Statement: ESSA calls for clean-up of Australian sport
February 12, 2013
Professor David Bishop, a board member of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) and Research Leader, Sport at Victoria University, issued the following statement:
ESSA welcomes the current spotlight on the use of illicit drugs in professional sport, as it reinforces our ongoing concerns regarding the lack of regulation in this area. We now call on relevant governing bodies to ‘clean up’ sport in Australia and implement enforceable, professional standards of conduct.
The ongoing media attention around alleged “sports scientists” highlights the need for compulsory accreditation standards for sports scientists involved in professional sport. We continue to question how individuals with such significant responsibility for the health and well being of professional sports people can operate in an environment that does not demand professional accreditation as a means of verifying their veracity.
As investigations proceed, there is the very real possibility that all sports, Australia-wide, should require that only ESSA-accredited sports scientists be employed. As a credible, external arbiter, ESSA is uniquely positioned to provide this accreditation. Our independent status provides better protection to sporting organisations from future allegations of misconduct than individual self-regulation does, and may also help alleviate concerns of cover-ups and inconsistent standards. We hold those in our profession accountable for their actions in their quest to gain competitive advantage, which is essential for the sake of player safety.
ESSA accreditation requires sports scientists to meet rigorous education and training standards, and to abide by high levels of professional conduct and ethics. As Australia’s peak body for sports scientists and exercise physiologists, our organisation provides potential employers with confidence in an individual’s qualifications and experience and the knowledge that a severe breach in the code of conduct would result in de-registration. Our existing structure already services a membership of over 3,500, and our stringent code of conduct allows us to offer consistent accreditation across all sports.
We therefore urge the Minister for Sport to take this opportunity to meet with ourselves and the CEOs of the professional sporting codes to discuss compulsory accreditation of sports scientists. This will enable us to work closely with organisations such as the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and the Australian Crime Commission in regard to any members found to be involved in illicit activity.
The time has come for the sporting codes to stand united with ESSA in their quest to ‘clean up’ Australian sport.
For more information about ESSA please visit www.essa.org.au.
Ends.
ABOUT ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. It supports its over 3,500 members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au
Official Media Spokesperson for this release:
Professor David Bishop BHMS Ed Hons PhD (QLD)
Board Member
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
and
Research Leader, Sport, Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living Victoria University, Melbourne
david.bishop@essa.org.au
P: 03 9919 9471
M: 0435 962 364
Dr Ian Gillam BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD, Dip PE, AEP, ASP, ESSAF
Industry Development Officer
Exercise & Sports Science Australia
ian.gillam@essa.org.au
P: 03 98856033
M: 0413050839
For further media information, please contact Maya from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0410 109 102 or email maya@freshprm.com.au.
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