Men’s Health and Wellbeing
Men’s health and wellbeing is an important part of athlete development, performance and long-term participation in sport. Male athletes can experience health considerations related to growth and development, training load, injury prevention, nutrition, recovery, mental health and general wellbeing.
This page provides general information to help athletes, parents and coaches support safe, healthy and positive participation in athletics.
Sport Integrity Australia — Clean Sport and Athlete Wellbeing
Sport Integrity Australia, formerly ASADA, provides trusted information for athletes, coaches and clubs on clean sport, anti-doping rules, supplement risks, illicit drugs in sport, athlete safety and integrity education. Athletes are encouraged to check any medication or supplement before use and seek advice from a qualified health professional where needed. Click here for more information
- Sport Integrity Australia – Supplements in Sport - Useful for athletes considering protein powders, pre-workout, fat burners or recovery supplements. It explains the anti-doping risks of supplements and why athletes need to be careful. Sport Integrity Australia warns that many failed anti-doping tests are linked to supplement use.
- Sport Integrity Australia – Supplement Risk Analysis -A practical resource explaining different levels of supplement and medication risk, including lower-risk TGA-registered medicines and higher-risk supplement categories
- Sport Integrity Australia – Illicit Drugs in Sport -Information about how illicit drug use can affect athletes, including anti-doping consequences and available treatment pathways.
- Sport Integrity Australia – SIA Edge eLearning - Free online courses for athletes, parents, coaches and clubs covering anti-doping, safe sport, ethical decision-making, illicit drugs, complaint handling and other sport integrity topics.
- Sport Integrity Australia – Health Effects of Doping -Explains the health risks of performance-enhancing drugs and includes education resources for athletes and support personnel.
Key areas of focus
Training load and recovery
Appropriate training progression, rest, sleep and recovery are essential for performance and injury prevention. Sudden increases in training volume, intensity or competition load can increase the risk of injury, fatigue and burnout.
Nutrition and fuelling
Male athletes need enough energy to support training, recovery, growth, muscle repair and general health. Under-fuelling can affect performance, concentration, mood, immunity and injury risk.
Puberty, growth and development
Young male athletes develop at different rates. During puberty, athletes may experience rapid growth, strength changes, coordination changes and increased injury risk. Training should be adjusted to support safe development.
Injury prevention
Strength training, warm-ups, mobility, recovery and good training habits can help reduce the risk of common athletics injuries, including muscle strains, tendon issues, stress injuries and joint pain.
Mental health and wellbeing
Athletes can experience pressure, stress, low confidence, anxiety or motivation challenges. Male athletes should be encouraged to speak openly, ask for help early and understand that mental health is part of overall performance and wellbeing.
Positive culture and respect
A strong club environment is built on respect, inclusion and positive behaviour. Athletes are expected to contribute to a safe and supportive culture for teammates, coaches, officials, volunteers and families.
When to seek support
Athletes should consider speaking with a parent, coach, GP, sports doctor, physiotherapist, dietitian, psychologist or trusted health professional if they are experiencing ongoing pain, fatigue, mood changes, sleep issues, injury concerns, nutrition concerns, stress or uncertainty about training safely.
Support for men
Men’s Health and Wellbeing WA
WA-based organisation supporting the health and wellbeing of boys and men, with useful resources and a service directory.
HealthyWA – Mental health for blokes
WA Government health information page with practical guidance on recognising mental health concerns and getting support.
MAN UP WA
WA not-for-profit focused on young men’s wellbeing, healthy masculinity, emotional capability and mental health education.
MensLine Australia
Free, professional 24/7 counselling and online support for men dealing with mental health, relationships, stress, anger, family violence and wellbeing concerns.
Beyond Blue
Free and confidential 24/7 support for anxiety, depression and mental wellbeing. Phone: 1300 22 4636.
