Anti-Doping Information
Doping in sport is a very hot topic at the moment and it’s important you are aware of your rights and responsibilities leading up to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. There will undoubtedly be a higher volume of testing, and therefore a greater chance of Para athletes testing positive, whether deliberate or not.
Here are a few quick reminders.
Whereabouts
Para athletes in the testing pool must submit accurate and detailed Whereabouts for the full period of the Paralympic Games. Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) will advise Para athletes of any other whereabouts requirements during the Games period.
Games-related testing
Testing may occur at anytime or place. All Para athletes are also subject to doping control from the day the Village opens, until the Closing Ceremony. Testing may be undertaken by the International Paralympic Committee, or your International Federation.
In competition testing
It doesn’t matter when a substance is taken. If you take a substance that is only banned in-competition during the out-of-competition period, you could still face a positive test if it’s still in your system when you’re tested during the Games.
Typically, the in-competition period begins at 11:59 pm the day before any competition an athlete is scheduled to compete in, up to and until the end of the competition and all testing associated with that competition.
Two Paralympic summer IFs – tennis and equestrian – use a different definition for the in-competition period. This definition, approved by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), is the same for all of their competitions. Please check with your IF if you are not familiar with their definition.
Doping control
Ensure you take a representative with you for any doping control tests and be compliant with the doping control process. If you have any concerns about the process, ensure you record these concerns on your doping control form.
Medications and TUEs
Before taking any medication, you should be aware that it might contain a banned substance. Always consult with a medication professional and inform them that you are an athlete subject to anti-doping rules.
Meanwhile, ensure you check your medications and ingredients (and routes of administration where applicable) on Global Drug Reference Online (Global DRO). Global DRO provides you with information about the status of specific medications, ingredients, and routes of administration based on the current WADA Prohibited List.
Tips for checking medications, go to the Global DRO homepage:
- If purchased in NZ, choose your “Sport Nationality” as NZ
- If purchased overseas (for example, France), choose “Other” and find the country of purchase then follow the website link for a medication check.
Apply for a TUE prior to using any prohibited substance or method.
All TUE’s will be reviewed by the IPC. TUE’s already issued which cover the Paralympic Games period ,must be submitted to the IPC by 5th August 2024.
If an athlete needs a TUE on or after 5 August 2024, they must apply to the IPC TUE Committee, through ADAMS.
The IPC will notify the athlete whether the TUE is granted (or not).
Retroactive TUE’s can only be applied for in cases of medical emergency, so do not get caught out.
Supplements
Using supplements can lead to positive tests so please follow all precautionary procedures as listed on the Sport Integrity Commission Te Kahu Raunui website and elsewhere. If you are in any doubt about the safety of the supplements you wish to use, don’t use them.
Support for clean sport
It is important that as New Zealanders, we reinforce the pride we take in competing clean at home, and in international competition. Please use every opportunity you can, through the media or your personal conversations, to emphasise your support for clean sport and your confidence in the programmes we run. We are all on the same Team.
