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An introduction is presented regarding the importance of sports research inorder to bring technological innovation to the sports industry.

Doping research has predominantly been framed through an ethical lens, implicitly restricted to the realms of elite sport. Despite increasing anecdotal evidence of growing prevalence rates amongst recreational athletes, such as bodybuilders, these populations have largely been neglected within psychological research. This study aims to develop a theoretical framework relevant to these athletes. Data were collected over a five-month period from an online community forum dedicated to recreational bodybuilders. Purposive sampling was used to gather 118 webpages of doping-related discussion, which were qualitatively analysed using grounded theory applying Strauss’s coding paradigm. Inductive categories were integrated into a motivational framework that related recreational doping to social validation. Categories included the online community’srite of passage, normative-inferences that facilitated doping, and deterrence factors related to fear of perceived health risks. Findings demonstrate that, for recreational bodybuilders, psychosocial processes are significantly related to doping motives, and that health factors are primary doping deterrents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It is widely assumed that coaches have an effect on athletes’ doping behaviours; however, the means by which this influence can be manifested are only superficially understood. The present study seeks to understand how coaches see their role in directly and indirectly influencing the doping attitudes and behaviours of athletes. Fourteen elite-level coaches participated in focus group discussions. Coaches displayed a low level of knowledge of banned methods and practices. While it was acknowledged that doping was prevalent in sport, coaches believed that doping was not a problem in their own sport, since doping does not aid in the development or implementation of sporting ‘skills’. While the findings suggest that coaches support the revised WADA Code, with increased sanctions for coaches, the findings also highlight how coaches may indirectly and inadvertently condone doping. This may be through inaction or the apparent endorsement of pro-doping expectancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth sport is heavily dependent on volunteers to ensure successful delivery of sport programmes. This paper qualitatively investigated motivations and commitments of volunteers at various stages in their careers. Data were gathered through focus group interviews with 34 participants representing five sports and analysed using theAnalysis Method Framework. Probes included volunteers' motivations for volunteering, views of commitment, views on commitment targets, and views on clashes between different types of volunteers. Statements were classified on two key dimensions: commitment to organisational targets, and status as core or casual volunteers. This classification resulted in the creation of a typology describing four types of volunteeers (‘Mums and dads’, ‘Specialists’, ‘Über-volunteers task-oriented’, and ‘Über-volunteers team-oriented’). Future research should focus on the application of the volunteer typology for further understanding of how commitment influences volunteer behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]