Doping in Sports: Athletes’ and Coaches’ Views

Abstract

Aim: This research aims to determine athletes' and coaches' views on the use and effects of doping and to make suggestions for the prevention of doping. Material and Methods: The research group consisted of athletes and coaches with various branches selected by purposeful sampling technique. Twelve males participated in the study (8 athletes and 4 coaches). The age of the participants was between 22 and 40 years and graduated. In order to ensure the validity and reliability of the data, the opinions of three experts working in the field of sports sciences were consulted. The data were first described systematically and explicitly, and then codes, and then the themes were determined by interpreting these descriptions. Results: Participants showed three main reasons for using doping: "to provide rapid muscle development", "to increase sport performance" and "to have a better physical appearance". Participants indicated that they are knowledgeable about doping damages but it is very difficult to prevent it from being used. However, as long as the opponents continue to use doping, they have stated that they will continue to use them as well. Participants who stated that they obtained doping materials mostly through "coaches", "pharmacies" and "intermediaries from abroad" stated that it would be possible to prevent the use of these substances only with the increase of the control and punishment across the country. Conclusion: According to the results of the research, it has been observed that the athletes who use doping do not have sufficient knowledge about the ingredients or effects of the substances. Also, participants in the study indicated that legal regulations and inspections about the prevention of doping use were inadequate.