Consequences of PEDs

Question 1

Consequences on the performer (5 thing)

Answer 1

1. Improved performance: therefore increases the chance of winning and gives an unfair advantage
2. Physiological health: Health problems, addiction and lowered life expectancy / death (from liver disorders, heart problems)
3. Psychological health: mental health issues (mood swings, behaviour problems, increased aggression)
4. Punishment: law breaking of legal system and / or sport, and consequently athlete may be banned, fined, lose medal / title
5. Reputation: ruined career

Question 2

Consequences on the sport (5 things)

Answer 2

1. Values: challenges the concept of fair play in sport
2. Sponsors: loss of sponsors for ‘tainted’ sport because of the bad image
3. Lowered participation: because of the negative image surrounding the sport, people choose not to participate / not let their children participate
4. Lowered public support: because of the negative image surrounding the sport, people choose not to spectate and put their money into the sport
5. False records/ results: because the drugs give and unfair advantage to a performer and are not always caught

Question 3

Consequences on the society (5 things)

Answer 3

1. Negative role models: negative effect on society, particularly the value of healthy lifestyles
2. Reflection on society: show society as ‘win at all costs’ or that sport is a reflection of a corrupt society with unethical citizens
3. Implements ban: society may have to make rules to ban all athletes using drugs
4. Legalise / accept drugs: or society may possibly accept their athletes as drug takers and make it legal
5. Drug testing: enable more effective drug testing processes to be developed in response to new drugs being created

Question 4

What’s the difference between legal supplements and illegal drugs and doping in sport?

Answer 4

Legal supplements do not significantly enhance performance or affect the performer health and well being

Question 5

Advantages of legal supplements (5 things)

Answer 5

1. Can enhance health and sporting performance
2. Can help with recovery to allow a higher training load
3. Can help re-hydrate (sodium)
4. Can help build muscle (protein)
5. Can assist weight loss

Question 6

Disadvantages of legal supplements (4 things)

Answer 6

1. Can present risk to performer, could be banned
2. May not always do what they say they would (unexpected reactions)
3. Potential long term health implications (creatine)
4. High sugar contents (obesity and tooth decay)

Question 7

Why do performers use drugs? (5 things)

Answer 7

1. High pressure from coaches, friends, family, fans, other performers and themselves
2. Coaches influence us huge because the coaches are also under pressure to produce results
3. Political pressures from governments
4. Money: prize money, sponsorships and status
5. Everyone else is doing it