From 1 January 2009...

There are several changes in anti doping regulations as a function of a major revision of the WADA code.

  • There are significant whereabouts regulation changes but any athletes affected will have heard from their governing bodies.
  • The biggest change that will affect some Institute athletes is the abolishment of the Abbreviated Therapeutic Exemption Certificate used for Asthma medication and Glucocorticoid treatments such as inhalers and “steroid injections”.  For asthma medication it will now be a full Therapeutic Exemption Certificate and more detailed medical information.

All previously granted abbreviated TUE expiring in 2009 are still valid but those due to expire after 2009 will cease to be valid as of 1 January 2010.  The level of proof of Asthma requested by some sports in the past will now not be accepted – however the Institute can test or arrange testing.  Any athlete with expiring TUE’s in 2009 should contact me well in advance as submission has to be three weeks prior to a doping test or expiry of the TUE.

These Glucocorticoids including Steroid inhalers and injections can now be declared online at https://declarations.uksport.gov.uk  Remind any injecting doctor such as an Orthopaedic surgeon to complete this declaration if you are receiving an injection.

  • The prohibited list has some modifications such as use of the heterogeneous phrase (Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents) to cover newer variations on Erythropoietin.
  • Gonadotrophins such as LH, CG are named as these are banned in males.
  • Alpha educates inhibitors are no longer prohibited.  Carbonic Anhydrase inhibitors when used in eye drops are now not prohibited.
  • A defining of when Intravenous Infusions can be used legitimately i.e. most genuine medical purposes, is added.
  • Some new gene doping preparations are named.

Further information available at WADA web site: www.wada-ama.org/en/

Brian Walker
Head of Sports Medicine