AIS sets national safeguards for physique considerations in high performance sport

The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) has released a new Physique Considerations Operational Framework to provide a consistent approach to how physique is considered and assessed in Australian high performance sport.

The Framework, which has been adapted from International Olympic Committee recommendations, gives practitioners guidance on when physique assessment is appropriate, how it should be undertaken, and the safeguards required before, during and after assessment.

“The high performance environment has an important role to play in setting the standard for how we approach physique related practices and promote a positive culture,” AIS National Performance Support Manager Nicole Townsend said.

"This Framework has been developed to provide a tool for athletes, practitioners, and organisations in elite sport to address physique related practices and promote a positive culture that prioritises athlete health and wellbeing while enabling respectful evidence-based performance conversations. The Framework provides guidance that can be operationalised into daily practice. It is designed to help athletes, coaches, and performance support practitioners engage in respectful, evidence-based, performance and health-focused discussions and practices around physique.”

The Framework sets out an eight-step process covering rationale, risk assessment, method selection, informed consent, data collection and interpretation, communication, data management and monitoring. It states that physique assessment should never be compulsory and should only be undertaken where there is a clear evidence based health or performance rationale.

It also recommends that performance plans do not include weight or physique targets. Where it may be relevant to performance, the focus should remain on the performance outcome rather than a specific weight or body shape or composition.

The Framework and supporting resources are available on the Australian Sports Commission website here: www.ausport.gov.au/ais/position_statements/physique-considerations