Chapter 9
Concluding remarks
9.1
The Australian Crime Commission's (ACC) February 2013 report, Organised
Crime and Drugs in Sport, and the announcement of a formal investigation
into doping in sport by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA),
drew public attention to the practice of sports science in Australia. The
committee has been careful not to not pre-empt ASADA's findings.
9.2
The committee reiterates its thanks to the organisations and individuals
that contributed to this inquiry. It is heartened by the positive steps that
have already been taken to eliminate the risk posed by 'rogue individuals', to
promote the health and welfare of athletes, and to protect the reputation of
the profession. The committee does acknowledge that sports science has, by and
large, been a force for good in Australian sport.
9.3
In the course of this inquiry, the committee has taken evidence and
considered all the terms of reference. The committee focused on term of
reference (c) relating to the duty of care of sports scientists to athletes,
and the ethical obligations of sports scientists in relation to protecting and
promoting the spirit of sport. All committee members support the recommendations
in chapter 3 of this report for the government develop a statement of sports
ethics, and that sports ethics be taught to students at tertiary level and
athletes within sporting organisations.
9.4
As chapter 4 of this report notes, the committee argues that any
recommendations about regulation or accreditation made before the ACC and ASADA
release their findings are premature. Senator Richard Di Natale, on the other
hand, contends that action is needed now.
Summary of additional comments
9.5
The additional comments from Senator Di Natale are predicated on an
understanding that there are significant gaps in the oversight of sports
scientists. While the full extent of misconduct may not be known, it is clear
that sports scientists are neither accredited nor regulated and, therefore,
their duty of care and their professional responsibilities are neither defined
nor enforced. Accordingly, the Senator recommends in this report that:
- the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and
Sport should conduct a feasibility study into Exercise & Sports Science
Australia's (ESSA) ability to administer a national system of sports science
accreditation that is backed by employers and capable of achieving widespread
uptake;
- relevant disciplines of the sports science profession be
considered for inclusion in the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme,
administered by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency;
- an independent advisory group be established to provide
information on substances and practices impacting on athlete health and welfare;
- governance and best practice principles released by the
Australian Sports Commission be adopted by national sporting organisations;
- national sporting organisations limit the permitted use of
supplements to those classified by the Australian Institute of Sport's Sports
Supplement Program as having proven efficacy, and introduce publicly
available registers of their use.
9.6
Senator Di Natale argues that if these recommendations are adopted and
implemented, the reputation of sports science and its utility to athletes and
the community will be enhanced.
Senator the Hon. Bill
Heffernan
Chair |
Senator Glenn Sterle
Deputy
Chair |
|
|
Senator Richard Di
Natale
Senator for Victoria |
|
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