1.1.    Key Dates

• Abstract Submission Open: 11 August 2023
• Early Bird Registration Open: 11 August 2023
• Abstract Submissions Close: 22 September 2023, 23:59 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC +10) – Abstract submissions have been extended to Wednesday 4 October.
• Abstract Reviews Completed: 31 October 2023
• Notification of abstract outcome: 17 November 2023
• Early Bird Registration Closes: 30 November 2023, 23:59 pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (UTC +10)
• WISC2024: 6-9 March 2024

1.2.    General

• Abstract submission is free of charge.
• Receipt of abstract submission will be sent to the Presenting Author via e-mail.
• After undergoing the review process, only the Presenting Author will be informed about the outcome of the submission.
• The Presenting Author will also be informed of the type of presentation as determined by the review committee. Accepted abstracts will be published in an e-edition of the proceedings of the 2^nd Women in Sport Congress only if the Presenting Author has registered to attend the conference.
• All presentations must be IN PERSON, in Sydney for WISC2024.
• All written abstracts and recordings of oral presentations will made available on the WISC2024 website for 1 month after the congress.

1.3.    Authorship

• The abstract content is the responsibility of all authors.
• It is the responsibility of the Presenting Author to gain written consent from all authors for the submission of the abstract.
• The Presenting Author must be registered – An abstract associated with a Presenting Author that has not registered will be removed.
• In the event of unforeseen circumstances, where the Presenting Author is unable to present at the congress, the WISC Co-chairs must be notified via email femaleperformancehealth@ausport.gov.au. Upon request, permission may be granted for an alternative author to present at the congress. The Alternative Presenting Author must be registered to present. Late registration of an Alternative Presenting Author will be considered under these circumstances. The registration of a Presenting Author who does not attend is not transferable nor is it redeemable beyond the close of registration date.

1.4.    Instructions

1. Read the abstract submission guidelines before beginning a submission.
2. Obtain written consent (email is acceptable) from all co-authors before submitting an abstract.
3. Ensure the abstract adheres to the abstract rules and meets the formatting guidelines.
4. Ensure the presenting author is available to present IN PERSON at WISC2024 (6-9^th March 2024)
5. Align the abstract with one of the research themes.
6. Select a preferred presentation mode.
7. Submit the abstract online including:
   • Authors names and affiliations
   • Presenting author contact details
   • Research theme
   • Award entry
   • Abstract title
   • Main text
   • Disclosure(s)
   • Portrait photo of Presenting Author for marketing materials (should abstract be accepted)

1.5.    Presentation type

• Authors have the option of selecting an Oral or Poster presentation:
  • Oral only
  • Poster only
  • Oral or poster
• Where the author selects Oral only and the submission is unsuccessful for an Oral presentation, they will not be considered for a poster.
• Where the author selects Oral or Poster and the submission is unsuccessful for an Oral presentation, they will be automatically considered for a poster, but this is not guaranteed.

1.6.    Abstract formatting and content

• Authors: Do not include titles, degrees, or qualifications.
• Affiliation(s): Include authors’ affiliations e.g., [Department], [Organisation], [Main city], [Country].

Title:

Typed in UPPERCASE (15 words maximum)

• The main text of the abstract is restricted to 3000 characters (including spaces) and must include the following headings (written in UPPERCASE) separated by a paragraph space (see example): Purpose, Methods, Results, Conclusion.
• The abstract should be grammatically correct and free of spelling errors.
• The main text should be typed in lower case.

PURPOSE: Describe the aim of the project and provide relevant context while highlighting the main objectives of the research. Background information requiring references should not be written here.

METHODS: Describe the sample (e.g., number of participants, sex, age) and participant population (e.g., sport (event), training status, country), experimental procedures, and the data/statistical analyses.

RESULTS: Provide a summary of the most impactful measurable outcomes supported by data/statistical analysis where appropriate.

CONCLUSION: Provide a succinct summary of the research and an impact statement of the findings.

Disclosure(s): Indicate i. Authors with and affiliation or financial interest in and commercial entity associated with the research, ii. Source of any competitive or contract research funding. If there is nothing to disclose, please write the following: ‘The authors have nothing to disclose’.

Presenting Author Portrait: Provide a high-resolution (minimum 200*300) headshot photo to be included in the WISC2024 program

Abstract example

TITLE: INFLAMMATION AND ORAL CONTRACEPTIVE USE IN FEMALE ATHLETES BEFORE THE RIO OLYMPIC GAMES

PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between synthetic ovarian hormone use [i.e., oral contraception (OC)] and basal C-reactive protein (CRP), peripheral blood immune cell subsets, and circulating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations in elite female athletes.

METHODS: Elite female athletes (n = 53) selected in Rio Summer Olympic squads participated in this study; 25 were taking OC (AthletesOC) and 28 were naturally cycling (AthletesNC). Venous blood samples were collected at rest for the determination of sex hormones, cortisol, CRP, peripheral blood mononuclear memory and naïve CD4+ T-cells, CD8+ T-cells and natural killer cells, as well as pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine concentrations.

RESULTS: CRP concentrations were elevated (p<0.001) in AthletesOC (median = 2.02, IQR = 3.15) compared to AthletesNC (median = 0.57, IQR = 1.07). No differences were reported for cortisol, cytokines, or PBMC immune cell subsets, although there was a trend (p = 0.062) for higher IL-6 concentrations in AthletesNC.

CONCLUSION: Female Olympians had substantially higher CRP concentrations, a marker of inflammation and tissue damage, before the Rio Olympic Games if they used OC. Future research should examine the potential consequences for athlete performance/recovery so that, if necessary, practitioners can implement prevention programs.

1.7.    Rules

• Must be written in English.
• References are not permitted within the abstract submission.
• Symbols and standard abbreviations (define upon first appearance) are permitted.
• Only the units of measurement of the Systeme International de’Unite (SI) should be used.
• General statements indicating that, ‘…results will be presented/discussed’ are not acceptable.
• The content should relate to high-performance sport or is in the context of improving performance and/or health in elite-level athletes or the high-performance sport system.
• No tables or figures are permitted.
• It is the responsibility of Presenting Authors to seek appropriate Copyright permissions, should the abstract be published elsewhere prior to WISC2024.
• Editing of an abstract is not permitted after submission.
• Presenting Author can only submit one abstract but may co-author as many other abstracts as desired. If more than one abstract is submitted as Presenting Author, only one will be accepted; all others will be rejected.

1.8.    Abstract review

• Abstracts will be reviewed by two members of the WISC2024 Research Committee comprising the WISC2024 Co-Chairs, the WISC2024 Organising Committee, sponsor Universities, and the Female Performance & Health Initiative Research Reference Group.
• WISC2024 Research Committee members will not be permitted to review an abstract where there is a real or perceived conflict of interest.
• Abstracts will be reviewed based on IMPACT, RESEARCH QUALITY, and CLARITY
  • A clear connection to female athlete performance and health and alignment to a research theme.
  • An interesting new topic or innovative approach to female athlete health and performance
  • Demonstrates a solution to a question in basic, applied, or clinical research with clear translation to female athletes.
  • Free of spelling mistakes, slang, and poor grammatical expression.
  • A clearly stated purpose and rationale.
  • Appropriate methodology and data analysis to answer questions.
  • Data and/or findings that address and answer the research questions.
  • Concluding statement that accurately reflects the results/findings.

1.9.    Withdrawals

• Withdrawal requests must be made via email to the WISC224 co-chairs femaleperformancehealth@ausport.gov.au. The title of the abstract, a statement indicating that all authors approve of the withdrawal (all authors must approve retraction of the abstract), and the reason for withdrawal should be clearly stated.
• In case of rejection or withdrawal of an abstract, there will be no reimbursement for the registration fees.

2.1.    Leadership and Performance – Griffith University

Title

Elite performers: Unlocking the key elements of leadership and athletic performance in sport.

Co-chairs

Naomi McCarthy, OLY, OAM and Clare Minahan, PhD

Call for abstracts                  

This theme provides a platform for experts to explore the societal, organisational, and individual factors that affect women’s opportunities and capabilities to perform as both athletes and leaders in sport. Specifically, papers in the sub-theme of Leadership could include the benefits of gender diversity to business, strategies for structural change, leadership programs, lived experiences of leadership, and leaderful practice. Papers in the sub-theme of Performance could describe elite and world-class female athletic performance as well as explore the importance of sex-specific approaches to talent identification, assessment, training interventions, coaching strategies, and performance environments. We encourage submissions from business and sport organisations, scientists and sociologists, practitioners, coaches, and athletes that showcase cutting edge science and practice, offering robust discussion, and highlighting lived experiences. This theme has the potential to shape the future of the Australian sporting system by promoting evidence-based practices, individualised approaches, and a better understanding of the unique leadership and performance-related challenges, opportunities, and achievements of women.

2.2.    Unique Physiology – Deakin University

Title

A comprehensive exploration of the unique physiology of female athletes and its effect on performance and health.

Co-chairs

A/Prof Severine Lamon PhD and A/Prof Helen Brown, PhD

Call for abstracts                  

Females possess unique physiological differences compared to males, including physical capacity, hormones, body composition, muscle quality, thermoregulation, and metabolism. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimising training and recovery in health, sports, and performance. Research on how female hormonal fluctuations affect muscle strength, endurance, recovery, and mental states throughout the menstrual cycle and life phases is urgently needed to progress the field from a researcher and practitioner perspective. Knowledge of these differences empowers athletes, coaches, and support practitioners to develop effective training plans, enhance health, competition outcomes, and reduce injury risks. This session aims to share new scientific evidence to inform sex-specific training and practice based on rigorous female-specific knowledge. Submissions should focus on female muscle and cardiovascular physiology, menstrual cycle influence on training adaptation, and considerations like heat acclimation, hydration, pain management, and injury. Studies on puberty, pregnancy, and different life phases of female athletes are welcome. Priority will be given to fundamental, applied, and translational quantitative research, including multidisciplinary studies.

2.3.    Nutrition & Recovery – Australian Catholic University

Title

Fuelling success: optimising nutrition and recovery for performance and health in female athletes.

Co-chairs

Prof Louise M Burke, OAM, PhD, APD and Dr Andy King, PhD

Call for abstracts                  

Nutrition and recovery are two cornerstones of athlete performance and wellbeing. This research theme will showcase leading research in both of these domains. Abstracts are invited from researchers and practitioners to inform female athletes, their coaches and support staff about new and emerging data that will lead to performance improvements or athlete health and wellbeing. The theme will examine how nutrition and recovery can be optimised to support female athletes in competition and training. Presentations may explore acute methods that underpin performance, or chronic strategies for maintaining performance over time and/or athlete wellness. Alternatively, nutrition-related practices that interfere with optimal health and performance (e.g., problematic Low Energy Availability) may be included. Data or narratives must be based on evidence in female athletes, with a focus into female sport. Papers with a translational component or clear application to the field are strongly encouraged. Papers in the theme can be based on any methodology, e.g., quantitative and qualitative data or case studies will be considered.

2.4.    Interdisciplinary Research – University of Sydney

Title

Unveiling the power of collaboration: the interdisciplinary approach to research and practice with female athletes.

Co-chairs

Dr Kotryna K Fraser, PhD, Csci, BASES Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist (Psychology Support) and Kieron Rooney PhD (Rnutr)

Call for abstracts                  

Researchers and practitioners are invited to contribute their work on the interdisciplinary approach to working with female athletes. The aim is to address the unique bio-psycho-social needs of female athletes by integrating multiple sub-disciplines such as psychology, coaching science, nutrition, strength & conditioning, skills acquisition, and sport management. We encourage the submission of abstracts that utilise suitable research methodologies, study designs, and intervention approaches. This session welcomes completed, ongoing, and proposed research projects, as well as case studies, for discussion, feedback, and potential collaboration. Clinicians and practitioners are also invited to share case study examples supported by sound scientific rationale. The goal of this session is to foster fruitful discussions and feedback that contribute to an enhanced understanding of female athletes through an interdisciplinary lens. We encourage culturally appropriate approaches to meet the identified needs of female athletes. By integrating various disciplines, we can develop comprehensive strategies to support their holistic development and performance optimisation.

2.5.    Translational Research – University of Canberra

Title

Maximising impact in female athlete performance and health with translational research

Co-chairs

A/Prof Julie Cooke, PhD, GAICD, FASMF and A/Prof Naroa Etxebarria, PhD, ASpS2, SFHEA, FECSS

 

Call for abstracts                  

The aim of this research theme is to showcase tangible instances where research findings have been successfully translated into practical sporting strategies, leading to improved performance and health outcomes for highly trained and elite female athletes. Research focusing on the young developing athlete (i.e., 13-18 yr) will also be considered. We prioritise original research that involves interventions or the implementation of strategies, as opposed to case studies or descriptive research. Both quantitative and qualitative studies addressing multidisciplinary issues are encouraged. Translational research, in this context, refers to the process of taking scientific knowledge and applying it directly to real-world sports settings. It involves bridging the gap between research findings and their practical application, resulting in evidence-based strategies that can be implemented by coaches, trainers, and sports scientists. By showcasing specific examples of translational research, we aim to demonstrate the tangible impact it can have in the field of sport, particularly in optimising the performance and health of highly trained and elite female athletes.

3.1.    Categories

Best Presentation in a Research Theme

• Awarded to the Presenting Author of the best oral presentation in each research theme category.
• Prize = $2000 cash

Best Poster

• A cash prize will be awarded to the Presenting Author of the best overall poster presentation.
• Prize = $500 cash

WISC2024 Best Overall Presentation

• An award for the best oral presentation will be selected from the five winners of the research theme awards.
• Prize = Paid trip to the Female Athlete Conference (FAC), Boston, 2025 upon successful submission of paper to FAC2025.
• This prize is not transferrable.

3.2.    Eligibility

• Open to all presenters at all career levels except those with a direct affiliation with the Female Performance & Health Initiative including Co-chairs and WISC2024 Committee members, or anyone employed by the Australian Sports Commission.
• FPHI Research Reference and Advisory Group members and their colleagues/students are eligible to receive an award should they nominate.

3.3.    Criteria

• Oral presentations will be reviewed based on: IMPACT, RESEARCH QUALITY, and CLARITY.The following criteria provides guidance:

• • A clear connection to female athlete performance and health and alignment to a research theme.
  • An interesting new topic or innovative approach to female athlete health and performance
  • Demonstrates a solution to a question in basic, applied, or clinical research with clear translation to female athletes.
  • Clearly stated purpose and rationale
  • Appropriate methodology and data analysis to answer the research question
  • Data and/or findings that address and answer the research question.
  • Visually pleasing
  • Verbal Expression
  • Style
  • Overall impression
• Posters will be reviewed based on: IMPACT, RESEARCH QUALITY, and CLARITY.
  
  The following criteria provides guidance:

• • A clear connection to female athlete performance and health and alignment to a research theme.
  • An interesting new topic or innovative approach to female athlete health and performance
  • Demonstrates a solution to a question in basic, applied, or clinical research with clear translation to female athletes.
  • A Clearly stated purpose and rationale
  • Appropriate methodology and data analysis to answer the research question
  • Data and/or findings that address and answer the research question.
  • Visually pleasing
  • Verbal Expression
  • Clear messaging
  • Easy to navigate
  • Overall impression

3.4.    Review committee

• Oral presentations and posters will be judged by three members of the WISC2024 Research Committee comprising the WISC2024 Co-Chairs, the WISC2024 Organising Committee, sponsor Universities, and the Female Performance & Health Initiative Research Reference Group.
• WISC2024 Research Committee members will not be permitted to judge an oral presentation or poster where there is a real or perceived conflict of interest.
• The WISC2024 Co-chairs will make a final decision on all awards and decide the WISC2024 Best Overall Presentation.

3.5.    Terms & conditions

• Awards are not transferable.
• The AIS will facilitate award payment via email within 4 weeks of the congress.
• In the case of the WISC2024 Best Overall Presentation, the AIS will be responsible for making direct payments for conference registration, economy airfare, ground transport, and standard accommodation. Cash payment will not be made to the awardee.

4.1.    Posters

Formatting

• • A poster is a visual abstract of the research. It should not be a large-scale replication of the abstract.

• Both Portrait/Landscape layout is acceptable
• Poster size is strictly A0. Larger/smaller posters will not be displayed.
• Maximum of 250 words
• Paper or soft cloth (please iron!) is acceptable.

Poster presentation requirements

• The poster will be displayed on the day associated with the relevant Research Theme
• The Presenting Author must be available during lunch and the short-break (i.e., morning or afternoon tea) on the morning/afternoon of the associated research theme
• The Presenting Author must be standing next to their poster during the associated Poster session
• Delegates will be free to move around the Poster session and converse with Presenting Authors.
• It is the responsibility of the Presenting Author to display and remove their poster at the start and finish of the relevant day.

4.2.    Oral presentation

Facility

• Main stage with lectern and screen.
• Presenting Authors will be required to upload their presentation in advance of the session on USB, details for this will be given well in advance of WISC2024.

Formatting

• 9 min (7 min + 2 min of questions).
• Timing is crucial and will be carefully managed by timekeepers who will stop your oral presentation after the allocated time.
• Presentations not adhering to timing will be ineligible for awards.