Abstract

This content analysis study examined 17 sport-related journals, along with their over 4,200 manuscripts and found 122 (2.90%) manuscripts on doping and sport over the 15-year time period under examination. In the context of performance enhancing doping being “a threat to the integrity of sport” (Hemphill, 2009, p. 313), this level of research is disappointing. It is encouraging, however, that the level of research on the topic has been on the rise over the past eight years. The examination was guided by RQ-1 on sport management contributions and the current status of sport and doping was identified within the literature based on multi-dimensional aspects extending from the methodological approaches used, theories, level of analysis and key themes within the manuscripts. Additionally, the examination was guided by RQ-2 on what the literature contributes to guiding the future of sport and revealed recommended next steps and the research gaps. The findings concerning the reality of doping in sport are perplexing. There is a lack of knowledge concerning the level of doping within sport, an athletes’ doping quandary, inconsistencies in the application of the anti-doping campaign and multiple opinions on doping as a legal or illegal entity in sport, along with approaching genetic doping options. This study hopes to be a catalyst to encourage faculty and students to examine the past research, to advance conceptual and empirical research agendas on the topic, to host debates on the issues, to generate potential future directions and to establish a guided future for doping in sport. What limitations should there be in sport for the multiple doping options as we move forward?