The Association's Rules of Competition expressly forbid the use of prohibited drugs or methods to alter performance. Until recently differences existed both between sports and between countries in what was or was not permitted. The Rules of the Code are binding not only on players but also on support personnel - coaches, trainers, managers, etc. And as such have a direct impact on a whole team! So anyone transgressing the code, damages him/herself and also all the innocent team-mates.

Under the principle of 'Strict Liability' any banned substance found in a player's body is deemed to be the absolute responsibility of that person. Initially the player's guilt is total, although explanations may be considered in mitigating any sanction. However, this should not be assumed.

As all players are strictly liable for their own drug-free condition they need to take on responsibility for themselves in the following areas:

•    Being aware of the latest lists detailing prohibited substances and methods.
•    Checking the status of any substance used, e.g. over the counter medicines, and even “traditional remedies” found in other parts of the world. The big changes occur on January 1st – but keep checking the small print on every packet!
•    Informing a GP or medical practitioner that treatment where possible should not violate anti-doping rules. The doctor needs to know if someone is an elite athlete, as this may affect the medicine prescribed.
•    Submitting a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) form should it be necessary to use a prohibited substance or method in the treatment of a legitimate medical condition. The team manager or team doctor must submit this to the Control Committee on every day of competition, just before a match.
•    Providing accurate whereabouts information if part of the OOCT programme.

Those involved with supporting players in any way should:
•    Denounce doping as cheating and potentially dangerous.
•    Promote understanding of anti-doping protocols and requirements.
•    Support players during testing.
•    Remind and help those players on OOCT programmes to provide correct information and to comply with agreed schedules.
•    They SHOULD NOT turn a blind eye to doping offences on the grounds of friendship, team selection pressures, or perceived degree of seriousness. All doping is serious.

UK Anti-Doping Procedures Guide 2011

UK Anti-Doping has made some small changes to the UK Anti-Doping Rules and Regulations for Sport Manual. A brief summary of the changes for 2011 can be found here at the 2011 Advice card.

Further detailed information, on substances list, TUE's, protocols, and the online resource for checking medicines, etc can be found through the following links:

UK Anti Doping in Sport

Global Drug Reference Online