The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) reminds athletes, support personnel and the shooting sport community that it is imperative to determine whether a medication is on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and to obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption prior to use if it is prohibited.
Athletes have a personal responsibility to evaluate every medication they consume to ensure it won’t result in a positive test. This year alone, the ISSF has been informed of many national level cases in various sports where the source of a banned substance in an athlete’s sample was determined to be a medication taken in error.
Unfortunately, ignorance and complacency are not legitimate reasons to use a prohibited substance. Under the rule of strict liability, athletes are responsible for any prohibited substances found in their sample.
Athletes should keep these actions top of mind to minimize the risk of an unintentional anti-doping rule violation:
- Before using a prescription or over-the-counter medication, search Global DRO to determine whether it is prohibited in sport.
- If you have a prescription for a prohibited medication, use the Medical Exemption Wizard to determine whether an exemption is necessary.
- When you consult a medical professional, make sure they know that you are subject to anti-doping rules, and ensure they are familiar with the Prohibited List.
- Don’t use another person’s medication. If you need to use someone’s medication in an emergency, make sure you apply for a medical exemption after the fact.
- Don’t share or borrow medications. Maintain a personal supply of commonly used medications.
- When travelling outside your home country, renew prescriptions prior to departure and bring a supply of commonly used over-the-counter medications.
WADA maintains the Prohibited List, an international standard identifying which substances and methods are prohibited in sport. The List is updated every January 1.
Athletes who require a medication that is on the Prohibited List can apply for a Therapeutic Exemption to provide authorization to take the medication. The form can be downloaded here
https://www.issf-sports.org/getfile.aspx?mod=docf&pane=1&inst=29&iist=65&file=ISSF_Therapeutic_Use_Exemptions_Application_Form_-_TUE.pdf
As always… remember that its better to be safe than sorry!
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