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Question 25 — Sports Medicine (20 marks) (a) Outline the barriers to the use of protective equipment in sport - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 25 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 25
Question 25 — Sports Medicine (20 marks) (a) Outline the barriers to the use of protective equipment in sport. (b) Critically analyse the ethical issues raised by ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Question 25 — Sports Medicine (20 marks) (a) Outline the barriers to the use of protective equipment in sport - HSC - SSCE Personal Development and Physical Education - Question 25 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
Outline the barriers to the use of protective equipment in sport.
Answer
There are several barriers that limit the use of protective equipment in sports:
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Cost: Many athletes might find protective equipment too expensive, which can discourage its use, especially in lower-income sports or for amateur participants.
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Comfort and Fit: Some equipment may not fit well or may be uncomfortable to wear, leading athletes to forgo its use during practice or competition.
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Restricting Movement: Protective gear can hinder an athlete's movement, which may affect their performance or mindset.
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Peer Pressure: Athletes may feel pressure from teammates or competitors to not wear protective gear due to concerns about appearing less tough or skilled.
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Lack of Awareness: In some cases, athletes or coaches might not be fully aware of the benefits of wearing protective equipment, leading to its underutilization.
Step 2
Critically analyse the ethical issues raised by the increased use of sports medicine for injury management.
Answer
The increased use of sports medicine for injury management raises several ethical issues:
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Informed Consent: Athletes must give informed consent for treatments, which requires them to understand potential risks and benefits. This can be complicated by the influence of coaches or team medical staff.
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Balancing Health and Performance: There's an ethical dilemma in prioritizing an athlete's health vs. performance. Medical professionals must navigate these pressures and advocate for the athlete's long-term health.
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Use of Advanced Medical Practices: With the advancement of sports medicine, ethical questions arise about the use of cutting-edge treatments, such as regenerative medicine, and whether they may provide an unfair advantage.
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Confidentiality Issues: Athletes' medical information should remain confidential, yet in competitive environments, there may be pressures to disclose such information, potentially jeopardizing their privacy.
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Equity of Access: Not all athletes have equal access to sports medical professionals and resources, raising ethical concerns regarding fairness in sports.
In conclusion, while the advantages of sports medicine are notable, it is vital to address these ethical considerations to ensure athlete welfare and equitable treatment.