World Archery expands clean sport initiatives following Anti-Doping Rule Violations
World Archery delivered an enhanced testing programme and organised an educational seminar on clean sport for team managers at the third stage of the 2016 Hyundai Archery World Cup in Antalya, Turkey.
The increased activity was in response to the publishing of summary decisions in two Anti-Doping Rule Violations on 12 June 2016.
The testing programme at the event – which also acted as the Final Olympic Qualification Tournament for Rio 2016 – was increased 300 percent, making it the most extensive undertaken during an Archery World Cup stage in the circuit’s history.
It was implemented by the Turkish Anti-Doping Agency, following recent recommendations from the World Anti-Doping Agency, and took into consideration those nations recently declared non-compliant. Thirty-nine in-competition tests were completed, based on the test distribution plan produced by SportAccord’s Doping-Free Sports Unit. Many were done in the early stages of the tournament.
The focus of the educational seminar was reminding coaches and team managers of the important role they have to play in keeping athletes clean.
An emphasis was placed on the risks of unintentional doping and the action a coach should take they receive a report of an adverse analytical finding. The seminar was based on material from WADA’s Coach True programme.
The risks of using supplements and over-the-counter medication were also highlighted.
An over-the-counter medication containing the prohibited substance Clostebol is expected to be found as a factor in one of the recent Anti-Doping Rule Violations.
Also given during the seminar was an in-depth explanation on Therapeutic Use Exemptions and the process of providing whereabouts information. Another case involved Sibutramine found in a weight loss supplement in Asia.
World Archery President Prof Dr Ugur Erdener said: “Although archery is a lower risk sport, it is not immune to the use of prohibited substances, especially unintentional use. As an international federation we have a responsibility to protect clean athletes through comprehensive testing and education. World Archery will do whatever it takes to ensure the sport remains clean.”
World Archery has delegated its clean sport programme to SportAccord’s Doping Free Sports Unit since 2012.
World Archery will continue to deliver its comprehensive clean sport programme, taking into account the latest advice from WADA, in the lead up to the Games.
