Role of Athletes in Preventing Doping

 

        ROLE OF ATHLETES IN PREVENTING DOPING

Athletes have the right to:

• Ø  Nominate a representative of their choice to accompany them to the Doping Control Station
• Ø  Request information regarding the sample collection procedure
• Ø  Request a delay in reporting to the Doping Control Station, or leave the Doping Control Station once they have reported, with the consent of a Doping Control Official, while at all time in full view of the chaperone for valid reasons including to:

 

1. −       Attend a victory ceremony
2. −       Compete in further events
3. −       Finish a training session
4. −       Receive necessary medical attention
5. −       Fulfil media commitments
6. −       Warm down
7. −       Undertake other activities considered reasonable and approved by the Doping Control Officer

 

• Ø  Request modifications to standard Sample Collection Procedures – this will be recorded on the Doping Control Test Form and only applies to athletes with a disability
• Ø  Request an interpreter if they have (for any reason)

 

Athletes have the responsibility to:

Ø  Be aware of and comply with their sports anti-doping policy (including the provision of accurate whereabouts information)
Ø   Be available for and comply with sample collection procedures
Ø  Remain in sight of the official at all times until the Sample Collection Procedures are complete (once notified for sample collection)
Ø   Report to the Doping Control Station as soon as practical or within 60 minutes
Ø  Whichever is sooner after being notified that they are required to provide a sample
Ø  They control the sample until it is sealed in the sample collection equipment
Ø  The sealed sample collection kit is secure and identified
Ø  All appropriate documentation is accurate, complete and signed
Ø  Be aware of which substance are prohibited
 

What parents can do:

Ø  Focus on fun- Encourage your teen to focus on the fun of the game and self-improvement, rather than who scores or wins. Reassure your teen of your love and support, regardless of his or her performance.

Ø  Discuss ethics and proper training- Remind your teen that using a performance-enhancing drug is cheating and also could lead to serious health problems. Explain that a healthy diet and rigorous training are the proven keys to athletic performance.

Ø  Be clear about your expectations- Tell your teen that you expect him or her to avoid performance-enhancing drugs. Set rules and explain the consequences of breaking them.

Ø  Get involved- Attend games and practices- Encourage your teen’s coaches, school and sports organizations to discourage the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Ø  Keep an eye on your teen’s purchases- Check the ingredients of any over-the-counter products your teen uses.

 

Help is available

If you suspect that your teen is using performance-enhancing drugs, talk to him or her about the risks and benefits of using. You might come across as more credible to your teen if you’re willing to discuss both sides of the issue. Also, talk to your teen about his or her long-term goals and how using performance-enhancing drugs might interfere with those plans. 

If your teen admits to using performance-enhancing drugs, encourage him or her to stop immediately. Make an appointment for your teen to see his or her doctor for a check-up and counselling.

Written by:

Yash Johari