Ethical standards and professional dilemmas in sport science

This presentation explores the degree to which sport scientists, even those maintaining the highest level of professionalism, may engage in research that is unethical. Drawing on examples from sport biomechanics and exercise physiology the frameworks for both high levels of professionalism and sound ethical behaviour are developed. The tension between undertaking ethically sound research and personal career advancement is explored, and sport scientists are challenged to study ethically sound problems while maintaining the highest levels of professionalism. In particular sport scientists are challenged to undertake research that will narrow the gap between developed and developing countries in all areas of sport science and physical education.