BE SAFE ……… NOT SORRY!!
In view of the spiralling drug testing problems, supposedly resultant from the use of dietary supplements, Harrow AC advises members to exercise extreme caution in the use of such substances. Traces of a wide variety of different drugs and supplements can be detected using a hair follicle test. It is our belief that it is safest not to use them unless prescribed by your GP, at which time you should advise the Doctor that you are an athlete and that the contents of the prescribed must not appear on the latest list of banned substances as issued by W.A.D.A. (World Anti Doping Agency) or other athletic governing bodies.
A full list of banned substances can be found at:
The World Anti Doping Agency’s website under the “Resources” tab.
The Athletes page is an excellent starting point if you need detailed information.
If you are currently taking supplements please ensure that they do not contain any of the listed substances.
If in doubt, cease taking them and refer to your GP or the chemist where purchased.
You should also be aware that recreational drugs such as cannabis and its derivatives (see this website for examples), whilst becoming more accepted for medicinal use, are now also a prohibited substance for athletes. UK Sport advises that the elimination period for these is about three months, which should be taken into account if cannabis or its derivatives are to be taken to treat a medical condition or injury.
Under IAAF rules the individual is responsible for anything that appears within their body system whether you have taken it knowingly or otherwise. The basis of the rule is that you should not put anything into your body without first being certain that the contents are within the rules of the sport. Ignorance is not a defence!
NB: Anyone using an inhaler must register the fact with UKA. If you have not done so please ask your team manager for a form.
Please also refer to the guidance contained on the UKA website.
Update July 2024:
WADA (World Anti-Doping Authority) have requested changes to the wording of the agreement to be signed by athletes/parents:
“All participants (including athletes and athlete support personnel) in any licensed event are bound to UK Athletics’ anti-doping rules and must make themselves familiar with these rules. Organisers of licensed events are expected to cooperate with UK Anti-Doping with regards to any code-compliant anti-doping investigations and proceedings linked to their event or participants in their event, and to include the following statement regarding anti-doping compliance, provided by UKAD, within their event registration process:
“An entrant shall be deemed to have made himself/herself/themself, familiar with, and agreed to be bound by the UKA Anti-Doping Rules and to submit to the authority of UK Anti-Doping in the application and enforcement of the Anti-Doping Rules. The UKA Anti-Doping Rules apply to entrants participating in the sport of Athletics, for 12 months from the date of entering the event, whether or not the participant is a citizen of, or resident in, the UK.”
