Precipitating or prohibiting factor? Examining coaches' perspectives of their role in doping and anti-doping

Summary

Coaches are frequently cited as potentially precipitating or preventing athletes’ engagement in doping. However, little is known about coaches’ perspectives. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine coaches’ perceptions of their role and actions in athletes’ anti-doping behaviour. 

Methodology

Cross-sectional. Twenty-three coaches (M = 17, F = 6) working with high-performance athletes in Scotland participated in semi-structured interviews on topics related to doping and anti-doping. Thematic analysis, guided by Schön's role framework and reflective conversation concepts, was used to develop themes.

Results

•    The coaches’ role frame provides a strong foundation for Anti-Doping.
•    For many coaches Anti-Doping was an implicit rather than explicit part of a coaching and program philosophy.
•    Coaches recognized limits to their own influence and the potential for influence from outside the ‘coach-controlled environment’.
•    Anti-Doping was a relatively low priority for many coaches.
•    Some coaches felt they did not have sufficient knowledgeable to engage in Anti-Doping actions.
•    Those for whom Anti-Doping was a higher priority engaged in structured, planned, practical Anti-Doping activities.
•    Anti-Doping activities focused on control procedures and inadvertent use through medications.
•    Coach education was a relatively low priority, however, more information is desired in relation to supplements.

Significance for Clean Sport

Analysis led to the development of four internal role frame themes: clean sport value, approach to preparation and performance, responsibility to athletes and knowledge; and five boundary role frame themes: Scottish/British sporting culture, potential for benefit, prevalence of doping and testing, clarity of responsibilities and consequences, and beyond coaches’ control. 

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Precipitating or prohibiting factor: Coaches’ perceptions of their role and actions in anti-doping