Perceptions of legitimacy, attitudes and buy-in among athlete groups: a cross-national qualitative investigation providing practical solutions

Abstract

First paragraph: In order to achieve its stated purpose, anti-doping relies on athlete buy-in to its overall goals and methods and their compliance with anti-doping policies. Previous research on athlete behavior focused on ways to induce athletes into compliance. However, the authors of the Sport Drug Control Model hypothesized that athletes views of anti-doping and their resultant behaviors resulted from their first hand experiences with anti-doping (Donovan et al, 2002). These and similar findings supported the hypothesis that the greater the levels of perceived legitimacy of antidoping organizations among athletes, the greater the likelihood athletes would comply with anti-doping policies. A better understanding of which experiences at the policy, agency, and individual levels are viewed positively or negatively can provide a path for improving perceptions of legitimacy among athletes. The purpose of this study is to investigate perceived legitimacy, athletes' attitudes, and buy-in towards anti-doping policies in a selection of national contexts and sports. The overall objective is to provide clear, practical guidance as to how to improve the athlete experience to increase levels of perceived legitimacy of anti-doping organizations and regulations among athletes.