ANTI-DOPING & ILLICIT DRUGS PROGRAMME ANNUAL REPORT

Transcription

1 ANTI-DOPING & ILLICIT DRUGS PROGRAMME ANNUAL REPORT SEASON 2010/2011

2 CONTENTS Foreword... 4 Executive Summary... 6 Anti-Doping Programme... 8 o Anti-Doping Landscape...8 o Objectives...10 o Education...10 o Testing Programme...12 o Anti-Doping Rule Violations...15 Illicit Drugs Programme...15 o Illicit Drugs Landscape...15 o Objectives...16 o Education...16 o Testing Programme...16 Next Season...17 Appendices

3 FOREWORD The vast majority of rugby players at all levels expect the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to ensure that competition amongst players and teams is fair. Allowing for the vagaries of any sport, players should be selected on merit and games should be won by the better teams. Cheating and the particular scourge of doping should play no part. The RFU s published core values have an implicit anti-doping message woven into their fabric: we speak out if our team or sport is threatened by inappropriate words or actions; we hold in high esteem our sport, its values and traditions and earn the respect of others in the way we behave; we use our sport to adopt a healthy lifestyle; we safeguard our young players; we ensure that our sport is honest and fair; we support our disciplinary system, which protects our sport and upholds its values; we play to win but not at all costs. This is the first annual report on antidoping activity within rugby union in England. It provides a full account of the activities of the RFU and its antidoping partners in a dedicated report. The commitment to report publicly on antidoping came partly as a component of the illicit drug programme that started in the 2010/2011 season. All parties recognise the damage that the use of illicit drugs does to the image of the game, but they can also damage the health and wellbeing of players. As public figures and role models, professional players can set a positive example to others, particularly the thousands of young people who follow the sport. Although a lack of qualitative and quantitative data on illicit drug use in English rugby union means it is difficult to draw any clear conclusions, seven positive tests in the RFU anti-doping testing programme from 2004 to 2009 were for illicit drug use, amid a general rise in illicit drug use in society. The World Anti-Doping Agency Code (the Code) is based primarily on performance enhancing drugs, so to test thoroughly for illicit drugs such as cocaine and cannabis, the RFU, Premiership Rugby Limited (PRL) and the Rugby Players Association (RPA) implemented a complementary policy in England. The new illicit drugs policy was informed by models of good practice from other sports, such as the Australian Football League and National Rugby League in Australia. An illicit drugs forum at Twickenham Stadium on July 15, 2009 led to the implementation of an integrated three-fold programme of education (prevention), testing/sanction (deterrent), and counselling/treatment (rehabilitation). The content of this report reveals a sport currently in good health and players who are genuine advocates for the core values of the game in England. Roy Headey Chair, Anti-Doping Advisory Group It is of the utmost importance to all the stakeholders within rugby union that we look after the health and welfare of players whilst also working to protect the image of our sport. We agreed at the start of the 2010/2011 season to publish this report, whatever the findings, and that openness and transparency is a critical component to establish confidence in the work we are undertaking. The good news that this report conveys is reason for optimism but is not a cause for complacency. It indicates that the work we have undertaken with our players has been successful and that we are all committed to maintaining a clean sport. The Anti-Doping Advisory Group and the stakeholders it represents will continue to improve and enhance the education, testing, rehabilitation and support mechanisms for our players to ensure that rugby union maintains its leadership role as a drug-free sport. Phil Winstanley Rugby Director, PRL and member of the Anti-Doping Advisory Group In a business where combative, physical competition between teams is the whole point, fair play is essential. The alternative would be potentially catastrophic. Doping, arguably the worst form of cheating, is something the RPA wants no part of. My thanks to the players for demonstrating once again that, through collaboration, we can contribute to maintaining a game that is great to play and great to watch. David Barnes Chair, RPA and member of the Anti-Doping Advisory Group 4 5

4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This is the first annual report on antidoping activity within rugby union in England. It provides a full account of the activities of the RFU and its antidoping partners in a dedicated report. The commitment to report publicly on antidoping came partly as a component of the illicit drug programme that started in the 2010/2011 season. The RFU anti-doping staff delivered education and update sessions to all England squads during the course of the season, including tailored sessions for the England Sevens squad prior to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi and the England U20 squad prior to the Junior World Cup in Italy. Squad briefings are planned to take place at Aviva Premiership and RFU Championship clubs during the pre-season period for season 2011/12 and will be delivered to all senior players and full-time academy players at each club. Use of supplements has become increasingly widespread amongst sports people, including rugby players and young players in particular. In order to reflect the increased use of supplementation and to effectively address the associated risks, the RFU supplement position statement has been reviewed and updated and is available on the RFU website accompanied by a wide range of supporting education resources. Out of 705 anti-doping tests, only 2 players tested positive, both for Methylhexaneamine (MHA). Both were inadvertent and caused by a contaminated batch of the same supplement. Blood testing has been introduced, comprising 17% of all out-of-competition tests. Blood testing is the most effective way of screening for human growth hormone (HGH) and erythropoietin (EPO) use. UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) deems the sport of rugby union to be high risk in doping terms. As a high risk sport, UKAD requires the RFU to regulate for a national registered testing pool NRTP, in addition to the international testing pool (ITP) and international registered testing pool (IRTP) that comprise the global rugby standard. UKAD is currently the only national anti-doping organisation amongst the 22 countries involved in the irb s outof-competition testing programme that requires an NRTP to be established. 808 tests were undertaken as part of the RFU Illicit Drugs Policy during season 2010/2011, with no positive results recorded. 97% of available Aviva Premiership players were tested at least once during the course of the season. Hair testing was introduced as an additional tool to aid the detection of illicit drugs. Analysis of a hair sample can detect illicit drug use over an extended period of time in some cases up to five months. This season the RFU conducted a number of hair tests with feedback from the players very encouraging. The RFU is confident that hair testing will prove to be a valuable deterrent and detection measure in the future. The content of this report describes a sport currently in good health and players who are genuine advocates for the core values of the game in England. This gives cause for optimism about the game, but not complacency, since the war on doping must be continuous, to ensure the RFU maintains its leadership role within drug-free sport. AT A GLANCE The Anti-Doping Programme 1000 Players and player support staff received anti-doping education Anti-doping tests conducted on players under the RFU s jurisdiction Illicit Drugs Programme % Tests conducted under the RFU illicit drugs policy 0 Positive tests from the RFU illicit drugs policy testing programme Cases taken forward as anti-doping rule violations Of all available Premiership players tested at least once 6 7

5 ANTI-DOPING PROGRAMME The Anti-Doping Landscape The anti-doping landscape has a global perspective. The four main organisations involved in regulation, education, testing and results management for rugby union in England are:- RFU The Rugby Football Union was founded in 1871 and is the governing body for rugby union in England. The RFU condemns drug use in sport. It is harmful to the health of players, totally contrary to the spirit of rugby and the RFU is committed to protecting all players fundamental right to participate in doping free rugby 1. The RFU works closely with UKAD and the irb in the fight against doping, and conducts a comprehensive anti-doping programme covering education, testing and results management. In addition to the anti-doping programme the RFU was the first union in the world to introduce an illicit drug testing programme. A new Anti-Doping Advisory Group was established at the beginning of the 2010/2011 season to take over from a number of antidoping groups that had been established. The group is accountable to the RFU Governance Committee and the Professional Game Board. Its remit includes advising on and the drafting of RFU anti-doping rules and regulations, amendments to policy and ensuring that the RFU remains at the forefront of the fight against doping in rugby union. The group is made up of members from the RFU, PRL and the RPA, and meets regularly to discuss all aspects of anti-doping. programmes across the game supported by a regulatory system which is in compliance with the Code. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) WADA s mission is to promote, coordinate and monitor the fight against doping in sport in all its forms. 3 WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency composed and funded equally by sport and governments of the world. Its key activities include scientific research, education, development of anti-doping capacities, and monitoring of the code. WADA is a Swiss private law foundation. Its seat is in Lausanne, Switzerland, and its headquarters are in Montreal, Canada. UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) UKAD is the national body responsible for the implementation and management of the UK s National Anti-Doping Policy. It is responsible for ensuring sports bodies in the UK comply with the Code. UKAD works with athletes and sports to develop and deliver education and anti-doping information programmes. UKAD s testing programme covers more than 40 sports. International Testing Regulation 21 Whereabouts Education Illicit Drugs Programme Global Regulator The WADA Code Testing Regulation 20 Whereabouts Education Results Management Anti-Doping Advisory Group UK Testing National Anti-Doping Policy Whereabouts Education Intelligence Management International Rugby Board (irb) The irb board adopted the WADA Code in June 2004 and is committed to a zero tolerance policy towards the use of prohibited substances, methods and drug cheats in the game 2. The irb undertakes extensive testing and educational irb Regulation 21 3 WADA Mission PLAYERS 8 9

6 Objectives of the Anti-Doping Programme To promote doping-free behaviour to positively influence the attitudes, beliefs and values of players and their support staff. To promote an attitude and culture amongst clubs, coaches and other support staff to actively support the anti-doping message. To raise the profile of the anti-doping message across rugby union. Education The RFU anti-doping education strategy has been revised for the period It has been drafted to deliver a comprehensive programme of education initiatives, each designed to deliver the core anti-doping education messages to a range of identified target groups. In line with the Code, the RFU education programme places an emphasis on the individual player to take responsibility for anti-doping. Working in partnership with the irb and UKAD the Keep Rugby Clean and 100% ME brands continue to form a key component of the education programme. Ambassadors Johnny Wilkinson and Simon Amor continue to act as 100% ME ambassadors for the RFU and help to promote the anti-doping message and education programme. Both players have contributed to education resources such as posters, videos and other promotional material. In addition the irb has a number of ambassadors from around the world to support the Keep Rugby Clean brand. 100% ME Tutors All Aviva Premiership and many RFU Championship clubs have members of staff trained as 100% ME tutors, accredited to provide advice and support players with their anti-doping obligations. The 100% ME tutor programme is currently being reviewed and updated by UKAD; it is proposed that the existing Tutor title be split into two levels known as Advisors and Educators. Advisors will be trained to advise athletes and respond to questions on anti-doping. They will have access to e-learning education modules to develop and maintain anti-doping knowledge and will receive regular updates. Educators will be trained to deliver more formal, structured anti-doping education sessions. Training for educators will build on that provided to advisors and focus on facilitation and presentation skills. Squad Workshops & Briefings The RFU anti-doping staff delivered education and update sessions to all senior England squads during the course of the season. A dedicated session was run for the England Sevens squad prior to the Commonwealth Games in Delhi which outlined the special considerations for players involved in a multi-sport event of this nature. A similar session is planned for the England squad prior to Rugby World Cup Education sessions have been delivered to all England age-group representative squads (U16 wider development squad, U18 Clubs & Schools, U18 & U20 squads). Each session is specifically designed to complement and build upon previous sessions delivered to the players as they progress through the England age-group squads. A specific session for the U20 squad was run in support of the irb s Keep Rugby Clean programme prior to the irb Junior World Championship in Italy. During the tournament, the team took part in a Keep Rugby Clean day, promoting antidoping in rugby. Squad briefings are planned to take place at Aviva Premiership and RFU Championship squads during the pre-season period for season 2011/12 and will be delivered to all senior players and full-time academy players at each club. Outreach Programme The RFU continues to raise awareness of anti-doping with young players through its successful Outreach campaigns which have been delivered in partnership with UKAD s 100% ME brand. This season the RFU took the anti-doping message to the world s largest schools rugby festival The Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools 7s which attracts 7,500 boys and girls aged 13 to 18. RFU and UKAD staff were in attendance to offer anti-doping advice and resources to players, coaches, teachers and parents throughout the event. Player Support Personnel Conferences & Seminars In addition to delivering education directly to players, education has been delivered to player support personnel through a series of specialised conferences and seminars. Anti-doping education has been delivered to coaches, medics, strength & conditioning experts and sports scientists. Player Whereabouts Support Individual induction training and ongoing support is provided to all clubs and players who fall under the athlete whereabouts requirements. This training includes their responsibilities under the athlete whereabouts programme and practical tuition on using the Anti-Doping Administration & Management System (ADAMS). Supplement Position Statement Use of supplements has become increasingly widespread amongst sports people, including rugby players and young players in particular. 4 In order to reflect the increased use of supplementation and to effectively address the associated risks, the RFU Supplement Position Statement has been reviewed and updated, and is available on the RFU website accompanied by a wide range of supporting education resources. RFU.com RFU.com continues to provide a platform for a range of anti-doping materials. The antidoping pages are regularly updated to reflect changes in the anti-doping landscape and provide relevant content for users. A new education resources section has been created which both hosts and signposts to a range of resources for people to download and use; including presentations, interactive quizzes, case studies and lesson plans. This section will go on to form part of the wider RFU offer to secondary schools for season 2011/12. Information is provided to players on a wide range of anti-doping topics, from the sample collection process to what to do if you have a medical condition needing a prohibited substance for treatment. There are also a series of leaflets and videos supporting anti-doping education. 4 Baylis et al. 2001),Baylis A, Cameron-Smith D, Burke LM. Inadvertent doping though supplement use by athletes: assessment and management of the risk in Australia. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab2001;11:

7 Testing Programme The RFU runs a comprehensive testing programme incorporating both in-competition and outof-competition testing. Over 70% of the tests carried out on players under RFU jurisdiction took place out-of-competition. For the first time, a wide-ranging blood testing programme was introduced, with 17% of all out-of-competition tests taking place as blood tests. Blood testing is the most effective way of screening for HGH and EPO use. We extend our thanks to the players and clubs for their support in embracing this relatively new sample collection method and for their valued feedback on the process. Of the 705 tests carried out on players under RFU jurisdiction only 2 players tested positive, both for Methylhexaneamine (MHA), and both of which were caused by a contaminated batch of the same supplement. Whereabouts The RFU adopts and implements irb Regulation 21 (irb anti-doping regulations). irb Regulation 21 has been agreed with 12 WADA and is therefore Code compliant. irb Regulation 21 makes no allowance for a National Registered Testing Pool (NRTP). UKAD deem this omission to be a breach of the Code and National Anti-Doping Policy. UKAD considers the sport of rugby union to be of high risk in doping terms. As a high risk sport UKAD requires the RFU to regulate for an NRTP. UKAD is currently the only national anti-doping organisation from 22 countries involved in the irb s out-of competition testing programme that requires an NRTP to be established. Effectively the extra requirement imposed upon the three home unions by UKAD, means it is possible for a player to be banned under circumstances that do not apply to the rest of the rugby playing nations. The consequence of this form of regulation is that a player could have three strikes under the NRTP system and be banned, whilst another player could have up to seven strikes under the combined NRTP, ITP and IRTP systems and still not be banned. Union National Registered Testing Pool irb International Testing Pool irb International Registered Testing Pool England Scotland Wales Australia New Zealand South Africa Ireland France Italy Argentina 13

8 The Testing Pool Structure: RFU UKAD Policy NRTP irb Reg. 21 ITP IRTP Player receives any combination of 3 filing failures or missed tests in an 18 month period Anti-Doping Rule Violations Karena Wihongi of Sale Sharks: Karena Wihongi was charged for the presence of Methylhexaneamine (MHA), a prohibited stimulant, in his sample provided after the Newcastle Falcons v Sale Sharks match on 9th January USN Anabolic Nitro was supplied to the club with a batch test certificate that showed no traces of any banned substance. It was shown through testing at a later stage that a contaminated batch of the supplement was the source of the prohibited substance. The panel said Players still do not seem to be getting the message about the risks of the use of nutritional supplements and we feel a period of ineligibility is warranted in this case commensurate with our findings as to the Player s degree of fault. Mr Wihongi was suspended from rugby for 4 months. ILLICIT DRUGS PROGRAMME Illicit Drugs Landscape Nico Steenkamp of Rotherham Titans: Nico Steenkamp was also charged for the presence of MHA in his sample provided after the Rotherham Titans v Cornish Pirates match on 8th January It was also Mr Steenkamp s case that a contaminated batch of the supplement USN Anabolic Nitro was the source of the prohibited substance. Mr Steenkamp had taken a number of steps to ensure that he was not taking a prohibited substance. At the hearing Mr Steenkamp was able to produce a letter from USN informing him that the batch of the Anabolic Nitro he had purchased was contaminated. Mr Steenkamp was suspended from rugby for 3 months. The specific details of these cases can be found on the RFU website. Charged with Anti-Doping Rule Violation 1-2 year suspension likely Transferred into the IRTP Charged with Anti-Doping Rules violation 1-2 year suspension likely Concerns about the health and welfare of players and the image and reputation of rugby in England led the RFU to develop an illicit drugs policy and testing programme in partnership with PRL and the RPA. Season 2010/2011 was the first full season to run with the policy in effect. The policy is run in a way that complements the anti-doping programme, consisting entirely of out-of-competition tests for the four most commonly found illicit drugs; cannabis, cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines. In Competition Out of Competition The above structure causes problems for players who reside in both the NRTP and the ITP because the regulations are inconsistent. This position is further exacerbated by being out of step with global rugby. The RFU is currently seeking the assistance of the irb and UKAD to resolve this issue. Therapeutic Use Exemptions & Declarations of Use Performance Enhancing Anti-Doping Programme Anti-Doping Programme The 2011 Prohibited List saw a number of changes, the most significant of which is the removal of the requirement for a Declaration of Use this meant a number of asthma inhalers no longer required an online declaration to be made. The 2011 list also saw the introduction of a new category S0, for non-approved substances and methods, which meant that any drugs undergoing pre-clinical or clinical development trials, or are not intended for human use, are banned in sport. Illicit Drugs Anti-Doping Programme RFU Illicit Drug Policy 14 15

9 Objectives of the Illicit Drugs Programme The two equally important principal objectives of the RFU Illicit Drugs Policy are: To protect the health and welfare of players; and To protect and promote the image and reputation of rugby as a game free of illicit drugs. In striving to achieve these objectives, it is recognised and accepted that an integrated approach to education, deterrence and rehabilitation is the most appropriate method of deterring the use of illicit drugs and protecting the health and welfare of players. The implementation and administration of this policy by the RFU will be consistent with the achievement of these objectives. Education Following the launch of the policy, an education session was run by the RPA at all Aviva Premiership clubs with the aim of informing the players and club staff of the details of the new programme. The main details of this session will be reiterated along with any updates prior to the start of the 2011/2012 season. Testing Programme The first season s results suggest that illicit drug use is not prevalent in the Aviva Premiership. Whilst this set of results is encouraging it is not justification for complacency. In total 808 tests were undertaken as part of the RFU Illicit Drugs Policy during season 2010/2011, with no positive results recorded. 97% of available Aviva Premiership players 5 were tested at least once, with many players tested more than once. Both urine and hair tests were conducted at all clubs throughout the season, with some additional focus placed on identified periods of higher risk. The majority of tests were conducted by random selection of players from the senior playing squads and full time academy players of each club. To assist the players, in consultation with Concateno Laboratories (the RFU s testing agency and sample analysis partner) the sample collection process has been designed to be as similar as possible to the sample collection procedure used for the anti-doping testing programme. Hair Testing Hair testing was introduced as an additional tool to aid the detection of illicit drugs. Analysis of a hair sample can detect illicit drug use over an extended period of time in some cases up to five months. The sample collection process for hair testing involves taking approximately cm long hairs, usually from the head or under arm area. Initial reports indicate that the sample collection process takes less time and that the players find it less intrusive than urine sample collection. A piece of hair 3cm in length will provide the laboratory with approximately three months worth of information. This season the RFU conducted a number of hair tests with feedback from the players very encouraging. The RFU is confident that hair testing will prove to be a valuable deterrent and detection measure in the future. 5 Percentage based on the total Aviva Premiership player pool, excluding those players on season-long loans to non-premiership clubs. In some cases where such players had returned to their parent clubs during the season they were tested. NEXT SEASON Anti Doping Programme As is evidenced by this report rugby union has to date enjoyed a low incidence of doping, however it is important to recognise that the sport does not exist in isolation and we must remain vigilant to the ongoing threat. The RFU will continue to work positively with its anti-doping stakeholders, whose ongoing support and collaboration is so fundamental to the success of the programme. In support of the new anti-doping education strategy for the period , the coming season will see the RFU broaden its education efforts, whilst continuing to provide continuity in the level of support provided to those previously identified within the education programme. The testing programme will maintain a similar approach in the coming season. A combination of in-competition and out-ofcompetition tests, urine and blood sample analysis and both random and targeted selection will be deployed in support of this aim. Illicit Drugs Programme The initial objectives of the illicit drugs policy remain as relevant now as they did when the policy was first introduced; to protect the health and welfare of players and to protect and promote the image of the game. To this end, the RFU will continue to operate an integrated three-fold strategy for season 2011/2012; one of education, deterrence and rehabilitation. Education will be delivered in partnership with the RPA during pre-season to players at all Aviva Premiership clubs. The testing strategy will build upon the lessons learnt during the current season and increasingly make use of hair testing after the successful introduction of this method of sample collection. It is anticipated that the ratio of hair tests to urine tests will be increased, whilst the overall number of tests will be slightly reduced. This testing strategy will provide a sharper tool for detecting illicit drug use and maintain the deterrent effect that regular testing provides, while not excessively impinging upon clubs and players training regimes and preparation for matches. Assessment, counselling and rehabilitation programmes will continue to be available to any player who is eligible under the policy

10 APPENDIX 1: ANTI-DOPING TESTING PROGRAMME RESULTS Season 2010/11 Level of Competition Season 2010/11 In-Competition v Out-of-Competition Tests 1% 16% 28% 28.2% 48% International Premiership Championship Other 71.8% In-Competition Out-of-Competition Season 2010/11 Testing Programmes Season 2010/11 Blood Tests v Urine Tests 6.8% 0.3% 15.6% RFU irb 6 Nations 84.4% Blood Urine 92.9% 18 19

11 Summary of results: season 2010/11 RFU irb 6 Nations Total Total tests conducted Individual players tested Year Comparison of In-Competition and Out-of-Competition Tests 500 Sample collection method Urine Blood Out-of-Competition In-Competition In-competition/Out-of-competition tests In-competition Out-of-competition / / / / /11 5 Year Comparison of Blood and Urine Tests 800 Level of testing International level Aviva Premiership RFU Championship Other Anti-Doping Rule Violations Urine Blood / / / / /

12 5 Year Comparison of Positive Results APPENDIX 2: ILLICIT DRUGS POLICY PROGRAMME RESULTS Positive Results Illicit Drugs Programme 2010/11 Hair v Urine Tests 7.4% / / / / /11 Hair Urine 62.9% Summary of results: Season 2010/11 RFU Total tests conducted 808 Individual players tested 508 Sample collection method Hair 60 Urine 748 Summary of results Admissions of use 0 Positive test results

13 Rugby Football Union Rugby House Twickenham Stadium 200 Whitton Road Twickenham TW2 7BA rfu.com The England Rose is an official trademark of the Rugby Football Union and is the subject of extensive trade mark registration worldwide. Rugby Football Union (RFU), the national governing body of the game in England. Copyright Rugby Football Union. Published in 2011.