More fun when it's fair
Play the game
Sport. It's more fun when it's fair.
That's why sports have rules. And whether you're into rugby or race walking, those rules apply to you.
At Drug Free Sport New Zealand, we test the pros on the podium. But anti-doping rules apply to everyone - even if you only play socially.
We know performance enhancers might be tempting. Maybe your friends use them. Maybe it's not for sport at all, it's to lose weight or get shredded. The reason doesn't matter. If you play sport while using or buying banned substances, there can be serious consequences - including a ban from all sport for up to four years.
Be careful about what you put into your body - especially if you're buying substances online. Some substances aren't even approved for human use and can have real impact on your health! That's why it's important to know what’s in things.
Our advice is simple: Don't play with your health or reputation. Play the game!
That's why sports have rules. And whether you're into rugby or race walking, those rules apply to you.
At Drug Free Sport New Zealand, we test the pros on the podium. But anti-doping rules apply to everyone - even if you only play socially.
We know performance enhancers might be tempting. Maybe your friends use them. Maybe it's not for sport at all, it's to lose weight or get shredded. The reason doesn't matter. If you play sport while using or buying banned substances, there can be serious consequences - including a ban from all sport for up to four years.
Be careful about what you put into your body - especially if you're buying substances online. Some substances aren't even approved for human use and can have real impact on your health! That's why it's important to know what’s in things.
Our advice is simple: Don't play with your health or reputation. Play the game!
Got questions?
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We typically test high-performance athletes. If you’re not a high-performance athlete, then it’s unlikely that we’ll test you.
But we can investigate you if you’re suspected of breaking the Rules. This includes buying (including online purchases), importing, using, possessing or trafficking banned substances. So be careful if you’re buying substances online – it’s not always easy to know if they’re banned in sport.
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There are 11 ways to break the rules. They include:
- Buying banned substances (including buying online);
- Possessing banned substances;
- Using banned substances;
- Trafficking banned substances.
Even attempting to do the things listed above can result in a ban from sport.
Learn more in this handy video
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The list of everything that’s banned in sport is pretty long, and you don’t need to know them all. Common ones to avoid include:
- Steroids (e.g. testosterone)
- Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators or ‘SARMs’ (e.g. ligandrol)
- Other anabolic agents (e.g. clenbuterol)
See more examples at These substances can get you sanctioned
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Even if you’re not taking substances to cheat at sport, they’re still in your system while you play. And it’s no fun to lose a game or competition to someone you know has an unfair advantage. The Sports Anti-Doping Rules protect fair competition – and if you play sport, anti-doping rules apply to you.
Plus, some substances can seriously damage your health! Things like steroids and SARMs (Selective Androgen Modulator Receptors) can cause heart attacks, liver failure, stroke and more.
Don’t play with your health or reputation. Play the game!
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Breaking an anti-doping rule can see you banned from ALL sport for four years. That can get pretty lonely if you enjoy having a kick-about with your local team on the weekend. Your name will be made public, which can damage your reputation. And if you’re banned because you’ve been taking substances like steroids or SARMs, there are some pretty gnarly health consequences to think about.
It’s just not worth it.
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There are plenty of products out there that claim to be legal alternatives to steroids, and plenty of illegal steroids that are marketed as legal. Our advice is to avoid all such substances. Good sleep, healthy nutrition, managing stress levels and exercising regularly all boost your natural testosterone – and with less cost and less risk to your health.
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Fantastic! Get in touch with our Strategic Engagement team at engagement@drugfreesport.org.nz for resources.
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Find out how Rhys Pedersen broke the news to his whānau that he had broken the anti-doping rules by accident.
What breaks the Rules?
Want to know what breaks the Sports Anti-Doping Rules? This short video tells you everything you need to know - and avoid!
