MMS202 Managing High Performance Sport

  • Subject Code :  

    MMS202

  • Country :  

    AU

  • University :  

    Deakin University

Answers:-

Part A:

Complete All Questions

1. Physiological tests are an important tool used by sport science practitioners in high performance sport settings. Articulate two (2) potential applications of physiological testing in high performance sport and explain which sport science professionals might conduct and use the information obtained from physiological tests(Gabbett,  et al2018).

Physiological tests are carried out in order to obtain vital information, on the health status of individuals engaging in high performance sports such as athletes. These tests include: determining the maximal oxygen uptake of an individual, measuring heart rate, determining body temperature and taking anthropometric measurements such as weight and height (Koronios, et al 2019). Main applications of the physiological tests carried out include: predicting performance outcomes of individuals participating in high performance sports and determining focus areas during subsequent training sessions. For instance, if a physiological test is carried out among a performer in order to determine their maximal oxygen uptake and the results indicate a high vo2 max , the individual is likely to perform extremely well.

Prediction of the good performance based on the physiological test done will mainly be attributed to; sufficient oxygen stores which will be used for production of energy. On the other hand , anthropometric measurements such as weight could be monitored periodically and in case there is undesirable gain that could impact performance ; training sessions will major on weight reduction (Hüttermann, et al  2018).  Sport science professionals that might conduct and subsequently use information obtained from physiological tests include sport nutritionists. For example, they can take specific anthropometric measurements of performers and plan interventions if necessary based on findings.

2. Using two (2) specific sport examples, discuss how bio mechanicalknowledge and technology are used together to enhance sport performance outcomes for athletes.

In high performance sports bio mechanical knowledge and technology are used not only to enhance performance but also reduce high rates of injury that could occur. These sports include sprints whereby, achieving maximum running speed needed is enhanced by a higher force output. A higher force output is attained by extremely high ground reaction forces and short contact times (Montoya, et al 2019). Short contact times minimizes time wastage towards reaching the endpoint. Furthermore, anaerobic metabolism is limited through buildup of muscles in training sessions; which help in maximum storage of oxygen inhaled during high performance sports and positive outcomes.

Application of bio mechanical knowledge in javelin throwing also result in better outcomes. Normal technique of throwing the javelin that is applied by many athletes involves throwing over the shoulder using one hand after running for a specific duration. However, bio mechanical techniques that can enhance outcomes include: applying soapy water on the performers hands to reduce friction forces that slow down the rate at which the javelin slides through the hands (Kayser, et al 2017).

3. When hiring a sport science practitioner/professional in Australian sport, a set of standards exist to ensure that only qualified professionals are employed. Name these standards and explain how they should guide the decision of a national sport organizationor a high performance sport institute in the process of hiring a sport science practitioner/professional. Also reflect, more generally, on the importance of training and accreditation for sport science practitioners/professionals (Sushko, et al).

Sport science professionals are important as they provide their professional expertise to athletes and coaches, which helps in achieving general positive outcomes. They can have several roles such as: being a researcher who mainly focuses on unanswered aspects of sport science and working in fields that are not necessarily related to sport but also focus on general human fitness. However, not everyone can qualify to work as a sport science professional due to several standards; that are used by institutions such as sport organizations when selecting qualified candidates (Logue, et al 2018).

Generally, these standards include attainment of set education qualifications and accreditation requirements. Education requirements include acquisition of an undergraduate degree in fields such as: Exercise science, Physical education and Sport science. Furthermore, one should have experience in practicals such as carrying out physiological tests. Of utmost importance is to have previous experience working with coaches and athletes. The above requirements form the basis for accreditation as a sport science professional. However, maintenance of accreditation is only attained after: maintaining a valid first Aid and CPR certificate, having an appropriate professional insurance and adhering to set sport science professionals code of conduct (Maestroni, et al 2020). Selection and accreditation of trained sport science practitioners is vital because, it enhances positive outcomes from both the coaches and athletes. This is attributed to the fact that the professional advise given is based on scientific evidences and knowledge acquired.

4. Issues of athlete harassment and abuse are unfortunately common in high performance sport. Provide one (1) example of a reported case of athlete abuse in high performance sport and use this example to explain why athlete abuse in sport is of concern for managers. If you were appointed as a manager of a national sport organization, explain at least two (2) strategies you would use to prevent abuse of athletes in your sport(Rynne, et al 2017).

Athlete harassment and abuse are extremely common in many high performance sports and involve varying parties such as, coaches and participants or participants and fellow participants. These harrassments occur in several forms including physical such as kicking, emotional that could involve shouting at others and sexual abuse that in worse scenarios involves rape cases. An example of a reported case of athlete abuse is that of Rachael Denhollander a gymnast that reported of being sexually abused by Nassar (Wells, et al 2020). The assaults were mainly conducted during medical examinations and included in appropriate fondling of victims breasts based on the reports.

Athlete abuse is of concern for managers due to its devastating effects on the brand name of a given organization. For instance, from the case above of sexual accusations against Nassar the gyms rating was affected and several potential performers opted to enroll elsewhere.Strategies that I could employ as a manager to prevent athlete abuse include: clearly informing all parties that could be involved in any form of abuse of possible consequences such as withdrawal from the organization. Furthermore, legal action will be employed promptly on all individuals that have engaged in any form of abuse.

5. Using Basketball Victoria as an example, discuss two (2) ways in which a state sport organisation engage in high performance planning and management practices. Also, in your answer, highlight how such practices fit into national high performance sport planning for the sport of basketball.

Effective high performance planning and good managerial practices are vital for overall positive results. Organizations such as Basketball Victoria plan various aspects of the sport such as,arranging training schedules and also budget for funds needed to effectively carry out all scheduled activities (Petri, et al 2018). Training is done prior to scheduled competitions in order to enhance performance during participation. Budgeting is also key to avoid gaps that could affect certain aspects such as on time payment of all performers. Furthermore, the organization manager is tasked with the responsibility of overseeing that all aspects, such as training programs are carried out efficiently.

Proper training schedules and well planned budgets fit into national high performance sport planning mainly through; timely dissemination of national funds to effectively carry out training programs (Maughan, et al 2018). Furthermore, adequate national funds are provided to effectively support other aspects of the organization; as a result of the well planned budgets.Generally, proper planning at both the organization level and national level is directly related to positive outcomes from the participants.

6. Explain using actual examples of athletes (2 different examples will be adequate), factors that impacted the quality of their transition out of sport into retirement. For each example you have provided, also outline at least one (1) potential support services that could have been provided to better prepare these athletes for their transition into retirement.

Several factors can lead to the transition of potential athletes out of active engagement in high performance sports into retirement. The most obvious cause for the transition among many participants is age. Mostly, most high performance sports set a limit of thirty five years due to their demanding nature (Sherwin, et al 2017). However, other reasons could also lead to early retirement among well known high performance athletes such as; inability to consistently perform well as a result of injuries. These athletes include Luke Kuechly that had been a performer for eight years and retired at only twenty years while still energetic. The main factor that led to this poor transition into early retirement is his battle with injuries. Andrew Luck also retired at an early age of twenty nine after seven years of exemplary performance.  He stated that the retirement was attributed to, injuries that made him fatigued by the pain and endless rehabs (Hoekstra, et al 2019).

Transition into early  retirement after engaging in high performance sports as a profession is associated with several challenges. This include financial setbacks after the usual huge salaries and allowances come to an end. Support services that could be provided to athletes such as Luke Kuechly and Andrew Luck include: financial support from their previous organizations in order to prevent extreme setbacks that could result into adverse effects such as depression.

Part B:

7. Doping is a challenging issue to manage in high performance sport. Explain how doping is managed (1) globally and (2) in the Australian context, identifying relevant organizations, documents, and processes in place to control performance enhancing drugs use in sport. In your answer, also reflect on criticisms of the current approach to sport doping, using at least one (1) real world example.

High performance sports such as athletics require that performers are extremely physically fit and have  good mental statuses in order to out beat their competitors. Common doping techniques include use of drugs that enhance performance. These drugs include blood boosters which increase the performers blood ability to carry excess oxygen, above normal levels subsequently enhancing their performance. In addition, muscle builders are also used to enhance oxygen storage that is needed for energy production during sporting activities (Bartram, et al 2018). In extreme situations masking drugs are used by individuals engaging in high performance sports, as a preventive measure against detection of prohibited substances used.   

Other techniques that are also used to enhance performance include blood and gene doping. In blood doping the individuals red blood cells are increased through blood transfusion. Through this, the amount of oxygen carried is increased and hence a lot of energy is also generated that is used during sporting activities. Gene doping on the other hand, involves alteration of the body so that specific hormones and proteins operate differently in order to attain exemplary performance (Burke, et al 2019). On a global context doping among high performance sports  is managed by  agencies such as World Anti-Doping agencies. Management techniques include carrying out various physiological laboratory tests, to determine presence of any prohibited foreign substances before performers engage in sporting activities.

However, the technique above is faced with several criticisms not only from performers but also outsiders. These include, doubts on the accuracy of positive test results by participants who claim that they have not used any foreign substance.Furthermore, outsiders also claim that anti-doping tests are expensive and time consuming (Lelbach, et al 2020). According to them, major emphasis should be on how performance of individuals engaging in high sport performance could be enhanced and not trying to find out if they have used any foreign substances. However, managing doping among high performance sports participants is vital in order to attain fair competition.   

8. The position of a ‘high performance director’ has emerged in elite sport in recent times. Justify the need for such a position in national sport organizationsand professional sport teams. In your answer, also explain the functions performed by a high performance director and the implications for coaches, sport scientists and athletes of having in place the position of high performance director

Presence of a high performance director in sport organizations and professional sport teams is vital due to several reasons. These include, overseeing all aspects of the organization that contribute to its overall success. In addition, a high performance director applies all possible ways that can be used to attain international success (Foulds, et al 2019).Specific functions of the high performance director include: Planning and subsequent initiation of all team activities such as, training schedules that enhance performance in high sport activities. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of outcomes that are linked to the achievement of set goals, such as attaining a certain position in competitions. They are also tasked with setting relevant guidelines; that are followed in situations such as when providing assistance to performers. Lastly the high performance director is tasked with the responsibility of lobbying for funds from various agencies, which is essential for effective running of various activities.

In order to carry out the roles listed above effectively, it is important that high performance director works in collaboration with coaches, sport scientists and athletes. The main benefit attained by other professionals such as sport scientists when a high performance director is present, is the self motivation to do their best in order to attain goals set by the director (Pityn, et al 2019). In addition, all team players are well informed of their specific roles under the guidance of the high performance director.

9. Luke Pitch is the captain for the South East Soccer Club, which competes in a state soccer league. The team has played well throughout the season and is scheduled to play in the final on the coming weekend. Luke recently heard a rumour that the team's best player has been offered money to play poorly in the final. This rumour is from a reliable source and Luke is very concerned about its implications for the team and the Club more broadly. Using the ethical decision-making framework, discuss how Luke could approach the situation. In your answer:
 
1. Provide an overview of the ethical decision-making framework and its relevant stages.

Instances of best players being payed by well off agencies are quite common and this not only affects the team members but also other relevant stakeholders (Liu, et al 2018). The best strategy that Luke could approach and subsequently solve the above scenario is by applying the ethical decision-making framework steps. The first step would be to obtain facts that prove his best player had been paid, before taking any steps further on baseless rumour. Afterwards, Luke should identify all parties that could be affected by this act such as other team players and relevant stakeholders.

Apart from identifying parties affected, Luke should also find out possible consequences if no action is taken. These consequences could include loss of other team members when they find out that the best player was paid (Pereira, et al 2019). After completing the steps above, Luke should then proceed to the last step of identifying possible actions he should take against his best player. Actions that can be taken include suspending the player until the case is resolved.

2. Develop a proposed response that Luke could take to the situation, as guided by this framework.

The main response that Luke could take in a bid to amicably resolve this situation is the immediate suspension of the best player. This will provide him with ample time to carry out all necessary investigations and take necessary actions (Henriksen, et al 2020). Furthermore, it will alleviate any possibility of negative consequences on other team players such as wasted efforts. In addition, the brand name will be maintained and stakeholders will also maintain their support.

References

Gabbett, Tim J., et al. "Seven tips for developing and maintaining a high performance sports medicine team." (2018): 626-627.

Koronios, Konstantinos, et al. "Motivation and high performance sports events: an exploratory investigation of the motives underlying repeated participation." International Journal of Sport Management and Marketing 19.1-2 (2019): 35-55.

Hüttermann, Stephanie, Benjamin Noël, and Daniel Memmert. "Eye tracking in high-performance sports: Evaluation of its application in expert athletes." International Journal of Computer Science in Sport 17.2 (2018): 182-203.

Montoya, Fausto Zuleta, et al. "Ergonomic requirements in the design of high performance sports suits: BMX clothing." International Conference on Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics. Springer, Cham, 2019.

Kayser, Alexander U., et al. "Thermal management of a battery electric high performance sports car." 17. Internationales Stuttgarter Symposium. Springer Vieweg, Wiesbaden, 2017.

Logue, Danielle, et al. "Low energy availability in athletes: a review of prevalence, dietary patterns, physiological health, and sports performance." Sports Medicine 48.1 (2018): 73-96.

Maestroni, Luca, et al. "Strength and power training in rehabilitation: underpinning principles and practical strategies to return athletes to high performance." Sports Medicine 50.2 (2020): 239-252.

Rynne, Steven B., CLIFFORD J. Mallett, and Martin WO Rabjohns. "High performance coaching: demands and development." The psychology of sports coaching: Research and practice (2017): 114-126.

Wells, Kimberley R., et al. "The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and National Eating Disorders Collaboration (NEDC) position statement on disordered eating in high performance sport." British journal of sports medicine 54.21 (2020): 1247-1258.

Petri, Katharina, Nicole Bandow, and Kerstin Witte. "Using several types of virtual characters in sports-a literature survey." International Journal of Computer Science in Sport 17.1 (2018): 1-48.

Maughan, Ronald J., et al. "IOC consensus statement: dietary supplements and the high-performance athlete." International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism 28.2 (2018): 104-125.

Sherwin, Ian, Mark J. Campbell, and Tadhg Eoghan Macintyre. "Talent development of high performance coaches in team sports in Ireland." European journal of sport science 17.3 (2017): 271-278.

Hoekstra, Femke, et al. "National approaches to promote sports and physical activity in adults with disabilities: examples from the Netherlands and Canada." Disability and rehabilitation 41.10 (2019): 1217-1226.

Bartram, Jason C., et al. "Accuracy of W′ recovery kinetics in high performance cyclists—modeling intermittent work capacity." International journal of sports physiology and performance 13.6 (2018): 724-728.

Burke, Louise M. "Supplements for optimal sports performance." Current Opinion in Physiology 10 (2019): 156-165.

Lelbach, A., et al. "Post-sports career healthy ageing: The Janus-faced, high-performance sport." Developments in Health Sciences (2020).

Foulds, Steven J., et al. "The coach–athlete relationship in strength and conditioning: High performance athletes’ perceptions." Sports 7.12 (2019): 244.

Pityn, Marian, et al. "Paradigm of theoretical preparation in sports." (2019).

Liu, ZhongYi, et al. "Simultaneous determination of 13 kinds of food additives in sports drinks by high performance liquid chromatography." Journal of Food Safety and Quality 9.3 (2018): 506-511.

Pereira, Ana Monteiro, et al. "Virtual sports deserve real sports medical attention." BMJ open sport & exercise medicine 5.1 (2019): e000606.

Henriksen, Kristoffer, et al. "Consensus statement on improving the mental health of high performance athletes." International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology 18.5 (2020): 553-560.

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