HIV/AIDS in Sport: Impact, Issues, and Challenges Editors: SANKARAN, Gopal, MD, DrPH (West Chester Univ); Volkwein, Karin A.E., PhD (West Chester Univ); Bonsall, Dale R., MEd (West Chester Univ) Bibliographic Data: ISBN: 0-88011-749-4, Human Kinetics Inc, 1999, $26.00) 137 pages, Contributors, soft cover Audiences: Sports Medicine Specialists, Coaches, and Athletes Other Info: The book contains black-and-white illustrations. DESCRIPTION: This book provides an excellent, in-depth review of HIV infection and its impact on sports. The editors and contributors are very credible with extensive experience in the fields of health, sports medicine, law, sociology, psychology, and philosophy. The writing style is engaging and enjoyable, the chapters are well connected; yet separate chapters can stand alone. PURPOSE: The purpose, according to the authors, is threefold: to answer questions raised by health professionals, administrators, coaches, and athletes; to address guidelines for testing, making ethical decisions, and dealing with social, psychological, and legal issues; and to discuss strategies to prevent and control the spread of HIV. Although these worthy objectives have been addressed in other settings, the editors here do an excellent job of coordinating them in one convenient text. AUDIENCE: The intended audience represents a wide spectrum: physicians, physical education professionals and students, amateur and professional athletes, athletic trainers, fitness trainers, coaches, exercise physiologists, and sports administrators. This is an ambitious audience range, and indeed, Chapters 2 and 3 may be a bit overwhelming for non-healthcare professionals. All in all, however, the editors do a good job, especially with the inclusion of the glossary. FEATURES: Epidemiological, immunological, and clinical aspects of HIV infection are covered, approaches to dealing with social, psychological, and legal issues regarding HIV are included, information on how to establish appropriate guidelines for testing is presented, as is where to find such resources as telephone hotlines, Websites, and state and local agencies. Additionally, there is a chapter that features the personal stories of several prominent athletes who have been diagnosed with HIV. This puts a human face on this sometimes overwhelmingly complex topic. ASSESSMENT: This book offers a well-organized, comprehensive, and interdisciplinary review of this important and timely sports medicine topic. It will serve as a definitive resource for all sports medicine providers and is a welcome addition to my library. SCORE: Weighted Numerical Score: 90-****