, and without Naomi, the team's chances drop significantly. Naomi's parents want her to sit out, but her coach leaves the decision to her. Naomi loves her team and does not want to let them down, but she also has a summer soccer camp scholarship she could lose if her ankle gets worse.
Values in Tension
This dilemma explores the tension between two important values:
Consider how these values might conflict or complement each other in this situation.
Your Options
Play through the pain to help her team win the championship.
Sit out to protect her health, even though the team might lose.
Questions for Reflection
Take a moment to consider these questions. There are no "right" answers – the goal is to explore different perspectives and develop your own reasoning.
- 1
Who is affected by Naomi's decision, and how?
- 2
Is short-term team happiness worth risking Naomi's long-term health?
- 3
What would a utilitarian say about sacrificing one person's well-being for a group's goal?
- 4
Does the team have a responsibility to support Naomi's decision either way?
- 5
If you were Naomi's teammate, what would you want her to do?
Did you like this dilemma?
Philosophical Perspective
Insights from John Stuart Mill
Take a moment to form your own thoughts first, then click to explore philosophical perspectives.