Issue date
Support personnel are essential to creating a culture of clean sport that rejects the use of performance enhancing drugs and methods.
Coaches play a big role in any athlete's development. Photo: Sailing Energy / World Sailing
Few people will have greater influence on a sailor’s approach to training and competing than their support personnel. Your own attitude towards doping and following the rules is crucial in ensuring the sailor(s) you work with compete clean.
You may be asking, 'why the focus on anti-doping in the sport of yachting?'
There is a risk that sailors may inadvertently use banned stimulants and/or thermogenix to aid in performance on the water, whether it be for weight management or an artificial boost of energy. As many New Zealand sailors are competing around the world in regattas where they may be tested, it is crucial sailors and their support personnel are aware of the risks of taking supplements.
Sailors trust and rely on the expertise, guidance and advice of their support personnel in helping them to achieve their goals. With your help and vigilance, we can support athletes in their decision making and reduce the incidence of both deliberate and inadvertent doping.
As a support person, you will be there when sailors experience vulnerable periods when they may be tempted to dope,move to the next level of competition, are training for a major regatta or when they are recovering from injury.
How you assist your athlete develop the attitude, strength and resilience to cope with the pressure that comes with high performance sport will influence the ability to reject performance enhancing drugs and methods.
This is especially important for sports medics and nutritionists, who need to be confident in their practice and advice to athletes at all times.
To complete the clean sport ‘coaches e-learning programme’ online, please click here.
