01. What is doping?
Doping is the deliberate or inadvertent use by an athlete of a substance or method banned by a relevant sporting organisation. “Anti-Doping Rule Violations” are defined in the World Anti-Doping Code and include things such as refusing a test, tampering with a sample, trafficking, assisting others to dope and so on.
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02. Why is doping prohibited?
Doping is prohibited because it undermines the joy of sport and the pursuit of human and sporting excellence. It is also prohibited to protect athletes from other athletes taking unfair advantage and from the possibly harmful side effects of drugs.
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03. What is doping control?
The doping control process (sometimes referred to as “drug testing”) involves the following stages: selecting athletes, collecting a sample (urine and/or blood), conducting a laboratory test, and managing the results.
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04. What are the penalties for a doping infraction/anti-doping rule violation?
The World Anti-Doping Code states that except for specified substances, an athlete will be banned as follows:
- First violation: Two years ineligibility
- Second Violation: Lifetime ineligibility
See the World Anti-Doping Code on this site for more information
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05. What types of testing does Drug Free Sport NZ conduct?
There are two types of testing, “In competition” and “Out-of-competition” and all testing is done at no notice which means an athlete isn’t given any warning prior to a test.
An “in competition” test is conducted at an event. Athletes on the out-of-competition register can be tested anytime, anywhere (including the athletes home) which is called an out-of-competition test.
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06. Am I on the out-of-competition register?
National Sporting Organisations (NSO’s) pass on to Drug Free Sport NZ a list of their elite competitors. Athlete’s will sign a consent form and will also complete a details form listing their address and training details. If you are on this register you can be tested anytime, anywhere.
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07. What if I refuse to participate?
Effective doping control requires the cooperation and participation of all athletes. According to the WADA Code, a refusal (failure to provide a sample), without reasonable cause, is considered a doping-infraction and the penalty is a 2 yr ban for a first time offence.
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08. What are the prohibited classes of substances and methods?
WADA has published a list with the following classes of prohibited substances and methods (note that substances will be regarded as prohibited when they are considered to be in a class even if they are not listed by name).
Prohibited Substances:
S1. Anabolic Agents
S2. Hormones and Related Substances
S3. Beta-2 Agonists
S4. Agents with Anti-Estrogenic Activity
S5. Diuretics and other Masking Agents
S6. Stimulants
S7. Narcotics
S8. Cannabinoids
S9. Glucocorticosteroids
Prohibited Methods:
M1. Enhancement of Oxygen Transfer
M2. Chemical and Physical Manipulation
M3. Gene Doping
Classes of Prohibited Substances in Certain Sports:
P1. Alcohol
P2. Beta-Blockers
Click here to go to the full WADA List
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09. Is caffeine a banned substance?
From 1 January 2004, caffeine was removed from the WADA Banned List. WADA labs will continue to monitor the presence of caffeine however, and WADA may consider banning it again if it is being abused by athletes
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10. What are anabolic agents and why are they banned?
Anabolic agents are substances which might assist in muscle growth (“anabolic”). The most common type are anabolic androgenic steroids (such as nandrolone and stanozolol) which are synthetic chemicals designed to simulate the hormone testosterone, which provides "anabolic" (building) and "androgenic" (masculinizing) effects. “Natural” steroids, including testosterone itself, are also banned.
Other substances in the anabolic agents class, which are not steroids, are beta 2 agonists the most potent being clenbuterol. Other examples such as salbutamol (Ventolin) are permitted for the treatment of asthma but with some restrictions.
Using anabolic agents to enhance athletic performance may carry serious health risks and goes against the spirit of sport.
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11. What is blood doping and why is it banned?
Blood doping, also known as blood packing or blood boosting, is the injection of blood or blood-related products to raise the blood's oxygen carrying capacity. This happens because there are more red blood cells to carry oxygen, which can help athletes competing in aerobic (endurance) sports. Athletes may use their own blood (previously withdrawn and frozen) or someone else's blood. Not only is blood doping contrary to the spirit of sport, it also carries health risks - including allergic reactions, jaundice, circulation overload, blood clots, metabolic shock and the transmission of infectious diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis
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12. What are beta blockers and why are they restricted?
Beta blockers are drugs commonly used for heart disease to lower blood pressure and decrease the heart rate. In sports such as shooting or archery, beta blockers might be used to steady the nerves. Abuse of beta blockers can cause heart failure, asthma, depression, sleep disorders and sexual dysfunction.
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13. Is alcohol banned?
Alcohol is banned in some sports as set out on the WADA list. They are -
Aeronautic (FAI), Archery, (FITA, IPC), Automobile (FIA), BIlliards (WCBS), Boules (IPC bowls,CMSB), Karate (WKF), Modern Pentathlon (UIPM), Motorcycling (FIM), Powerboating (UIM). Refer to section P1 in the WADA Prohibited List
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14. Are herbal / nutritional products banned?
Some herbal products contain banned substances. For example, the plant Ma Huang (Chinese Ephedra) contains the banned drug ephedrine. Therefore, products containing Ma Huang are banned. Extreme caution should be taken when using nutritional supplements and/or herbal products as they may contain banned substances not shown in the list of ingredients. The Agency will not guarantee any nutritional supplement. All supplements are taken at the athlete’s own risk. For more information click here.
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15. What can I take for a cold or flu?
From 1st January 2004, pseudoephedrine has been off the banned list. This means that athletes will be able to take most cold and flu medications that other people can take. WADA labs will continue to monitor the presence of pseudoephedrine however and WADA may consider banning it again it is being abused by athletes.
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16. Is marijuana banned?
From 1st January 2004, Marijuana (cannabinoids) was added to the WADA Banned List and will be tested in competition for all sports. For more information see the Agency’s full policy statement on Marijuana on this site.
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17. Do I need to declare my asthma medication?
From 1st January 2004, there have been more stringent processes for declaring Asthma medications. Brown preventers (corticosteroids) as well as Blue relievers (beta-2 agonists) all require an Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption form to be lodged before an athlete is tested.
Please check the asthma medication guide for more information
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18. How do I get my name taken off the out-of-competition testing register?
The only way Drug Free Sport NZ will take a name off the register is when it is requested to do so by the competitor’s NSO. This may be done if the competitor is retired or is no longer in the “elite” category which qualifies for inclusion on the list. Please contact your NSO for more information.
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19. What if an athlete needs to take a medication that contains a banned substance for medical reasons?
Athletes may apply for an exemption to use banned substances if they meet very strict criteria. Please click on this link to find out more about Standard TUE's.
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20. What is the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)?
WADA was established as an independent, non-governmental organization in 1999. The aim is to ensure optimal harmonisation and best practice in international and national anti-doping programs. The key activities of WADA include:
- Conducting unannounced out-of-competition doping control among elite athletes
- Developing the World Anti-Doping Code
- Funding scientific research to develop new detection methods
- Observing the doping control and results management programs of major events
- Managing the Athlete’s Passport Program
- Providing anti-doping education to athletes, coaches and administrators
- Fostering the development of National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADO)
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21. What is the World Anti-Doping Code and how will it affect me?
Important elements of the Code include:
- All countries and sports must adopt the Code if they wish to be eligible for the Olympic Games
- The Code provides for uniformity in:
- testing procedures
- sanctions
- prohibited substances
- laboratory procedures and so on.
This means that all athletes, no matter which sport or country should be dealt with in a consistent manner. It also means that the onus is put on to athletes to comply with all procedures including providing up to date whereabouts information.
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