ANTI DOPING REPORT 2013-2014
INDEX Page 1. FOREWORD 3 2. TESTING PROGRAMME 4 3. TEST STATISTICS 2013-14 4 4. RESULTS MANAGEMENT 5 5. EDUCATION 5 6. WHEREABOUTS 5 7. REGULATIONS 5 Appendix 1 Anti-Doping Rule Violations Appendix 2 Useful Contacts 2
1. Foreword Scottish Rugby is committed to the fight against doping in sport. Doping is completely against the integrity of rugby and runs counter to Scottish Rugby's core principles of Leadership, Engagement, Achievement, Enjoyment and Respect. Scottish Rugby recognises the importance of testing, both in and out of competition, which both protects the integrity of our game and provides a deterrent against the temptation to dope. Scottish Rugby also recognises the importance of education to establish an environment which influences doping free behaviour amongst players and minimises the risk of inadvertent doping. It is pleasing to note that whilst 166 anti-doping tests were conducted during 2013-14 there were no positive findings (2012-13 : one positive finding), but we cannot be complacent. Rugby is not immune to risk of doping and the prevailing gym culture, and increasing availability of prohibited substances, provides many challenges for us as a sport. For this reason Scottish Rugby has adopted a three pronged approach to the issue: Scottish Rugby has adopted clear policies in respect of Anti-Doping and the Use of Supplements within our game. These policies are available from our website. Anti-doping education and support is available to all players and club officials. Each Premiership club is approached each season with the offer of appropriately tailored anti-doping education. Education is also available to clubs at all other levels on request and via our website. We encourage all involved with our game to make use of this service. Scottish Rugby works hand in hand with UKAD and the irb in order to minimise the risk of doping in our game. Anyone who believes that they have information as to a possible doping offence is invited to contact either Scottish Rugby s Anti-Doping Officer or UKAD s Intelligence Unit to support us in combatting doping in our game. Looking forward a new WADA Code will come into effect on 1 January 2015. This new Code will introduce tougher sanctions for doping offences and a range of other changes. Scottish Rugby will produce guidance to support clubs and players through the changes being introduced. We also aim to simplify our Domestic Regulation on anti-doping (SDR 21 : Anti-Doping) to make it easier to understand to bring it into line with any changes made to the irb and UKAD guidance in light of the new WADA Code. Graham A Ireland Head of Regulation 3
2. Testing Programme Drug Testing in Scottish Rugby is carried out on our behalf by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) as part of the UKAD programme. At international and professional level testing is also carried out by the irb, the Six Nations and ERC. Players at all levels of the game can be tested anywhere and at any time. UKAD policy in recent years has shifted towards a more intelligence led, targeted testing basis - rather than simple random testing. Scottish Rugby supports this change in emphasis. Doping tests are routinely conducted after matches, at training and at a player s home. Both blood and urine testing is undertaken. 3. Test Statistics 2013-14 Authority UKAD (1) World Rugby 6NC ERC Total Number of tests 82 66 14 4 166 Nature of Test: In Competition 6 66 14 4 90 Out of Comp. 76 0 0 0 76 Sample Type: Urine 43 61 14 4 122 Blood and Urine 39 5 0 0 44 Findings: Adverse 0 0 0 0 0 Atypical (2) 0 0 1 0 1 Notes 1. Includes two tests undertaken by the Irish Sports Council. 2. An Atypical finding indicates a test result outwith normal parameters, often requiring further medical investigation. During 2013-14 a total of 166 tests were undertaken either in or out of competition. There were no Adverse Analytical Findings i.e. cases where laboratory analysis indicated the presence of a Prohibited Substance or of its Metabolites. During the prior year there was one Adverse Finding (see Appendix 1). Analysis of one in-competition sample collected from an age grade international player provided an Atypical finding i.e. a result which was considered to be outwith normal parameters for a healthy individual. This Finding was considered by the relevant results management body (6NC), which determined that the finding did not constitute an Adverse Finding (i.e. a positive test). The player was recommended for further investigation in relation to a medical condition. 4
4. Results Management Scottish Rugby has delegated responsibility for results management and the prosecution of charges for Anti-Doping Rule Violations to the National Anti-Doping Panel (NADP), the government funded independent tribunal responsible for dealing with Anti-Doping cases in the UK. 5. Education Scottish Rugby s Anti-Doping education programme is led by Dr James Robson, Scottish Rugby s Chief Medical Officer. In this regard: National Squads and Professional Teams : During 2013-14 education sessions were delivered to all of Scotland s representative squads and also to both of the professional teams. Premiership Clubs : Education sessions were offered to all Premiership clubs, albeit the take up was disappointing. In the light of this consideration is being given as to whether in future participation in the anti-doping education programme should be a requirement of the Premiership Club Participation Agreement. Clubs at other levels : Education is also available to clubs at all other levels on request and via our website. Scottish Rugby encourages all involved with our game to make use of this service. 6. Whereabouts At the present time 44 Scotland Senior International and Sevens squad players are members of the irb s International Testing Pool, which requires them to provide whereabouts information (including home address and club training schedules), in order that they can be available for out of competition testing. Of these players 12 are also members of the UK Anti-Doping National Registered Testing Pool, which requires them to provide a 1 hour per day availability 'slot for out of competition testing. Under the Whereabouts requirements three Missed Tests within a 18 month period would constitute an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. At present Scottish Rugby has only one player with a Missed Test on his record being one missed test in the previous 18 months. 7. Regulations Scottish Rugby s Domestic Anti-Doping Regulation, SDR 21 : Anti-Doping, is built around the dual requirements of the irb s Anti-Doping Regulation and UKAD s rules. In essence Scottish Rugby has adopted the irb Regulation, but in doing so we have conferred on UKAD and the NADP certain responsibilities arising from it (such as Results Management and Disciplinary Proceedings respectively). With effect from 1 January 2015 an updated WADA Code will come in to force. In the light of this the irb is in the process of updating its anti-doping Regulation. During 2014/15 Scottish Rugby will take the opportunity to update and simplify our own Domestic Regulation in order to bring it into line with the new WADA Code and updated irb Regulation, and to make it more user friendly for readers. Separate 5
guidance will also be prepared and circulated to clubs advising on the key changes being made to the WADA Code. Full information of Scottish Rugby s regulation, policies and training materials is available on the Scottish Rugby website. 6
Appendix 1: Anti-Doping Rule Violations Scottish Rugby Union players currently under suspension in relation to anti-doping offences: Season Name Club Violation Sanction 2012/2013 Sam Chalmers Melrose (Note 1) Presence of a prohibited substance. 2 years (From 11 06 13 to 10 06 15) Note 1 : Testing undertaken as part of Scotland U20 programme. 7
Appendix 2 : Useful Contacts 1. Scottish Rugby Position Name Email Telephone Anti-Doping Officer Richard McGhee Richard.mcghee@sru.org.uk 0131 346 5029 Chief Medical Officer Dr James Robson James.robson@sru.org.uk 0131 346 5152 2. UKAD Report Doping in Sport: Telephone 08000 32 23 32 or go on line to www.reportdoping.com 8