EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF NATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATIONS IN DOPING PREVENTION AND COMPLIANCE CHALLENGES
Damaris Were Ogama - Department of Development Studies, School of Communication and Development Studies, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Doping in sport is a well-known phenomenon that has been studied by many researchers because the use of drugs to increase performance has long been a concern for sports organizations. In professional sports, pursuit of this high standing victorious over a defeated opponent consumes the world’s fiercest competitors. Professional sports are driven by the desire, the need, to win. The World Anti-Doping Agency was created in 1999 to fight the doping phenomenon through the coordination and worldwide harmonization at all levels by developing international sports policies written in the World Anti-Doping Code. Despite the creation of World Anti-Doping Agency code (WADC) to harmonise the fight against doping in sport, concerns exist regarding doping prevention at national level. Challenges exist in the diffusion and implementation of anti-doping education at national level through resistance, lack of commitment, inequalities between sports and confusion regarding the role of anti-doping agencies worldwide. There is therefore need to understand sport federations’ role and challenges in doping prevention at national level and reduce the risk of doping behaviour. This study therefore sought to evaluate the role of national federations in doping prevention and their various compliance challenges. This study adopted a descriptive survey design; Purposive sampling was used to determine respondents who were anti-doping champions, government officers, chairs or directors of sport federations since they were quite experienced in matters sports. The data was collected using questionnaires. Permission to carry out the research was obtained from the relevant authorities as required by law and the principles of research. Contact with respondents was established and a date and time of meeting agreed. Interviews were recorded with the agreement of interviewees and anonymity was guaranteed. The present study found that resources are the major constraint on implementation of anti-doping functions by the federations. To provide the needed additional funds and manpower most cost-effectively, a centralized body could be established to coordinate anti-doping functions, rather than providing funds to underwrite various federations’ individual efforts. The present study provides a starting point for the design of assistance as they initiate or strengthen anti-doping efforts to comply with the World Anti-Doping Code. Results are likely relevant, as well, in countries with similar anti-doping experience. They should thus be of use to international federations, national anti-doping organizations, and the World Anti-Doping Agency, in terms of directing effort and resources.
