IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Following changes to the World Anti Doping Code which will come into force on the 1st January 2009 the Australian Sports Anti Doping Authority (ASADA) has requested that all sports amend their Anti Doping Policies.

Using the ASADA template Archery Australia has reviewed our policy which has now been approved by the Archery Australia Board and ASADA.

The new Archery Australia Anti Doping Policy will come into force on the 1st January 2009. 

For printed copies of the policyy please contact the Archery Australia Office on 02 9772 2995 or email archeryaustralia@bigpond.com.

There have been major changes to the policy and who can be tested. In principal all members of Archery Australia are covered by the Anti Doping policy but the majority will most likely never be tested. There are two possible ways people will be tested  “In Competition” and “Out of Competition”.

In Competition applies to anyone who enters an International event, National Championships or National level event such as Australian Open or Team Selection event. ASADA may test identified athletes, medal winners or conduct random testing at these tournaments.

Testing will generally not be carried out at any other event's unless ASADA are specifically targeting an identified individual who has been listed on the International Testing Pool (ITP) , Registered Testing Pool (RTP) or Domestic Testing Pool (DTP).

Out of Competition applies only to people who have been identified in the archery International Testing Pool (ITP) , Registered Testing Pool (RTP) or Domestic Testing Pool (DTP). These people must provide to ASADA or FITA regular “Whereabouts and Contact Information. Using this information either FITA or ASADA can then test people at any time by going to a location identified in the information provided.
    
So what if you take a banned or restricted drug for medical reasons.?

For the average member who is not competing in an International Tournament, National Championships, National level tournament this means you are generally considered as a recreational athlete and generally will not be tested. 

If you plan to compete in a National Championships, National level tournament (Australian Open, Team Selection Event etc) and you require medical treatment for illness, disease or injury and can only be treated by substances or methods that would otherwise be prohibited for use in sport you must apply for a TUE (Therapeutic Use Exemption).

To obtain a TUE form go to the ASDMAC website www.asdmac.gov.au. You then take the form to your doctor, your doctor should then complete the form attaching all supporting clinical evidence.
You then send the completed form with evidence direct to ASMAC at P.O. Box 345, Curtin ACT 2605.

ASMAC then reviews the application and supporting evidence and issues an exemption. Be aware an exemption is not automatic and if you are taking some substances such as Beta-blockers under FITA and WADA rules for archery no exemption can be granted.

If you plan to compete in an International Event such as a World Championships, Olympic Games, World Cup etc and you are again being treated by substances or methods that would otherwise be prohibited for use in sport you must apply direct to FITA for an International TUE. These forms can be found on the FITA website www.archery.organd must be sent along with all supporting clinical evidence direct to FITA at least 21 days prior to the event..

If you are going overseas and plan to compete in another countries National Championships or National Level tournament after the 1st January 2009 you should seek advise on that countries Anti Doping requirements from the Organising Committee.

Also from the 1st January 2009 ATUE’s (Abbreviated Therapeutic Use Exemption) will no longer be issued. Anyone with a existing ATUE will remain in place until it expires in 2009 or at the 31st December 2009. If you need to take “Inhaled Beta-2 Agonists for Asthma or other medication previously covered by an ATUE you no longer apply for an ATUE. You must compile and maintain a record of your medical file meeting minimum requirements which justifies their use.

This record should include -

Complete medical history

Comprehensive report of the clinical examination and for Asthma with specific focus on the respiratory system
 
In the case of Inhaled Beta-2 Agonists for Asthma you must also provide

Report of current spirometry

If airway obstruction is present, the spirometry will be repeated after inhalation of a short-acting beta-2 agonist to demonstrate the reversibility of the bronchonconstruction

In the absence of the reversible airway obstruction, a bronchial provocation test is required to establish the presence of airway hyper-responsiveness

The exact name, speciality, address (including telephone, email and fax) of the examining physician

Also if you are tested you should for your own protection declare any medications or supplements you are taking to the person carry out the test and ensure this information is recorded by the tester.

If you are tested and there is an adverse analytical finding, the athlete will be required to provide their medical file and complete a TUE form. The file and TUE application form will then be used to determine whether the use of the medication was for legitimate therapeutic purposes and whether a retroactive TUE will be granted.

The same ruels apply for FITA for athltese competing in international events.

Conducting a Drug Test

If you are selected for a Anti Doping test you will be approached by the Anti Doping Officer following the completion of the event. The Anti Doping Officer must not approach you while you are competing.

The Anti Doping Officer will then remain with the identified athlete until the test has been completed. You must go with the Anti Doping Officer immediately you have finished competing, if you wish to pack up equipment, warm down or are required to attend a medal ceremony you must seek approval from the officer. If in the opinion of the Anti Doping Officer you are attempting to delay giving a sample it will be considered as a missed test and you will be penalised.

When undertaking a Anti Doping test you should be accompanied by a representative (parent, coach or team official) who will act as your witness.

In the past when you provided the sample this was witnessed only by the Anti Doping Officer in privacy with no one else in attendance. As from the 1st January 2009 your representative may also accompany you and observe the conduct of the Anti Doping Officer who is witnessing the passing of the sample.

This is particularly important for minors, in the past this was not a requirement as all Anti Doping Officers had to undergo the appropriate Working with Children Checks. Anti Doping Officers still are checked but to provide protection for all parties the athlete can request the attendance of their representative. It should be stressed the athlete representative is in attendance to observe the Anti Doping Officer not the athlete giving the sample.

Athletes giving a sample should also avoid excessive re-hydration (drinking water etc) prior to taking the test. Some feel it will be easier to pass a sample when you have consumed a lot of water. In fact this may effect the Specific Gravity of the sample for analysis which must not less than 1.005. In the past the sample also needed to pass a pH test but this is no longer required.

If the sample does not meet the Specific Gravity requirements the athlete must remain in the testing centre until a suitable sample can be provided which may take hours and the passing of a number of samples.

If you require further information on the procedures and what medications are banned go to the ASADA website www.asada.gov.auwhich has a number of Fact Sheets and a Q&R section. You can also call 1300 027 232.