Drug use in sport affects athletes of all ages, sports and levels of competition to some extent.

Drug use in sport is more than anabolic steroids or the deliberate use of drugs and substances to improve performance. It also involves medications used to treat illness and injury and the use of social drugs such as alcohol and tobacco.

All individuals involved in sport need to be aware of the many issues related to drugs and their influences on sporting performance.

It is recognised that some forms of drug use are responsible and acceptable. Certain medications are essential for maintenance of health.

In sport, medications may be used to overcome injury or illness or be able to compete safely.

Before using any medications in conjunction with physical activity it is recommended that advice be sought from a doctor or pharmacist.

Tips for sport

• Coaches should be made aware of all medications being taken and any conditions requiring medication that may be relevant to ensure the safety of their athletes.
• Athletes should not be encouraged to continue to compete at the risk of their own health and safety. The slogan “If in doubt - sit it out!” promotes a sensible approach.
• If you have a cough, cold or flu, seek medical advice before playing. The contribution of illness, taking cough and cold medication and strenuous exercise can be dangerous.
• Prescribed medications should be used as outlined by the doctor.

The use of substances such as tobacco, alcohol and marijuana have the potential to compromise the positive attributes of participation in sport. These and other drugs, through their negative impact on the body, have the potential to greatly reduce performance and can influence health and safety. They should therefore be discouraged.

Drug use in sport also relates to the sensible and appropriate consumption of alcohol by parents and spectators and the provision of smoke free areas at sporting venues.

The use of prohibited performance enhancing drugs and doping practices in sport is contrary to the ethics of sport and potentially harmful to the health of athletes.

Tips for athletes

• Athletes subject to drug testing should check all medications and supplements to ensure they do not contain prohibited substances.
• Athletes should be aware that some nutritional supplements (particularly from overseas) may contain prohibited substances, some of which may not be listed on the label.

To determine the status of a medication call the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA) hotline (1800 020 506). The hotline is a confidential service that provides information to elite athletes, coaches and medical practitioners. (Hours 9am to 5pm Monday-Friday AEST). Medications can also be checked using the on-line medications listing on the ADSA website.

It is the athlete’s responsibility to ensure that they are not using a prohibited substance.

Athletes should first seek information regarding their sports anti-doping policy from the specific national or state sporting organisation or institute.

Testing occurs in and out-of-competition for substances and doping methods prohibited by a particular sport.

Athletes and the people who support them should be educated on other issues relating to drugs in sport, including:

• Which drugs are permitted
• Drug testing procedures
• Athlete’s rights and responsibilities

Coaches, administrators, senior players, sports trainers, fitness instructors, teachers and parents play a very important role in creating a healthy sporting environment and influencing attitudes towards appropriate drug use.

For further information on safe drug and substances practices in your sports organisation refer to the details below.

ASDA

Hotline: 1800 020 506
Telephone: (02) 6206 0200

Australian Sports Drug Agency deters the use of banned doping practices in sport via education, testing, advocacy and coordination of Australia’s anti-doping program. Further information can be found on ASDA’s website: www.asda.org.au