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Anti-Doping Policy

Submitted by James Hosken on 19 October, 2007 - 12:39

The revised BCU Anti-Doping Rules are now available on the BCU website. These changes reflect the changes made to the ICF rules and bring our rules in line with those of the ICF. The key changes are those relevant to Athlete Whereabouts (World Class Podium Athletes) and clarification on consequences to teams and crew boats.

Additionally the 2008 WADA Prohibited list has also been published.

The aims and purpose of the British Canoe Union (BCU) Anti-Doping policy are to:

  • Uphold and preserve the ethics of Sport
  • Safeguard the physical health and mental integrity of the athletes
  • To ensure that all Athletes have an opportunity to compete equally

Therefore, the policy of the BCU is to promote Canoeing as a drug-free sport and that the BCU is committed to educate and inform all athletes, coaches and support personnel about the dangers of drugs and to test athletes to confirm and maintain their drug-free status.
Full details of the current BCU and ICF Anti-Doping rules together with additional information and advice relating to the BCU Anti-Doping policy can be found on the BCU website – Within the “About Us” Directory.

Andy Goodsell, Anti-Doping Officer, British Canoe Union. andy@bcu.org.uk

Athlete's Responsibilities

Your role as an Athlete carries with it many responsibilities, and your responsibility to compete cleanly and fairly is fundamental. Be responsible: Under the rules of the World Anti-Doping Code and the BCU Anti-Doping rules you are ultimately responsible for any prohibited substance found in your system. This is referred to as Strict Liability. Who do you trust? You are responsible for whom you trust to take advice from about substances, medication and supplements and you are accountable for those you entrust with access to your food and drink. This means that if you take medication from your doctor (GP or sports doctor) and do not check whether it is permitted you are at fault. Likewise, if you take a supplement that is contaminated, even after getting a guarantee from the manufacturer, you are still responsible for choosing to use that product. Here are 5 key responsibilities you must fulfil:

  • Stay up to date with the latest Prohibited List of Substances and Methods
  • Check the status of any substance before you use it – It is still considered an Anti-Doping offence if a Prohibited Substance is found in your system – despite how it came to be there
  • Inform all medical personnel responsible for your health and well being that you compete under specific Anti-Doping rules and ensure that medical treatment received does not violate Anti-Doping rules
  • Submit a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for any Prohibited Substance and/or Method you are prescribed for a legitimate medical condition, prior to competing – International, National and Domestic Testing Pool Athletes Only
  • Provide accurate whereabouts details of Out of Competition testing if required by the BCU, ICF or UK Sport – you will receive notification of the information you must provide – International and National Testing Pool Athletes Only

BCU Athlete Testing pools

International testing pool

Athletes selected for the International Testing pool will be notified in writing and controlled by the ICF and subject to:
  • In Competition testing
  • Out of Competition testing at Squad training
  • Out of Competition testing of Individuals

National Testing Pool

Athletes selected for the National Testing pool will be notified in writing and controlled by UK Sport and subject to:
  • In Competition testing
  • Out of Competition testing at Squad training
  • Out of Competition testing of Individuals
The National Testing pool will include the following athletes:
  • All athletes included within the International Testing pool
  • Other Athletes identified by UK Sport and/or the BCU

Domestic Testing pool

Athletes selected for the Domestic Testing pool will be controlled by the BCU and subject to:
  • In Competition testing
  • Out of Competition testing at Squad training
  • Out of Competition testing of Individuals
The Domestic Testing pool will include the following athletes (except those selected for the International and National Testing pools):
  • All Canoe Polo National Squad Members
  • Any Athlete in receipt of the following Grants:
    • Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme
    • SportsAid
Additionally, any Athletes entering the following tournaments are advised to comply with the key responsibilities detailed above:
  • Canoe Polo – Any athlete competing at a Division 1 tournament
Any athlete entering any BCU competition or event, irrespective of whether they meet the Testing pool criteria outlined above, may be subject to a Drug Test. All athletes competing at the Domestic Testing pool level are to provide current contact details to the BCU Anti-Doping Officer at all times (Address, Telephone and E-mail details). Should you require further information on the BCU Testing Pools or any other Anti-Doping matter, please contact the BCU Anti-Doping Officer (andy@bcu.org.uk).

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