1. What is doping?
Doping is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the anti-doping rule violations as set out in the World Anti-Doping Code (The Code). Doping includes the presence of a prohibited substance or markers in an athlete's sample. The deliberate use, attempted use or inadvertent use by an athlete of a substance or method that is included on the WADA Prohibited List. "Anti-Doping Rule Violations” are defined in the World Anti-Doping Code and also include other such things as refusing a test, tampering with a sample, trafficking, possession of prohibited substances or methods assisting others to dope. |
2. Why is doping prohibited?
Doping undermines the values and integrity of sport and can threaten an athlete's health and that of their team mates. Doping or using prohibited substances or methods to gain an advantage over other athletes is considered contrary to the spirit of sport - it is considered cheating. |
3. What is doping control?
The doping control process (sometimes referred to as “drug testing”) involves the following stages: test planning, collection of samples (blood and/or urine) and their handling, laboratory analysis, therapeutic use exemptions, results management, hearings and appeals. |
4. 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:
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First violation: Two years ineligibility
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Second Violation: Lifetime ineligibility
There are ways that athletes may be able to reduce there if they can show they did not set out to cheat.
See the World Anti-Doping Code on this site for more information |
5. 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 is not 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), this is called an out-of-competition test. |
6. Am I on the out-of-competition register (Registered Testing Pool (RTP)or National Testing Pool (NTP))?
Drug Free Sport NZ (DFSNZ) is required under the The Code to include athletes in an Out of Competition register ( (RTP) and (NTP). These athletes are required to fulfil athlete whereabouts requirements. All athletes in these programmes are supported by DFSNZ staff with registration and training in the use of the online whereabouts system. Athletes who are in this group are contacted directly by DFSNZ staff and informed of their inclusion, as are their sports. |
7. What if I refuse to participate?
Effective doping control requires the cooperation and participation of all athletes. According to The Code, a refusal (failure to provide a sample), without reasonable cause, is considered a doping-infraction and the penalty is a 2 year ban for a first time offence. |
8. What are the prohibited classes of substances and methods?
World Anti-Doping Agency (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
Full WADA Prohibited List |
9. Is caffeine a banned substance?
From 1 January 2004, caffeine was removed from the WADA Prohibited 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. |
10. What are anabolic agents and why are they banned?
Anabolic agents are substances that might assist in muscle growth (“anabolic”). The most common type are anabolic androgenic steroids (such as nandrolone and stanozolol), these 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 that 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. |
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. |
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. |
13. Is alcohol banned?
Alcohol is banned in competition in some sports as set out on the WADA list. They are -
Aeronautics (FAI), Archery (FITA, IPC), Automobile (FIA), Karate (WKF),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. DFSNZ will not guarantee any nutritional supplement. All supplements are taken at the athlete’s own risk. More information on supplements. |
15. What can I take for a cold or flu?
From 1st January 2010, Pseudoephedrine is prohibited in competition. Information on medications that contain pseudoephedrine and guidelines around it's use out of competition. |
16. Is marijuana banned?
From 1st January 2004, Marijuana (cannabinoids) and synthetic cannibinoids (e.g. Kronic & Spice) was added to the WADA Banned List and will be tested in competition for all sports. For more information see the DFSNZ’s full policy statement on Marijuana. |
17. Do I need to declare my asthma medication?
From 1st January 2010, there have been significant changes around gaining permission to use certain asthma medications. Some require no permission, others must be declared, while others need a full Therapeutic Use Exemption.
Please check the asthma section in the Athlete Handbook for more information. |
18. 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. Find out more about TUE's. |
19. 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:
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Conducting unannounced out-of-competition doping control among elite athletes
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Developing the World Anti-Doping Code
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Funding scientific research to develop new detection methods
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Observing the doping control and results management programs of major events
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Managing the Athlete’s Passport Program
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Providing anti-doping education to athletes, coaches and administrators
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Fostering the development of National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADO)
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20. What is the World Anti-Doping Code and how will it affect me?
Important elements of the Code include:
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All countries and sports must adopt The Code if they wish to be eligible for the Olympic Games
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The Code provides for uniformity in:
- testing procedures
- sanctions
- prohibited substances
- laboratory procedures and so on.
This means that all athletes, no matter what 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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