IRISH GYMNASTICS ANTI-DOPING POLICY 2010

The policy of Irish Gymnastics is that doping is contrary to the spirit of FAIR PLAY and all members have a responsibility to ensure that our sport is free of doping.

What is Doping?
'Doping' refers to an athlete's use of prohibited drugs or methods to improve training and sporting results. Steroids are the drugs that often come to mind when we talk about doping, but doping also includes an athlete's use of other forbidden drugs and even the refusal to take a drug test or an attempt to tamper with doping controls.

Gymnasts, like all others have illness or conditions that require them to take particular medications. All gymnasts should check their prescribed and over the counter medications to see if they are permitted. If the medication you require falls under the World Anti- Doping Agency prohibited list, you may need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE).

The Anti-Doping Unit of the Irish Sports Council runs the Irish Anti-Doping programme.

All gymnasts need to be aware of the Irish Anti-Doping rules, to view the rules click here...

FIG LISTED EVENTS

All gymnasts must be aware if they are participating in any listed events as defined by FIG, to check the current list click here...

If any gymnast is participating in a FIG listed event, you must follow the “Pre Test TUE Policy”.

The decision to test athletes is not based on age - it is based on the level the athlete is competing at.

Minors competing at national level may be tested.

THERAPEUTIC USE EXEMPTION

NOTE: The Irish Sports Council recently adopted policy changes regarding Therapeutic Use Exemptions (“Pre Test TUE’s and Post Test TUE’s) for 2010. 
Step 1: Check your medication to see if it is prohibited;

All athletes who may be subject to drug testing should check all medications on www.eirpharm.com (Republic of Ireland medications) or www.globaldro.com (Northern Ireland medications).

Always remind your GP/Consultant that you are an athlete subject to drug testing. He/she can check any medications they prescribe for you in MIMS – a booklet available to all doctors on a monthly basis. The Irish Sports Council ensures that each monthly edition is updated if there are any changes to the status of a medicine in sport. All prescription medications available in Ireland are listed and each medication is classed as permitted, prohibited (requires a TUE) or requiring declaration. You should insist that your doctor consults the current month’s edition of MIMS when checking your medication.

Step 2: Your medication:
a) Is Permitted – you do not need to complete a TUE form but you should declare the medication on the Doping Control Form at the time of a drug test if taken within the last 14 days

b) Requires Declaration – you do not need to complete a TUE form BUT YOU MUST DECLARE THE MEDICATION ON THE DOPING CONTROL FORM AT THE TIME OF A DRUG TEST IF YOU HAVE TAKEN IT WITHIN THE LAST 14 DAYS.

c) Requires a TUE – you need to check whether you are required to apply for a Pre-test TUE or Post-test TUE (see above for criteria). See Step 3 below for guidance:

Step 3: Your medication requires a TUE!
A doctor should always prescribe a permitted medication to treat a medical condition if there is one available. If there is no permitted alternative you must either apply for a TUE before you take the medication or ensure that a comprehensive medical file is kept containing full details of your medical condition, including a detailed medical history, any relevant test results and any further supporting medical information.

For further information please refer to www.irishsportscouncil.ie/anti-doping or contact Irish Gymnastics Anti-Doping Officer, Dermot Howlin pwo@irishgymnastics.ie...