What is a Declaration of Use, what purpose does it have, and when should I use it?
The Prohibited List identifies certain substances and methods that are not prohibited but for which a shooter is required to file a Declaration of Use. The purpose of this declaration is to allow the doping control authority to know which substances the shooter has been using in the event of a positive test. Shooters must satisfy this requirement by declaring the use on a Doping Control Form or Declaration of Use form at the time of testing and, when possible, by filing a Declaration of Use through ADAMS prior to testing. Shooters are encouraged to use the Declaration of Use Form. Filling out a Declaration of Use, when possible, prior to testing ensures that there are no oversights by the shooter on the day of the test and ensures that further complications are avoided in the event of a positive test caused by the use of that substance. Better safe than sorry.
What can I take if I have a cold or the flu?
Can I be excused when taking medicine to get well? If an athlete has a cold, flu, or hay fever there are a number of permitted medications. Ensure medications do not contain other prohibited stimulants by checking Drug Reference Online. The antihistamines are, in general, permitted as are cough medications and some decongestants purchased over-the-counter.
What if I need to take something for minor pain?
Slight to moderate pain can be effectively treated using non-narcotic drugs. Most non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., Ibuprofen, naproxen, Aleve, and Celebrex) are permitted. They have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-killing) actions.
What do I do if I need to take a painkiller for an injury?
For management of more severe pain there are a number of substances that are permitted, such as codeine, propoxyphene, Ultram, and hydrocodone. For other narcotics, the athlete should ensure the medication they are considering is not prohibited or if a Therapeutic Use Exemption is required. Narcotics are only tested in-competition and are not tested in the out-of-competition menu.
Can I use medication that has been prescribed by a doctor?
Some medications prescribed by physicians for treatment of legitimate medical conditions may be prohibited. A prohibited substance is still prohibited, even if prescribed by a doctor. If this substance is found in a shooter’s sample, it does not matter if the doctor prescribed it, the shooter will be responsible.
ISSF does not prohibit treatment by a physician; ISSF prohibits the use of certain substances that may be provided to you by your physician in the course of treatment. ISSF follows the information on the status of medication only as provided by the World Anti-Doping Agency and according to the rules governing competition in sport. Always ask about the substance that is given to you, and do not take it if there is any doubt as to its ingredients.
What should I do if a prohibited medication is needed?
Alternative medications that are not prohibited may be available and can be used for treatment. An athlete's personal physician may not be aware of the drug restrictions in sports. The athlete should check with his or her National Anti-Doping Organization as they typically are aware of the drug restrictions in any given country.
There may be cases where the medication is essential and no permitted alternatives exist. In those circumstances a TUE may be requested. WADA requires that all anti-doping organizations have procedures for handling requests for TUEs. Submission of a request does not mean automatic approval of a TUE. The athlete should submit an application for a TUE no less than 21 days in advance of a competition. Remember that under no circumstances will the ISSF grant a TUE’s for the use of beta-blockers. The use of beta-blockers is strictly prohibited in and out of competition by ISSF.
If you are not a nationally ranked or international level shooter, and are over the age of 40 and require the use of beta-blockers to treat a documented medical condition, your National Anti-Doping Organization may exceptionally grant a national level TUE. Again, note that under no circumstances will this TUE be recognized in any ISSF competitions and under no circumstances will the ISSF grant a TUE for beta blockers for any international level shooters.
How can I know which medications can be taken?
Consult the WADA Prohibited List. Ask questions. Do not take any unknown substances (e.g., from a friend or acquaintance who offers something to help) and never take a family member's prescription. The use of foreign medications is strongly discouraged.
Do herbal remedies contain prohibited substances?
Herbal remedies have been found to contain prohibited stimulants or other substances which may not be listed on the label. These products vary greatly and a guarantee cannot be given as to their safety or acceptability in sport. As a general rule, you are best to avoid taking herbal remedies unless you are sure that they contain no prohibited substances.
If I am a coach, trainer, official or support person to an athlete or team, do I also need to follow the list of prohibited substances?
Although the anti-doping rules and testing only apply to athletes, the World Anti-Doping Program places a great deal of responsibility on officials and athlete support personnel to encourage drug-free sport. You do not need to complete an Abbreviated TUE for your medication or avoid the use of prohibited medication for therapeutic use. It is your responsibility to support athletes and impress upon them to check their medications. Officials and support personnel that encourage doping or help to administer prohibited substances may face sanctions in accord with the World Anti-Doping Code. |