PARENTS AND COACHES OF YOUNG ATHLETES SURVEY ON ANTI-DOPING MEASURES FOR DEVELOPING ANTI-DOPING EDUCATION STRATEGIES

The World Anti-Doping Agency emphasizes the role of parents and coaches in the anti-doping education of young athletes. Few reports include parents in anti-doping education discussions. This study assessed the current level of anti-doping awareness among parents and coaches of young table tennis athletes and explored future directions for anti-doping education. A survey was conducted among the parents and athlete coaches of students participating in the AY2023 All Japan Junior High School Table Tennis Invitational Championship. The questionnaire included items related to anti-doping awareness, education, and preferred consultation sources. Twenty-two valid responses were obtained. Among the respondents, 68.2% were unaware that cold medicine could be considered doping, and 72.7% had never paid attention to doping issues in sports. In contrast, 90.9% acknowledged that the role of parents and coaches in anti-doping education is “important” or “somewhat important.” Physicians (59.1%) and pharmacists (45.5%) were the preferred anti-doping educators (participants gave multiple responses). Additionally, 45.5% of the respondents prefer hospitals, pharmacies, or drugstores as consultation sources. Our findings suggest that while parents and coaches of young athletes recognize the importance of anti-doping education, their knowledge and awareness are inadequate. Furthermore, healthcare professionals are expected to play a key role in anti-doping education and consultation services. Developing an antidoping education program tailored to parents and coaches and strengthening collaboration with healthcare professionals to improve support systems are essential.