Exercise in bushfire smoke for high performance athletes: A Position Statement from the Australian Institute of SportEndorsed by Australasian College of Sport and Exercise Physicians (ACSEP) and Sport Medicine Australia (SMA).

OBJECTIVES: The frequency of bushfires in Australia is increasing and it is expected bushfire smoke will become a more prevalent phenomenon impacting air quality. The objective of this position statement is to provide guidance to the sport sector regarding exercise in air affected by bushfire smoke. DESIGN: This is position statement from the Australian Institute of Sport, based on a narrative review of the literature regarding bushfire smoke and its effects on health and exercise performance. METHODS: A narrative review of scientific publications regarding the effects of bushfire smoke on health and exercise performance. RESULTS: Bushfire smoke has negative impacts on health and performance. Athletes exercising at high intensity over a prolonged duration will increase their exposure to air pollutants. Athletes with a history of elevated airway responsiveness are likely to be at increased risk of an adverse response to bushfire smoke exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Athletes, coaches, support staff and sport organisations should monitor air quality (PM2.5 concentration) and make appropriate adjustments to training duration and intensity.

A deep dive into testing and management of COVID-19 for Australian high performance and professional sport.

The purpose of testing for any communicable disease is to support clinicians in the diagnosis and management of individual patients and to describe transmission dynamics. The novel coronavirus is formally named SARS-CoV-2 and the clinical disease state resulting from an infection is known as COVID-19. Control of the COVID-19 pandemic requires clinicians, epidemiologists, and public health officials to utilise the most comprehensive, accurate and timely information available to manage the rapidly evolving COVID-19 environment. High performance sport is a unique context that may look towards comprehensive testing as a means of risk mitigation. Characteristics of the common testing options are discussed including the circumstances where additional testing may be of benefit and considerations for the associated risks. Finally, a review of the available technology that could be considered for use by medical staff at the point of care (PoC) in a high-performance sporting context is included.

The Australian Institute of Sport framework for rebooting sport in a COVID-19 environment.

Sport makes an important contribution to the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of Australians. The economic contribution of sport is equivalent to 2-3% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating effects on communities globally, leading to significant restrictions on all sectors of society, including sport. Resumption of sport can significantly contribute to the re-establishment of normality in Australian society. The Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), in consultation with sport partners (National Institute Network (NIN) Directors, NIN Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), National Sporting Organisation (NSO) Presidents, NSO Performance Directors and NSO CMOs), has developed a framework to inform the resumption of sport. National Principles for Resumption of Sport were used as a guide in the development of 'the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport in a COVID-19 Environment' (the AIS Framework); and based on current best evidence, and guidelines from the Australian Federal Government, extrapolated into the sporting context by specialists in sport and exercise medicine, infectious diseases and public health. The principles outlined in this document apply to high performance/professional, community and individual passive (non-contact) sport. The AIS Framework is a timely tool of minimum baseline of standards, for 'how' reintroduction of sport activity will occur in a cautious and methodical manner, based on the best available evidence to optimise athlete and community safety. Decisions regarding the timing of resumption (the 'when') of sporting activity must be made in close consultation with Federal, State/Territory and/or Local Public Health Authorities. The priority at all times must be to preserve public health, minimising the risk of community transmission.