Trust Processes in Sport in the Context of Doping

Trust is a relatively rare explored research field in sport. This is surprising, because different trust constellations can be expected in sport. Besides, constructs intrinsic to sport, like self-efficacy, social resources or group cohesion, might at least be correlated with trust. Doping seems to place the trustworthiness of sport itself at serious risk. The doping problem is a constant part of elite-sports, which displays a new dynamic due to increased digital media use. The Olympic sports federations and anti-doping agencies are responsible for the fight against doping. The aims of doping prevention are to encourage a clean environment and to control athlete’s behaviour. Sport in general is attacked by the public on two grounds: that that sport is neither able nor willing to fight doping successfully. Using the model of trust proposed by Mayer et al. (The Academy of Management Review, 20:709–734, 1995), we aim to adapt the construct of trustworthiness in terms of the different trust relationships in elite-sports by referring to current circumstances in sports, including the use of digital media. The possibilities of transferring this trust model are discussed. Therefore, as well the antecedents of trust as the risk factors for athletes, sports federations and spectators are to be reflected. Furthermore, the importance of the trustworthiness of the different protagonists in sport for the success of the fight against doping will be discussed. A special focus is on the changes of communication between athletes, spectators, federations and anti-doping agencies because of the effects of the digitization and forthcoming mediatisation of communication methods.