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Anti Doping

Anti-doping information for all Senior and Junior elite athletes competing in Foot Orienteering, Trail O, MTBO and Ski O

Mike Hamilton (Chief Executive) is the Anti-Doping Officer for British Orienteering.

British Orienteering runs an active anti-doping policy. Our policy is currently being updated with the new 2009 IOF Anti-Doping Rules.  We are working in conjunction with the new stand alone UK Anti Doping Body (UKAD)

Does Anti-Doping Affect Me?

Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)

Banned Substances

 

Does Anti-Doping Affect Me?

If you are a member of the GB Squad at any level, run the elite courses in the UK, compete for World Ranking Points overseas or be selected to represent GB in World 'closed events' it will affect you, so read on.

There are four levels:

Level 1 is the International level and is controlled directly by WADA through the International Orienteering Federation (IOF). This group is nominated by the IOF. They must report their whereabouts at all times to the IOF and they are subject to testing at any time either in or out of competition. Athletes must obtain a TUE if taking banned medication under prescription.

Level 2 is the National level and is controlled by UKAD. The remainder of the GB squad athletes, both senior and junior, are on this list. These athletes are subject to testing at any time in or out of competition. Athletes must obtain a TUE if taking banned medication under prescription.

Level 3 is the elite level and anyone running on an elite course, a World Ranking Event or who is a selected international representative (e.g. Foot-O, MBO, Trail-O or Ski-O), is liable to be tested in competition. There is no requirement for out of competition testing. Athletes must obtain a TUE if taking banned medication under prescription.

Level 4 Talent Athletes - Although juniors under 16 will not normally be tested either in or out of competition we are signed up to the 'Start Clean, Stay Clean' programme. Accordingly all junior athletes selected for the Talent Squad will have anti doping workshops and will be required to obtain TUEs if they are taking banned medication under prescription. Any junior under 16 that is selected for testing will only be tested with the express permission of their parents or guardian and under strict and agreed supervision.

What does 'in & out of competition' mean?

In competition testing means what it says, testing carried at the conclusion of a competition. For British Orienteering this means that all 'in competition' testing will be carried out on elite courses with a number of athletes being selected. This is usually confined to the seeded positions, say the last ten to twenty men and women starters although 'targeted selection' is allowed. However, if there are only a few runners, any athlete could well be asked to provide a sample.

Out of competition testing means that the testing team could turn up on your doorstep at any time although this normally means at a training camp for athletes not at Level 1. A certain number of out of competition tests are allocated to Orienteering by WADA and UKAD and can be carried out at any time. All athletes included in out of competition testing will be briefed separately as to their responsibilities.

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What is a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)?

Athletes competing at a high level in their sport may need to use a prohibited medication as treatment for a legitimate medical condition. In this case athletes should first check with their doctor to see if there are any permitted alternative treatments or medications. If there are not, they will need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). Medical evidence to justify the need to use a prohibited substance or prohibited method must be attached to the application form.

  1. Standard TUE - This application should be used for prohibited substances.  These forms will be reviewed by a panel of independent physicians, known as a Therapeutic Use Exemption Committee (TUEC). Where possible, athletes should only use a prohibited substance once an exemption has been granted (except with acute or emergency treatments).

How do I apply?

You need to visit the UKAD website and go to the Resources Section. This website provides a comprehensive guide to the TUE process and you can download the TUE forms there. Once you have completed the form and had it filled in and signed by your prescribing doctor, you should send your form to the National Office. The National Office will then forward your application on to UKAD or the IOF for review.

How long does it take to get a response?

Standard TUEs take 15 working days to be reviewed as long as all the correct medical information is provided

 

Test Results

The Lead Anti Doping Officer is notified of test results by UKAD or the IOF and will notify athletes as to their test results. British Orienteering has not had a positive test to date.

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Banned Substances

Summary of Significant Changes for 2010

  • Pseudoephedrine is Prohibited - Pseudoephedrine has been placed back on the 2010 Prohibited List. Pseudoephedrine is readily available in many over the counter cold and flu remedies and any athlete should take particular care when using such products. As with all medications, always check the status on Global Drug Reference Online: www.globaldro.com before using the product.

  • The process has changed for Asthma Inhalers - Two Beta-2 Agonists taken via inhalation, Salbutamol and Salmeterol, no longer require a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) as is currently the case. Instead you are required to complete a Declaration of Use using the online declaration form provided on the 100% ME website (www.100percentme.co.uk). All other Beta-2 Agonists will still require full lung function tests and a TUE application as do inhaled steroids.

The Summary can be found here and the Prohibited list can be found here

 

Are your medications on the Prohibited or Banned substances list?

If you are in doubt check it out. This can be done online using the drug information database at:

  • UK Anti-Doping, the national body responsible for the implementation and management of the UK anti-doping policy. www.ukad.org.uk
  • World Anti Doping Agency website. (Includes the current prohibited list of substances) www.wada-ama.org

 

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