Anti-doping Information for Athletes
The 2008 Worlds Committee are committed to supporting the efforts of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Accordingly, we will be enforcing anti-doping activities throughout the competition. There will be automatic testing of some winning team members as well as some random testing of non winners.
It is the responsibility of the federations to ensure their competitors are aware and informed of the anti-doping regulations. And, it is the athletes responsibility to know the rules.
Anti-doping rules
The anti-doping rules as detailed on the World AquaChallenge Association website will apply to every participant in the 2008 World Championships. Team managers should ensure that all competitors have had an opportunity to review these rules before the competition.
To participate in this event, all competitors must complete and sign the Anti Doping Consent form. The form stipulates each competitor consents and agrees to be bound by the Anti-Doping Rules. Please note: competitors will not be issued their competition pass nor be able to compete until the completed, signed form has been received.
Junior competitors (under 16) MUST have a parental signature as well as their own on the anti-doping consent form.
Completed forms should be sent to the 2008 Worlds Organisers at: info@uwhworlds2008.net. Forms can be submitted upon arrival in Durban, but to avoid last minute collection, it is recommended forms be submitted in advance.
In addition to the Consent Form, each competitor must file a medical history with the Organizing Committee. Be sure to indicate all regular and occasional medications, frequency, dosage and rationale. Also any allergies to drugs and/or food should be noted. This medical history is confidential and will only be used if the athlete is selected for drug testing or in a case of an emergency.
Athletes, managers and coaches should also be knowledgeable of the doping control standard process and their rights and responsibilities. There is a time limit for reporting once selected; athletes can and probably should take a 'witness;' athletes are entitled to an interpreter if needed; athletes must never leave the sight of their chaperone. This information is on and downloadable from the WADA website.
Banned substances
Full details of banned substances for these Championships are available from the World AquaChallenge Association website under Doc Area and the WADA website. The 2008 prohibited substances list will be adopted for the Championships.
Remember many over the counter drugs are banned or may contain banned substances - competitors are advised to check any medication they take carefully.
Another out of the ordinary situation: young (juniors) persons on medications for ADHD. There is only one 'legal' drug. To continue to take a banned drug for ADHD, a Standard TUE (see below) approval is required. This approval is not automatic nor certain, so the approval process should be started immediately, and there are guides to follow.
If you have any questions about medications you take regularly or even occasionally, call your national Anti Doping Agency. There is usually a toll free, confidential phone line.
Therapeutic Use Exemption
The use of a prohibited substance by an athlete for medical reasons is possible by virtue of a therapeutic use exemption (TUE). All TUE forms must be completed in part and signed by a physician/medical doctor.
There are two different forms as there are two different types of exemptions:
- Standard TUE: exemption for a totally banned drug/substance - long form
- Abbreviated TUE: exemption for two specific classes of drugs - short form
The criteria for granting a TUE are:
- The athlete would experience significant health problems without taking the prohibited substance or method
- The therapeutic use of the substance would not produce significant enhancement of performance
- There is no reasonable therapeutic alternative to the use of the otherwise prohibited substance or method
Any competitor needing to apply for a Standard TUE exemption, must submit the completed Standard TUE form to their national anti-doping agency as soon as possible. The envelope should be marked "Confidential". The information contained on the TUE forms will be handled with full medical confidentiality.
The request will be reviewed by medical staff, and if approved, a TUE approval form will be issued, granting permission to use the prohibited substance during the competition. Athletes should show this form to the doping control official if called for a test, and a copy should be attached to their medical history.
If you need to apply for a TUE exemption, you will need to submit a TUE form to your national anti-doping agency (ADA). This will be reviewed by medical staff, and if approved, a TUE approval form will be issued, granting permission to use the prohibited substance during the competition. Athletes are advised to show this form to the doping control official if called for a test.
The abbreviated TUE form is used for only two classes of drugs:
- Glucocorticosteroids (applied locally - systemic use is banned) - often by injection for tendonitis or other joint inflammation.
- Beta-2-agonists (generic names: formoterol, salbutamol, salmeterol & terbutaline) by inhalation only - usually for asthma. There are other Beta agonists, but only the four listed come under the ATUE; . Examples of common names of these drugs are Alberterol (as Proventil, Ventolin), levalbuterol (as Xopenex, Combivent); Foradil; Serevent, Advair and Brethaire. Other Beta 2s require a Standard TUE.
Abbreviated TUEs are also sent to the national ADA. But, often there is no formal response from the national ADA to the Abbreviated TUE if the form is properly and fully completed for the drug classes and drugs listed above.
For any other substances, a Standard TUE form is required.
Therapeutic use exemption forms must be received no later than 15 March 2008. Only hard copy of these forms are accepted because both need to be signed by the medical practitioner.
If your TUE application is successful, the national anti-doping agency will issue a TUE approval form. A Standard TUE must have written approval or denial, but there is a time element for action, so submit a Standard TUE as early as possible.
If you have any queries on therapeutic use exemptions, you can find more information on the WADA website. The site also has a Q&A document (PDF format).
If you have any other questions on anti-doping, please email: info@uwhworlds2008.net
