ANTI-DOPING Irish Sports Council Publishes Anti-Doping Annual Report for 2008

29 Apr 2009

 

  • 1,114 tests carried out, 4 violations reported
  • Policy on Supplements Published
  • Details of latest Athlete Survey included in Report


2008 was another active year for the Irish Sports Council's Anti-Doping Programme. 1,114 tests were carried out on behalf of 42 sports organisations. There were 4 adverse findings resulting in 2 reprimands and 2 short bans.


The commitment to test every Irish Olympic and Paralympic athlete at least 3 times in advance of Beijing was met except for certain exceptional circumstances.


982 tests were carried out in 37 sports under the National Programme, with 65% of tests taking place out of competition. 11 sports organizations requested 132 tests under the User Pays programme, bringing the total number of tests to 1,114 for 42 sports organizations. The total in 2007 was 1,135.


Another major endeavor was the work carried out on the new Irish Anti-Doping Rules. The new Rules are required in order to remain compliant with the WADA Code and international best practice. Drafting and preparatory work was carried out throughout 2008 in order to meet the deadline for the formal introduction on January 1, 2009.


Minister Cullen: "The ultimate aim of the Irish Sport Anti-Doping Programme is to ensure that there is no abuse of drugs in sport in Ireland. It is essential in sustaining the ethical reputation of Irish sport nationally and internationally and an essential foundation for investment in elite sport. The Irish Sports Council's anti-doping programme is recognised internationally as an outstanding model of its type".


At the event the Irish Sports Council launched its official policy on the use of nutritional supplements in sport. As highlighted in the athlete survey 50% of athletes take sports or health supplements. The "Food and Food Supplements Policy" highlights the risk of contamination. Athletes are advised to be extremely cautious of the source of any supplements and to always seek advice from a qualified Sports Dietician.


Professor Brendan Buckley, Chairperson of the Anti-Doping Committee, said: "The issue of nutritional supplements in sport is complex. We recognise that supplements are taken but reserve the right to advise against their use. There are risks associated with supplements and athletes should seek expert advice in the area of nutrition".


The education and research aspects of the programme continued in 2008. In another education initiative the "EZ-Win: Don't Throw it all away" campaign was launched in 2008. It is designed to educate the next generation of elite athletes on the dangers and consequences of doping in sport.


Also in 2008 the Council carried out a survey of athletes on the registered testing pool to determine their views on doping in sport. Of the 153 respondents 89% believe there is not a problem with drug taking in their sport in Ireland and 80% rated the Anti-Doping Programme as effective or very effective in combating doping in sport.


Ossie Kilkenny, Chairman of the Irish Sports Council, commented: "It is always in the forefront of our minds that the purpose of the Anti-Doping Programme is to protect the integrity of every Irish athlete and not simply to identify wrongdoers. That is why it is vital we survey the views of athletes on a regular basis to determine their current opinions on anti-doping. Their responses in the survey were very useful and show consistent approval of our ongoing work".


Recently the Irish Sports Council hosted an ANADO (Association of National Anti-Doping Organisations) conference in Dublin. It was attended by representatives of 37 national agencies who gathered to discuss the practical implications of the new WADA Code. This was held in advance of a major WADA Anti-Doping Symposium in Lausanne, also in April. The Council was represented at the WADA event which reviewed recent significant advances as well as the new innovations required to tackle doping in sport.


John Treacy, Chief Executive, Irish Sports Council; "The new Rules usher in a new era for anti-doping. Ten years on we recognise that we must continue to invest and innovate if we are to fight doping in sport and remain at the forefront of international efforts against drugs in sport".


The Irish Sports Anti-Doping Programme is operated by the Irish Sports Council. The full cost of the Programme in 2008 was €1.8 million. The Anti-Doping Committee, an expert sub-Committee of the Council, is Chaired by Prof Brendan Buckley. Dr Una May is Manager of the Anti-Doping Unit which has a full time staff of 5.

 

Download

Anti-Doping Unit Annual Report for 2008

 

For Further Information:

  • Paul McDermott, Irish Sports Council 01-8608802, 087-6486295
  • Declan Lee, O'Herlihy Communications 01-6602744, 087-6957451