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The reputation of sports scientists is getting nothing less than a flogging amid the drugs scandal rocking the AFL.

This is despite the fact the Australian Crime Commission has reported that “the majority of high-performance staff, sports scientists, coaches and medical advisors adhere to anti-doping codes”.

To say it’s disappointing is an understatement. The integrity and practices of many legitimate and respected AFL sports

scientists are being questioned based on the alleged actions of a minority.

Legitimate sports scientists operate within the frameworks of ethical, evidence-based practice.

Put simply, evidence-based practice means that practical decisions are based on the most current and valid scientific research results. This applies to every aspect of a sports scientist’s role.

All research done in sports science is governed by one or

more ethics committees and is impartially reviewed, typically by international experts, before publication.

There is no question that the

role of a sports scientist is about trying to get an edge.

But sports scientists also have a strong duty of care to give sound and accurate advice.

They are well aware of the World Anti-Doping Agency codes and would not engage in anything that contravened them.

The Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority has a confidential, 24-hour hotline for athletes, coaches, sports scientists — or anyone for that matter — to check if a substance is banned.

Callers even get a reference number for their conversation. You don’t know what’s illegal

only if you choose not to know.Sports scientists play an

important role in the game. Broadly speaking, they bring an understanding of the demands of football and use that information to prepare players to meet and recover from those demands.

That makes it safer for players, teams get the most out of their stars and injured athletes can expect the best rehabilitation and return-to-play practices.

Sports scientists are an integral part of a team of medical professionals. The building of strong relationships, as well as frequent and regular communication among these

staff members, is critical to player welfare.

The vast bulk of AFL sports scientists are doing the right thing and are certainly as shocked as everyone else at the magnitude of the alleged actions of some so-called professionals working in the sport.

The investigations into player doping at the Essendon Football Club will unfold over the coming months.

But irrespective of the findings, sports science will continue to play an integral role in developing AFL athletes and managing their welfare — no doubt under the more watchful eyes of clubs and the AFL.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

By BRETT ANDERSON

Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell and St Kilda star Stephen Milne have both raised their concerns about supplement injections and the possibility of players having to sign consent forms of any description.

“I’d never seen it or heard of it (injections),” Maxwell told 1116SEN.

“The majority of our supplements (at Collingwood) are used for recovery”

“The only ones I have seen or taken have been orally.

“We have a training session, or before we do weights or coming back after a training session you are given a few supplements to take.

“A lot of the time you trust the people who are in a position that understand what these things do for you.”

Milne echoed Maxwell’s comments in an interview on 1116SEN last week.

“We get instructed and have seminars about this kind of stuff, but anything that is injected into your body, you are always worried about things like that,” Milne said.

“At no time (at St Kilda) have I had to sign something to put something in my body that I didn’t know.”

When asked whether he was always aware exactly which supplements he was taking, Maxwell admitted that it wasn’t always the case.

“I don’t at all times, to be honest!

“I know that I trust the people

who give it to me and I know that those guys are absolute experts in their field and I know that all they want is the best for me as a player, but also for me to perform for the football club.

“I think there is going to be a lot more players asking questions when they are given these things before and after performance.”

Former Essendon champion Tim Watson also revealed that he would be devastated should son Jobe be stripped of his 2012 Brownlow Medal amid the Bombers alleged doping saga.

“As a parent I’d be devastated for him,” he said.

“There isn’t much more that you can say other than you would be completely and utterly destroyed by it.”

In terms of the penalties that may apply should Essendon be found to be in breach, Watson said that it still hadn’t completely sunk in.

“The implications are extremely broad and extraordinarily powerful in terms of what may come out of this.”

There are things that I’m now getting my head around in terms of the possible penalties and the fact that ignorance is no plea as far as the WADA code or ASADA code goes in this country. – A shaken Tim Watson, on Morning Glory

Magpie skipper and Saint goalsneak have...

SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS!

MAXWELL: I don’t know at all times, to be honest.”MILNE: “You are always worried.”

RICHARDSON: Disappointed.

Majority of sports scientists never cross ethical boundariesSports science journalist DR JODI RICHARDSON mounts a spirited defence of her peers.