Drug Free Sport NZ is committed to providing resources and support to all national sports organisations that have implemented the WADA code and to assist those who are in the process of adopting drug free policies. This section contains resources and also guidance with regards to drug free policy development.

How do we adopt an anti-doping policy?

When adopting an anti-doping policy there are a number of crucial reference documents as follows:

The World Anti-Doping Code (the "Code")
This has been agreed to by all "Olympic Family" Sports and International Federations must implement it prior to the Athens Olympics (August 2004). The Drug Free Sport NZ has also agreed to adopt the Code and consequently cannot undertake testing for organisations which have requirements which conflict with the Code. The Code should be reflected in the next two documents which will provide more practical guidance.

International Federation Policies and Rules
NSO policies will normally be required to reflect the provisions of their IF policies. As indicated above, these must be consistent with the Code although there may be a period of inconsistency as the IF adopts the provisions of the Code.

SPARC Policy
SPARC have developed a model document that allows NSO's to develop an anti-doping policy that is compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code. You can download this document from the SPARC website by clicking on the icon on the left. The document is easily edited and can be implemented quickly.


SPARC has always required NSO's to have a policy, which applies certain minimum standards, as a condition of funding. SPARC's policy will be adapted to also be consistent with the Code but must also be consistent with the requirements of the New Zealand Sports Drug Agency Act and the policies of the Drug Free Sport NZ. This model policy should be able to serve as a template for any NSO policy with appropriate sport specific references. The Drug Free Sport NZ will not test for sporting organisations that do not have such a policy.

Note:
There is potential that some of the detail of the IF Policy and the SPARC policy may not be identical, however the crucial issue is that they must both be consistent with the Code and therefore testing done according to New Zealand methods should be acceptable to the IF. It is incumbent on IF's to ensure that their policies are permissive of variations in procedures that may be applied at a national level provided the Code is observed.

For more information please contact SPARC - www.sparc.org.nz or phone (04) 472.8058

Specific Considerations
It is possible that there are some unique circumstances applicable that must be reflected in the Anti-Doping Policy. It is up to each sport to recognise and incorporate them in a way that is not in conflict with any other requirements.

Hearings
A Sports Disputes Tribunal has now been established with one of its core functions being to hear doping related cases on behalf of sports. NSO's that wish to utilise this service need to ensure that provision is made within their rules. Failing that it is crucial that hearing processes are consistent with the Code.

Legal Advice
The SPARC policy will provide a very useful start and the Drug Free Sport NZ will consider and provide feedback on the applicability of policies but will not provide legal advice. Sports are strongly advised to consult a legal adviser, with experience in this field, to ensure that all elements of their policy are considered properly and in the context of the overall Constitution of the Organisation.

Sports may wish to contact members of the Australia New Zealand Sports Law Assn. via the web site http://www.anzsla.com.au/. (Note the Drug Free Sport NZ provides this reference for your information and does not recommend the services of any individual member of ANZSLA.)

Resources for Sport

Drug Free Sport New Zealand provides a comprehensive range of resources that have been designed to assist sport with ensuring that athletes are knowledgeable about banned doping methods and the testing process.