UV and Outdoor Sports: The Importance of Coaches in Educating Athletes
Source: Dermatology Times, December 2024
Despite the risks of sun exposure, a study found only a fraction of coaches receive adequate UV-related guidance from their associations or clubs.
The incidence of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma, has been rising globally.1 This trend is compounded by the increasing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a significant health risk exacerbated by climate change.2 Outdoor sports enthusiasts are considered high-risk individuals due to prolonged exposure to UV radiation. Coaches play a crucial role in educating athletes about sun safety, yet their understanding of UV-related health risks remains underexplored. With this in mind, a recent study examined the UV-specific skin cancer knowledge of outdoor sports coaches across Germany, identifying sport-, coach-, and club-specific factors that influence their awareness and understanding of UV risks and prevention.3
“Serious knowledge deficiencies are evident among German outdoor sports coaches,” researchers wrote. “The study results emphasize the necessity for enhanced coach education and the implementation of evaluated concepts for climate adaptation in sports.”