Chapter 4
Committee's view
Ethics and athlete welfare
4.1
The committee recognises the importance
of ethics in sport and calls for a greater focus on ethics, particularly in
professional and elite sport where the 'win at all costs' attitude may be more
prevalent.
4.2
Similarly, the committee also recognises
that athlete wellbeing and health must be the first consideration in any
decision or recommendation made by coaches, high performance staff, sports
scientists, and medical personnel.
Undefined problem
4.3
Unfortunately, the evidence that the committee has received and the
commentary in the media about these issues, fail to clearly identify the nature
and extent of any problems related to the practice of sports science in
Australia.
4.4
It is well known that the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA)
and the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) are currently conducting wide-ranging
investigations into the alleged use of drugs in Australian sport.
4.5
The committee acknowledges that revelations from these investigations
have raised questions about the practice of sports science in Australia and we
understand there are concerns about the conduct of some institutions and
practitioners.
4.6
However, until these investigations are complete, it is impossible to
ascertain the nature and extent of any problems that exist within the practice
of sports science in Australia.
4.7
Until the ASADA and ACC investigations reveal the extent and nature of
any problems with the practice of sports science in Australia, the committee
contends that recommendations about regulation or mandatory registration of
sports scientists in Australia are premature.
Lack of definition
4.8
The committee heard there is currently no accepted definition of the
term 'sports scientist' or the activities in which a sports scientist is
expected to be involved. This lack of definition is a significant barrier for
policy-makers, as it is difficult to effectively regulate an undefined sector.
4.9
The committee contends that it is difficult to regulate an undefined
sector. Until the question of definition can be resolved, any recommendations
about regulation or accreditation would seem premature.
Conclusion
4.10
The committee supports moves to give greater emphasis to ethics and
athlete wellbeing in Australia sport. However, until an accepted definition for
sport science is developed, and ASADA and the ACC have finalised their investigations
into alleged drug use in Australian sport, detailed consideration of
introducing regulation or mandatory accreditation for sports scientists is
premature.
Recommendation 4
4.11
The committee recommends that detailed consideration by the
Australian Government of introducing new regulations for sports scientists in
Australia be delayed until such time as the Australian Sports Anti-Doping
Authority and/or the Australian Crime Commission have finalised their current
investigations into the alleged use of drugs in Australian sport.
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