Developing policy for HIV/AIDS in sport: separating fact from fiction
Volkwein, K.A.E.; Sankaran, G.; Bonsall, D.R.
Quest (National Association for Physical Education in Higher Education) 51(3): 258-271
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0033-6297 DOI: 10.1080/00336297.1999.10491685Document Number: 265678
In recent years, HIV-positive athletes have increasingly made the headlines, leading to questions and concerns regarding HIV transmission through sport. Based on limited understanding and irrational fear, athletes have been excluded from sport competitions or encouraged to retire prematurely. In other cases, they have been subjected to random, mandatory HIV testing prior to sport competition. Because HIV/AIDS is a medical and social problem, information from health-related sources is included in this analysis, including the modes of HIV transmission. This analysis focuses on further issues related to rights, obligations, risks, privacy, and policy. The growing dilemma for the sport professionals to weigh an athlete's right to privacy against their own duty to warn in the decision-making process is examined, with a discussion on mandatory HIV testing for athletes. Guidelines based on principles of medical ethics are offered to aid sport practitioners in providing all athletes with the best possible service.