Lead author:
Darren Delaney, Southeast Technological University, Waterford, Ireland
Co-authors:
Amy McGuire, ACTIVE Research Group, Technological University of the Shannon
Giles Warrington, Sport & Human Performance Research Centre, University of Limerick
Lorna Doyle, Department of Sport & Exercise, Southeast Technological University, Waterford
Since the introduction of Relative Energy Deficiency in sport (REDs) in 2014, research has primarily focused on athletes’ experiences of REDs symptomology and consequences. This inhibits gaining a holistic understanding of REDs beyond the athlete experience, as coaching and support staff are tasked with an overarching goal of optimising athlete health and performance. This optimisation is delivered to athletes through coaching practices and advice, which can be intentionally preventative or unintentionally contributory to the development of REDs. However, despite the variance and frequency of coach-athlete engagement, research combining athletes with coaching and support staff investigating their respective perspectives of REDs is limited. The aim of this study is to assess the alignment between athletes’ expectations of coaching and support staff’s role within REDs, and staff members’ perceptions of athletes’ REDs experience.
