Anti-doping education as a factor in developing awareness among athletes and coaches in international and ukrainian dimensions

Abstract

Topicality. The problem of doping in sport is considered a complex phenomenon encompassing medical, legal, social, and educational dimensions and requires a reorientation of anti-doping policy toward prevention through increasing the level of awareness among athletes and coaches. The purpose of the study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the problem of awareness among athletes and coaches in the field of anti-doping regulation and to substantiate the role of anti-doping education in international and Ukrainian dimensions with the identification of prospects for its improvement, particularly through the use of the ADEL WADA platform as a key educational tool. Research material and methods. The study employed methods of theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific sources and regulatory documents, a historical method to examine the evolution of the anti-doping system, comparative analysis of international educational strategies, analysis of secondary empirical data on the level of awareness among athletes and coaches, and a system-structural approach to assess the functional capabilities of the ADEL educational platform. Research results. It was, established that the modern anti-doping system is characterized by a transition to an education-oriented model, institutionally reinforced by the implementation of the International Standard for Education. A significant proportion of anti-doping rule violations is associated with insufficient knowledge among athletes and coaches, particularly regarding prohibited substances, risks related to the use of dietary supplements, and doping control procedures. It was found that primary knowledge is often formed through informal sources, with the coach playing a leading role, which determines their key importance in shaping anti-doping culture. The functional capabilities of the ADEL platform were analyzed as a tool for standardization, personalization, and monitoring of educational processes, and its limitations related to insufficient knowledge acquisition in exclusively online formats were identified. The study of the state of anti-doping education in Ukraine revealed positive development dynamics, including the expansion of educational programs and the use of digital resources; however, structural challenges persist, such as insufficient systematization, unequal access to education, limited integration into coach training, and the absence of systematic monitoring of effectiveness. Additional constraints are associated with the difficulties in implementing educational initiatives under wartime conditions. Conclusions. The results confirm that anti-doping education is a key factor in developing awareness among athletes and coaches and an effective tool for preventing anti-doping rule violations. Further development is required in the direction of continuity, integration into the system of sports training, combination of digital and traditional educational formats, and implementation of mechanisms for evaluating effectiveness.