All athletes have the right to compete in sport knowing that they, and their competitors, are clean.
We believe in clean sport and work in partnership with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and our International Federation (FIS) to ensure that the integrity of our sport is protected.
ANTI-DOPING
WHAT ARE THE ANTI-DOPING RULES IN THE UK?
We align with UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and operate under a set of anti-doping rules that all athletes and athlete support personnel are required to follow.
These rules are fully compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code (WADA), the international framework that harmonises anti-doping policies, rules and regulations across sport worldwide.
The anti-doping rules applicable to Snowsport England are those published by UK Anti-Doping.
If you are a member of Snowsport England, these rules apply to you regardless of your age, discipline or level of participation. We encourage all members to familiarise themselves with their responsibilities under the UK Anti-Doping Rules, which can be found here.
Breaking the anti-doping rules can result in a ban from all sport. The Code outlines the Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs). Athletes and athlete support personnel need to make sure they are fully aware of these violations, and the consequences of breaking them. Visit the UKAD website for more information.
Top Tips for Clean Sport
An athlete is responsible for anything found in their system, regardless of how it got there or whether there is any intention to cheat. All athletes and athlete support personnel should make themselves aware of the risks, so they don’t receive an unintentional ban from sport.
The Prohibited List
All prohibited substances and methods in Code-compliant sports are outlined in the Prohibited List. The Prohibited List is managed and coordinated by WADA. The list is updated each year on 1 January. It is possible for WADA to make changes to the list more than once a year, but they must communicate such changes three months before they come into effect. As this list is updated annually, athletes and athlete support personnel should make sure they check it ahead of it coming into effect. More information can be found on UKAD’s website here.
Checking medications
Before taking any medication (whether from a doctor or purchased over the counter), athletes must check to make sure it doesn’t contain any prohibited substances. Medications (ingredients or brand name) can be checked online at Global DRO. It is important to note that medications bought in one country may contain different ingredients to the same branded medication in another country. For more information on checking medications, visit UKAD’s website here.
Taking nutritional supplements
UKAD always advises a food first approach to nutrition, as there are no guarantees that any supplement product is free from prohibited substances. Athletes can support their training and progress towards their targets by eating and enjoying nutritious food. With a bit of planning, it is possible to eat a delicious and healthy diet made up of a variety of food types at the right time, and in the right quantities.
Athletes should assess the need, risks and consequences before deciding to take a supplement, and if they need to use one, visit the Informed Sport website to check whether supplements have been batch-tested. More advice on managing supplement risks can be found on UKAD’s Supplement Hub here
If an athlete with a legitimate medical condition needs to use a prohibited substance or method, they will need to apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE). This is only accepted if there are no other suitable permitted medications or treatments that can be used, and there is a strict, detailed process to determine this.
Athletes can find out more information about the TUE process on the UKAD website and use the TUE Wizard to find out whether they need to apply for a TUE and who to submit their application to.
Applying for a Therapeutic Use Exemption
TESTING
Athletes should feel prepared and know their rights and responsibilities when they are notified to be tested by a Chaperone or Doping Control Officer. Check out this video below on the testing process from start to finish.
Watch this video and find out more in the Introduction to Testing section of UKAD’s website.
PROTECT YOUR SPORT
Protecting clean sport depends on everyone playing their part – athletes, coaches and parents – whether on centre stage or behind the scenes. Speak out if you feel there’s something wrong – no matter how small. UKAD guarantee that your identity will always be kept 100% confidential. There are different ways to speak out:
• Email – When you feel something’s wrong, send an email. UKAD guarantee that your name and email address will be kept confidential. Email at protectyoursport@reportdoping.com
• Online Form – Tell us what you know via UKAD’s online form. You will remain anonymous as standard, but if you choose to share your details confidentially it could help UKAD catch those in sport who seek to cheat.
• 24/7 Hotline – Call on 0800 032 2332 or WhatsApp +44 7822 023233. If you prefer to remain 100% anonymous, you can. Or if you share your details, they will be kept confidential and may help keep sport clean
Find out the more about speaking out and Protect Your Sport here.
Please do not hesitate to ask questions about the anti-doping rules.
You can ask Snowsport England and contact UKAD directly, who will be able to answer any questions and provide guidance. UKAD can be contacted at ukad@ukad.org.uk or +44 207 842 3450.
Regular updates from UKAD can also be found in the news section of their website.
Contact the Snowsport England anti-doping lead: Tom Farenden - tom@snowsportengland.org.uk