Developing a Behaviour Change Framework to Improve Nutritional Status and Service Provision in Elite Gaelic Games Athletes.

Summary

An exciting opportunity has emerged to undertake a PhD working collaboratively with Ulster University and Derry Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). Nutrition plays a key role in athletic health and performance and evidence suggests that Gaelic footballers are not meeting their nutritional requirements (Cassidy et al. 2018; Ó Catháin et al. 2020; O'Brien et al. 2019). Inadequate dietary intakes can be due to a lack of sports nutrition knowledge and poor knowledge has been observed amongst Gaelic footballers (McCrink et al. 2021; O'Brien et al. 2021a; Renard et al. 2022). Intakes of energy, carbohydrate, and key micronutrients (e.g., vitamin D, iron) may be insufficient and this can lead to impaired performance and recovery, increased risk of injury, and detrimental effects on various aspects of health (McGuire et al. 2023; O'Brien et al. 2021b). Nutritional interventions have successfully employed behaviour change theory (i.e., COM-B model) to improve nutritional habits in elite sport (Costello et al., 2018; Michie et al., 2011). Infrastructure exists to support high quality nutrition provision within several GAA organisations; however, few to none currently have the human resource in place to capitalise on this. Therefore, this practice-based research project will develop, implement, and reflectively evaluate a collaborative framework which aims to improve nutritional status and service provision in GAA organisations. This may require the candidate to deliver nutritional education, assess and monitor player nutritional status and body composition, develop food and supplement provisions, supervise nutrition interns and placement students, and assist with daily operations and logistics for football and hurling squads. The evaluation of the framework is to be determined by the successful candidate and the research team, drawing on best practice, multiple sources of data and participatory involvement that will advance both the academic knowledge base and the practice of sports nutrition within the GAA. General evaluation methods will be used and may include programme theory, realistic evaluation, and intervention frameworks (Skivington et al., 2021). Findings may be used to inform applied practice within the funding organisation and will be presented in the form of a doctoral thesis.

The following criteria are also highly desirable:

• Masters  degree in Sport and/or Exercise Nutrition
• Practitioner/Graduate  registration (or capacity to apply) on the Sport and Exercise Nutrition Register (SENR)
• Experience  in designing and delivering a programme of performance nutrition support in a  high-performance sport environment
• ISAK  Level 1 (or above) accreditation (or international equivalent)
• UKAD  Clean Sport Advisor (or international equivalent)
• Level  2 Food Safety and Hygiene accreditation (or international equivalent)
• Experience  in a supervisory role
• Experience  using qualitative research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject  domain
• Experience  of presentation of research findings

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
• Sound understanding of subject area as evidenced by a comprehensive research proposal
• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• First Class Honours (1st) Degree
• Masters at 65%
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Derry Gaelic Athletic Association

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £20,780 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.