Introducing SPARK: A pilot study of a sport-specific, pragmatic, and athlete-centred values-based anti-doping education workshop

Abstract

The provision of values-based education (VbE) for elite athletes, as required by WADA's International Standard for Education, presents challenges which are related to the developmental stage of learners, delivery methods, content design, and resource availability. To address these challenges, we developed and piloted SPARK, a 90-minute, evidence-based, in-person workshop for elite athletes. SPARK combines value-education and values-based education to enhance athletes' awareness of personal values, sensemaking, and decision-making autonomy, complementing anti-doping education. This pilot study included two international groups of young elite biathletes (54 in 2023 and 51 in 2024). Standardized evaluations were conducted pre- and post-intervention (n = 19 and n = 10, respectively), with feedback collected from 48 athletes. Paired pre- and post-workshop assessments demonstrated effect sizes ranging from small (i.e., noticeable) to medium (i.e., practically meaningful) in self-awareness of value priorities (d=0.37, p=0.06), efficacy in processing and managing personal and societal values (d=0.39, p=0.04), handling value conflicts (d=0.37, p=0.06), and using personal values to guide decision-making about sport and performance enhancement (d=0.42, p=0.03). Results suggest SPARK is feasible, effective, and well-received by athletes.