Talent inclusion and genetic testing in sport: A practitioner’s guide

Abstract

Current scientific evidence does not support the implementation of genetic tests to enhance the processes of talent identification and development systems. Regardless of this consensus, it appears likely that sport stakeholders will continue using genetic tests. This paper aimed to provide practitioners with some best practice guidelines if implementing genetic testing within their organisations. First, we assess the growth and perceived flaws of direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies targeted towards sport. The sports genomic literature is then summarised to demonstrate the lack of established genetic associations with sporting phenotypes and the prevalent limitations that exist in this field of research. Following this, examples are presented suggesting some stakeholders in sport have already used genetic tests to screen for variants associated with performance phenotypes, while the potential appeal of genetic information to sport stakeholders is also discussed. The value of increased genetic literacy (i.e., enhanced education/understanding of genetic information) is then considered, as well as the promotion of talent inclusion (i.e., using genetic tests to include or retain athletes rather than for de-selection and exclusion purposes). To conclude, we offer practitioners several recommendations and best practice guidelines with regards to the implementation of genetic testing in sport.